Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama

I have no other ryokan onsen places to compare this to, but this place was simply outstanding. Only 15 rooms. Ours had our own private onsen on the porch with continuously flowing hot spring water; had no need to use the larger communal hotel onsens. They give you slippers and kimonos to wear to meals and pajamas. Dinner was a 12 course Kaiseki gourmet extravaganza with at least 25 different items, breakfast only 15 items, presented in our own private dining room. The room had a downstairs and upstairs, each fairly large, with living room and bathroom, meticulously clean. The staff was lovely, gracious, and helpful. The only downside is the ryokan is on the outskirts of town, a 10 min free van ride to the train station. However, this didn’t really matter in Takayama, which is worth probably a half day visit, the rest of the time spent relaxing, soaking, and eating.