Ryokan Hozanso

This is my 'go to place' when entertaining my friends and family who visit me in Gifu. Excellent value and very authentic. If you're going to come here and then complain about the tiny TV or the fact that there's nothing in the small room except a small table and you have to sleep on a futon on the floor and the little buckwheat pillow was uncomfortable and the food is 'strange' and the toilet and sink are down the hall bla bla bla then it's better not to stay here. Actually please don't come to Japan at all! This place has excellent, fresh, seasonal food and you can tell them special food requirements in advance of your stay - well in advance so they can prepare. Also, they have a very nice but small and simple men's and women's onsen both indoor and outdoor and the crown jewel which is a very nice private outdoor onsen where you can bath together with members in your party of the opposite sex. The setting is sublime and the crisp mountain air invigorating and revitalizing. It's probably best to come here by car (although other reviewers have said there is a best stop nearby?) as the location is quite remote so there is not much around (which is the point) but there is an alcohol shop that also sells some snacks just a short walk up the street. I take people here as part of a 2 day road trip from Gifu City. On the drive up we stop in Gero at the plastic food replica workshop. Then we check in, take a bath, have dinner and drinks, take another bath and play some board or card games if anyone can stay awake after the relaxing baths and drinks. The next day we are up early for a final bath and breakfast, check out and head to Takayama for the morning market. It wraps up by 1030-11am so take note. There are lots of nibbles to try and buy at the market so you might not need lunch or can grab some rice balls or whatever at the convenience store or have ramen which is pretty quick then we load up again and head to the World Heritage village of Shirakawago (not to be confused with the nearby Shirakawa for you google mappers) After a few hours of walking around Shirakawago and driving up to the lookout we head back to Gifu to return the rental van. I recommend J-net rental just south of Gifu Station. I usually rent the largest van drivable on a regular license to carry around up to around 6-8 people. If you rent something from closing on Fri 8pm you can do this trip and return it by 8pm on Sun. There is no overnight drop off. You must be back by 8pm. Anyway, if you look around you'll find crazy high prices for ryokan in Japan and in the end you are still sleeping on the floor, eating weird and wonderful food and spending your time in the bath. Hozanso is extremely good value for the average taveller who wants an authentic Japanese onsen stay experience. If you go here, bring your 'indoor voice' and utmost respect for your host and other guests. If you go here and cause a disturbance or damage, steal the bath robes etc or cause any other problems...I WILL FIND YOU! (^_-)