Ever thought of traveling to Japan in the winter? One of the things that I want to do during winter in Japan is to soak in hot springs surrounded by snow.
Soaking in a hot spring while gazing at a snow-covered landscape is incredibly relaxing and healing.
What Is Ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. It’s common to sleep on a futon laid out on tatami mats in a ryokan room. Many ryokans have hot springs, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath. Some ryokans offer private baths or rooms with open-air baths. They provide multi-course Japanese meals using seasonal and local ingredients. The presentation is beautiful, and the taste is exceptional.
Pricing of Ryokan
Staying at a ryokan is more expensive compared to a hotel. There are various types of ryokan, ranging from family-run establishments to luxury ryokan.
A typical ryokan stay includes two meals (dinner and breakfast). Some ryokan serve meals in a dining area, while others offer room service. Ryokan that offer room service and rooms with open-air baths are slightly more expensive than those without.
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Experiencing a Ryokan with a Private Hot Spring
This is Hida-tei Hanaougi, a ryokan located in Takayama.
Our family, who wanted to enjoy an onsen while watching the snow, booked this ryokan, which is conveniently located 10 minutes by car from Takayama City and 40 minutes by car from Shirakawago.
One of the reasons we chose this ryokan is because it has rooms with open-air baths.
Upon arrival, the first thing we noticed was the large carp swimming in the ryokan’s pond. It’s a quintessentially Japanese scene. As soon as the doors opened, a nakai (female attendant) greeted us. We took off our shoes in the spacious entrance hall, and since we removed our shoes there, we spent our time barefoot inside the ryokan. It was convenient not having to change shoes when moving to the public baths or the dining area.
We checked in at the lounge on the first floor. They served beer and snacks as welcome drinks. There is also a footbath at the back of the first floor that guests can use. After checking in, we moved to our room.
The room has a tatami mat area, a toilet, an indoor bath, and an open-air bath. Yukatas (Japanese robes) were provided, and we spent our time in the yukatas.
Upon arriving in the room, the hostess explains the facilities to us, and we promptly change into our yukatas and head to the large communal bath. The large bath area includes a washing area, an indoor bath, and an outdoor bath. Since it’s winter and very cold, we wash our bodies and warm up in the indoor bath before heading outside. Outside, snow is piled up, and it is incredibly cold, but soaking in the hot spring warms you up from the core. Bathing while gazing at the snow feels like a quintessential experience of Japan’s snowy regions. Since we can bathe multiple times during our stay, we can enjoy different atmospheres in the evening, at night, and in the morning.
After getting out of the bath, we stop by the souvenir shop. There are many local specialties unique to Gifu for sale, and just looking at them is enjoyable. When I think of Takayama, I think of “sarubobo” (monkey baby doll).
What is Sarubobo?
“Sarubobo” (さるぼぼ) is a traditional Japanese doll that originated in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, particularly in Takayama. The name “Sarubobo” literally means “monkey baby” in Japanese, and these dolls are often made of red fabric, with no facial features, and a simplistic design. They are believed to bring good luck and protection to the owner.
Historically, Sarubobo dolls were made by grandmothers for their grandchildren as charms to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, especially in matters of health, childbirth, and marriage. Nowadays, they are popular souvenirs and are often found in various colors, each color representing different types of luck and blessings
Exploring the Ryokan
Let’s explore the facility. You’ll find Sarubobo dolls here as well.
You can also keep warm with an irori. Nowadays, houses with an irori are very rare, but they allow you to experience the atmosphere of old Japanese homes.
What is Irori?
An irori (囲炉裏) is a traditional Japanese sunken hearth used for heating and cooking. It is essentially a square or rectangular pit in the floor, lined with fire-resistant material, where a fire can be safely built.
The irori provides warmth during cold weather, making it a central feature in traditional Japanese homes, especially in rural areas. It serves as a cooking area where pots and pans can be suspended over the fire for boiling, grilling, or simmering food. Traditional dishes like nabe (hot pot) are often prepared using an irori.
Dinner at the Ryokan
Dinner at the ryokan often consists of a traditional Japanese course meal. We started with homemade plum juice and tofu as appetizers. Next came a platter of incredibly fresh sashimi, allowing us to savor the deliciousness of the local seafood. The main dish was Hida beef shabu-shabu. The tender, flavorful Hida beef, briefly swished in hot broth, offered an exquisite taste.
The meal also featured an abundance of locally sourced vegetables and meat, allowing us to fully appreciate the blessings of nature. The dishes, crafted using ingredients unique to this area, were like works of art, making for an exceptionally satisfying dining experience.
While we were having dinner, the ryokan staff came to our room to set up the futons. This service is one of the unique features of staying at a ryokan. The futons at the ryokan are thick, fluffy, and incredibly comfortable.
Takayama Ramen
At this ryokan, a ramen shop opens at night. Even though it’s inside the ryokan, it feels like a real restaurant. The interior features a counter with horigotatsu-style seating, creating a very cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Takayama is famous for its Takayama ramen. Even though it’s before bed, I can’t resist trying the local specialty while I’m here on vacation. So, I’ll have some Takayama ramen.
Takayama ramen has a clear soy-based broth made from chicken bones and seafood. This gives it a rich yet light flavor. The noodles used are thin and curly, which pair well with the broth and offer a nice, firm texture. I love the simple ramen.
Open-Air Bath in the Room
In the morning, we enjoy a bath in the open-air bath attached to our room. It’s incredibly relaxing to soak in the bath while gazing at the snowy landscape. The bath is spacious enough for the whole family, making accommodations with in-room open-air baths ideal for families with children.
Breakfast at the Ryokan
Breakfast is also luxurious. Houba miso is famous in Hida Takayama. The houba miso with Hida beef pairs perfectly with rice. Additionally, there were many other side dishes to enjoy with rice, such as soy milk hot pot, grated yam, grilled salmon, and glazed sweet potatoes. The variety of side dishes makes the meal even more delightful.
Checkout time is at 11 AM, which is quite relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the large communal bath or the open-air bath in our room once more and spend some leisurely time before leaving.
Staying at a ryokan offers a unique and luxurious experience, blending traditional Japanese hospitality with modern comforts.
Information About Hidatei Hanaougi
Hidatei Hanaougi, located in Hida Takayama, offers a unique and luxurious ryokan experience featuring private hot springs, traditional architecture, local cuisine, and personalized service.
It’s the perfect place to experience Japan.
