What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Check-in time is usually from 15:00 (3:00pm) to 18:00. If you are having dinner please make sure to check in before 17:30 (5:30pm).If you check-in after this time there is a very good chance that the ryokan will not be able to serve you dinner. However, you will be charged for the dinner.
If you need to cancel your reservation, please send us an email.
Cancellation requests are processed on Business Days (Monday through Friday 9:00 to 17:00 Japan Standard Time).
Please review our terms and conditions
All ryokans prices are per person/per night.
Unfortunately, we are not able to secure reservations with American Express. We only accept VISA or Mastercard.
Simply visit the Ryokan page on our website and check the MAP & Direction section. This will provide you with a visual representation of the location, as well as written instructions on how to get there. Additionally, after booking your stay with us, you’ll receive a confirmation email that will include even more detailed directions to make sure you arrive at the inn with ease.
Here are a couple great resources for finding train times:
If you know the station names you can also use Jorudan to find train times and prices
Google Maps is also very useful.
Most ryokans have large public baths, but if your tattoo cannot be hidden, it is recommended to stay at a ryokan with a family bath or a room with an open-air bath.
Our office is closed during the year-end and New Year holidays, and during this time we are unable to accept reservations. The dates may vary, but it is typically around December 28th to January 3rd (based on the check-in date).
Depends on Ryokans, please let us know in advance if you have any allergies. However, none of the ryokans can accommodate allergies after arrival, so it is important to check with your companion’s meal requirements before making an inquiry.
Absolutely, there are many vegetarian options available. Please let us know your specific dietary requirements in advance. There are many types of vegetarian. Please inform us as precisely as possible. If you cannot have fish, please make sure you tell us you can have fish stock or not.
We understand the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions, and we’re happy to say that an increasing number of ryokans are offering gluten-free options. However, please note that soy sauce and miso, which are commonly used in Japanese cuisine, contain a small amount of gluten. If this is a concern, please let us know and we’ll do our best to ensure that suitable alternatives are provided for your meal. In fact, if you cannot have miso or soy sauce there are only few ryokan choices, and there is nothing we can do about it.
In the event of an emergency, we are here to assist you. After arriving in Japan, you can reach us through WhatsApp (Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00). To make sure you have all the information you need, we’ll send you a reminder email two weeks before your stay, including the WhatsApp number you can use to reach us.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to make arrangements for staying on the day of the light-up event. Additionally, even if you stay the night before the event, you will not be guaranteed participation in the light-up event the following day as spaces are limited. We cannot arrange ticket for light up event.
Individual bookings are not accepted in Shirakawa-go. However, Ainokura is open to welcoming solo guests, and it is a recommended destination for those traveling alone.
The time frame for making reservations varies depending on the specific ryokan:
If the bus stops and you are unable to continue your journey to Shirakawa-go, please contact us. There may be a cancellation fee if there is no contact and you do not show up. For the latest information on bus and train operation status, please check with the relevant operating companies such as:
Kaetsuno Bus (http://trans.j-server.com/TRNk4886/ns/tl.cgi/http://www.kaetsunou.co.jp/ol/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=UTF-8&XJSID=0)
Nohi Bus (https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/)
Yes, it is necessary to have snow tires when visiting Shirakawa-go as the area experiences heavy snowfall. You can check the current conditions in Shirakawa-go on the official website: https://www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp/1495.htm
