Overview

Let the forest whisper to you as you step into Yunoshimakan. Perched high on Mount Yunoshima, this historic ryokan has welcomed travelers since 1931. The inn blends deep tradition with gentle hospitality, offering a rare opportunity to stay in a registered cultural property. From its hilltop location, you can overlook the town of Gero and the flowing Hida River.

As one of Japan’s three most celebrated hot springs, Gero Onsen—once known as Yushima—is praised for its healing waters and long-standing reputation as “beauty water.” Here, you can soak in spring water that has drawn monks, scholars, and poets for over a thousand years.

Accommodation

Yunoshimakan offers a range of unique rooms, each filled with the character of its time and the natural atmosphere of the surrounding forest. Every room faces nature and has its own design, layout, and charm.

Main Building (1931)

Stay in a Japanese-style room inside the original wooden structure, now a registered tangible cultural property. Rooms are designed by Hida craftsmen using carefully selected wood. Expect 8- to 10-tatami mats, a small side room, a wide veranda, and a peaceful view.

Keizanso

These rooms feature wide windows and private indoor hot spring baths. You can sit in Western-style chairs by the window and enjoy a panoramic view of Gero.

Suisen

A blend of Japanese and Western style, with twin beds, tatami flooring, and a deep indoor bath that opens to the outdoors.

Bekkan

Built in the early Showa era, this building features open-air private baths and a warm architectural style.

Momiji

A renovated room combining two into one, offering both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Sanrakuso

A refined retreat with a tearoom, cypress bath, and a sense of Japanese “wabi-sabi.”

Kumoi

This suite has welcomed the Japanese Emperor and Empress. With stunning views and a Hinoki bath, the space offers tranquility and grace.

Shunkeiso

Decorated with traditional Japanese lacquer, this room combines elegance with a private cypress bath.

Nanae-Yae

A grand, spacious room with two large tatami spaces and a corridor within the room. The Showa Emperor and Empress once stayed here.

All rooms are non-smoking. Smoking areas are available on designated floors.

Dining

Meals at Yunoshimakan celebrate the seasons and local bounty of the Hida region. Dinner is served in your room or a private dining space, depending on the room type. For groups of five or more, a private room is available.

Dishes feature Hida beef sirloin, river fish like Ayu and Amago, tempura, and Yunoshimakan’s signature grilled sushi. Each plate reflects the flavors and beauty of Japan’s changing seasons.

Breakfast is served in the public dining room or private dining rooms for select rooms. Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast filled with local ingredients and care.

If you feel hungry late at night, you can visit the in-house restaurant, Kagaribi, which remains open for late-night meals and light dishes.

Onsen and Wellness

Yunoshimakan offers a rich hot spring experience with water flowing directly from the source. Whether you’re in a guest room, a large public bath, a private family bath, or the open-air mountain footbath, you’ll always soak in 100% natural spring water.

Large Baths

Two spacious public baths, each with an attached open-air section, let you relax while taking in the mountain slope views.

In-Room Baths

All hot water, including showers and bathtubs in your room, uses Gero’s source spring water.

Private Baths

Some rooms include cypress or stone tubs, both indoor and open-air, for private relaxation.

Mountain Footbath

A calming rest area where you can soak your feet as you stroll the grounds and enjoy the early Showa architecture.

The hot spring water is alkaline and gentle on your skin, perfect for those seeking relief from fatigue, stiffness, or simply looking to feel refreshed.

Guests with Tattoos: Tattoos are not a barrier at Yunoshimakan. You can use private baths available in some rooms, or inquire in advance for other bathing options.

Facilities

Yunoshimakan offers a wide range of thoughtful amenities and common areas:

• Dance Hall “Moonlight”: A Showa-modern space with cruise ship-inspired design. Still admired by architectural historians today.
• Sunroom: Hand-decorated tiles and stained-glass windows create a nostalgic and luminous atmosphere.
• Healing Place “Yururi”: Relax with soothing treatments that draw on the natural powers of Gero’s water and forest surroundings.
• Conference Rooms: Stylish meeting rooms in the Western-style building, perfect for gatherings or business retreats.
• Banquet Halls: Multiple rooms for celebrations, including the historic “Suehiro-no-ma.”
• Footbath Area: Rest between strolls in the mountain paths or just take in the scenery at your own pace.

Activities

Explore nearby footbaths, historic sites, cherry blossom spots, and Gero’s charming Gassho Village. Seasonal events and natural beauty surround you all year long.

Additional Features

• Private shuttle service available from local transport hubs (advance reservation required)
• Quiet reading areas and lounges throughout the property
• Traditional hospitality with personal touches rooted in over 90 years of history