Thatched mountain ryokan
Guests gather around a sunken irori hearth after dark for mountain folklore and sake warmed in green bamboo stalks.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Uncut tree trunks pierce the ceilings above pressed-earth walls and polished lacquer tables.
Remarkable
A 160-year-old gassho-zukuri farmhouse preserves steep thatched roofs and smoke-blackened cedar timbers.
Remarkable
Nightly Hida folklore storytelling and bamboo-warmed sake around a glowing charcoal hearth.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
The roofs of the minka (traditional guesthouses built to resemble praying hands) may be covered in lichen, some of the walls may be made of pressed earth, and the floors and ceilings may have uncut tree trunks running straight through them, but don’t get the wrong idea; though the illusion of sleeping in the woods is persuasive, the comforts of Wanosato are as civilized as they come.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Tucked in a secluded cedar forest along the Miyagawa River, the grounds sit twenty minutes south of historic Takayama.
The rooms
Detached thatched villas and river-facing suites pair traditional tatami mats and heated floors with private hinoki cypress soaking tubs.
The onsen
Soak slowly.
Hot spring waters fill two communal baths, one enclosed by natural boulders and another crafted from fragrant cypress.
At the table
Dining rooms look out onto the forest, serving river fish skewered over charcoal embers and Grade A5 Hida beef.
How it began
The main lodge was reconstructed from a 160-year-old farmhouse, retaining steep thatched roofs, pressed-earth walls, and uncut tree trunk pillars.
Good to know
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Wanosato
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.