[Experiential Stay] Stay at a Historic Ryokan and Enjoy a Private Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting in Hida Furukawa

Hida Takayama
from $468 /person
1night
Private: 1~4
experience-image-0

Overview

Discover Hida Furukawa, a historic mountain town where traditional townscapes, local craftsmanship, and warm hospitality remain part of everyday life. Stay at Yatsusankan, a historic ryokan where nearly two centuries of history, elegant architecture, and the warm hospitality of three generations of proprietresses create a memorable stay. Your experience also includes a private visit to Watanabe Sake Brewery, a long-established brewery that has been crafting sake for more than 150 years using traditional techniques, local rice, and pure water from the Hida Mountains. Step inside a working sake brewery with an expert guide and observe traditional sake-making up close, followed by a tasting of four to five varieties of sake served in beautiful sake vessels.

Key Features

  • Stay at a historic ryokan where nearly 180 years of history meet three generations of hospitality
  • Enjoy a private tour of a sake brewery with more than 150 years of history, with expert insights into traditional sake-making and an up-close look at the brewing process
  • Taste four to five varieties of Hida sake in a venue normally closed to the public and take home an original sake cup as a souvenir

*Sake brewing activities are only available for viewing during the winter brewing season

Facility & Services

restaurantDining

Breakfast, Dinner

*A private dining room can be arranged.

Cards_StarExperiences

Private tour of Watanabe Sake Brewery experience

HomeRoom Details

  • Onsen (Open-air)
  • 1 Bedroom and 1 Japanese-style Room (Sleeps 4)
  • Bedding Type: Bed / Japanese Futon
  • 1 Bathroom

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*For larger groups, multiple rooms can be arranged. Adjacent or same-floor rooms subject to availability.

Local_TaxiTransportation

Free round-trip shuttle from Hida-Furukawa Station to the accommodation(advance reservation required)

Interpreter_ModeGuide

English language support is provided during the experience only.

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Hida Takayama

1 night

Private: 1 - 4

English-speaking guide included

Cancel free up to 8 days prior

Details

About the Region

A Historic 180-Year-Old Inn in Hida Furukawa

Hida Furukawa, located just an hour from popular spots like Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go Gassho-style Village, offers a peaceful mix of history and nature. The town is defined by the Seto River, which flows through its center, lined with traditional white-walled storehouses. Every season brings its own charm, from the fresh greenery of spring to the snowy streets in winter.

A 7-minute walk from Hida-Furukawa Station brings you to Yatsusankan, a historic inn that’s been welcoming guests for about 180 years. The property features three distinct buildings, each reflecting a different era. Of them, the Shogetsu Tower, built in 1905, is even designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

The entrance to Yatsusankan along the Araki River

Entering through the grand gate, you’ll find yourself in a calm and inviting atmosphere. The design, including a sunlit atrium lobby and a long, narrow tatami corridor, has been preserved since the building's original construction. Take your time exploring the maze-like layout, relax in the lobby or rest area, and enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

After checking in, the proprietress will guide you around the building

An Inn With Warm Family Hospitality

Yatsusankan has adapted to the times while preserving its traditions, with three generations of proprietresses caring for the inn. Ikeda Kazumi, the 7th-generation head proprietress, is joined by her daughter Ikeda Rikako (8th generation) and granddaughter Ikeda Kanoko (9th generation), who has begun helping out in recent years. Kanoko says, "I want to protect this inn with my mother, grandmother, and the whole family."

The three proprietresses warmly welcome you in elegant kimonos

The spirit of omotenashi (hospitality) cherished by the proprietresses is reflected in the antique art displayed throughout the inn, from the entrance to various corners of the building. These pieces have been carefully passed down at Yatsusankan for generations. The 7th-generation proprietress thoughtfully curates the exhibits each month, choosing themes to let guests experience the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons and atmosphere.

Kanoko decorates with antiques that match the season

Kanoko, the 9th-generation proprietress, now manages the inn’s decorations, guided by the head proprietress. In this gallery-like setting, you’ll experience the history and traditions of Hida through the changing seasons, engaging all your senses.

A Stay with a Sense of Place

Enjoy Your Time at a Long-Established Inn

Yatsusankan has 18 rooms, each with its own unique atmosphere. This plan offers a stay in one of four rooms, each with its own bath and carefully renovated to maintain the charm of the past while ensuring modern comfort. Spacious beds provide a restful retreat after a day of travel, and many rooms feature Hida-made chairs. (Room selections may vary in price, so feel free to contact us for more details.)

Relax in a spacious Japanese-style room surrounded by the quiet elegance of a long-established inn

You also have access to the large public bath, filled with water from Nagareha Onsen, located a 20-minute drive away. The open-air bath overlooks a Japanese garden so you can warm up and relax while enjoying the seasonal views. For those seeking privacy, private baths and the in-room bath are also available.

In the open-air bath, you can feel one with nature

Pre-Selected Rooms

Tamayura

A special room with a panoramic bath and views of Honkoji Temple across the river through its large windows.

Ikezuki

A Japanese-Western room featuring an open-air bath carved from a single block of granite, renovated from a traditional sukiya-style residence dating to the early Showa period (1926–1989). In winter, you can enjoy the warmth of a wood-burning stove.

Other Rooms

Kuon

A special room with a panoramic bath, plaster walls, and traditional Hida Shunkei lacquered woodwork. Its design evokes the atmosphere of Japan’s Taisho period (1912–1926).

Yutorogi

A special room with a panoramic bath, combining a refined Japanese-style interior with modern comfort. Sunset views can be enjoyed from its west-facing windows.

*Please note that room assignments may be subject to change based on availability. If a change is necessary, the rate may vary, and we will notify you of the details beforehand.

Moments at the Table

Taste the Seasons of Hida 

Both breakfast and dinner are served in private rooms. “Hida offers rich ingredients year-round,” the 8th-generation proprietress shares. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner with local specialties like Hida beef and river fish, followed by a traditional breakfast with freshly cooked rice and local dishes. Recharge with the delicious flavors of Hida.

Enjoy beautiful, creative dishes made by skilled artisans

Deepen Your Connection to the Region

A Private Tour to Explore the Depths of Sake Brewing

On the second day, after checking out, take a short 5-minute walk to Watanabe Sake Brewery, which has been crafting sake for over 150 years. With a team of 15 dedicated brewers, they focus on tradition and handmade techniques to produce small batches of limited edition sake.

A historic sake brewery designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property

Begin your tour with an introduction to the brewery's history, then explore the sake-making process, guided by an expert who will make it easy to understand and enjoyable.

A rare opportunity to see the sake brewing process in person (tour content varies by season)

As you enter the brewery, the sweet aroma of sake rice fills the air. Brewing typically takes place from September to June, and if you visit during this period, you can observe the brewing process firsthand. Depending on the timing, you might even hear directly from the brewers. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the time-honored tradition of sake brewing, recently recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2024.

You can get a close-up view of the rare work scenes of the toji (master brewers)

A Tasting Experience to Discover Hida's Sake and Culinary Culture

After the tour, it’s time for the much-awaited tasting. The venue is the annex on the premises which is usually closed to the public. A room in a renovated 100-year-old building will be specially prepared for you, where you’ll sample 4 to 5 different types of sake, each with its own unique characteristics. From standard products to seasonal and premium options, the selection varies depending on the experience date. Choose your favorite from the beautiful sake vessels collected by the president and enjoy the sake poured for you.

Relax and enjoy a luxurious time in the peaceful annex

Locally made daikon pickled in soy sauce will be served alongside the sake (contents subject to change). Hida is known for its soy sauce and miso, and many of the region’s sakes, often on the sweeter side, pair perfectly with these flavors. Deepen your understanding of Japanese sake and food culture as you savor each sip. For non-drinkers, non-alcoholic sweet sake brewed by Watanabe Sake Brewery will also be available.

Enjoy a pairing of Hida sake and local dishes (contents subject to change)

You can take home an original sake cup as a souvenir, and sake is also available for purchase at the on-site shop. Whether you choose your favorite brand from the tasting or decide to try something new, it’s a great opportunity to explore. Feel free to ask for recommendations if you're unsure about which sake to pick. Relive the memories of your trip and enjoy the fine sake of Hida at home.

Take home a sake cup featuring the "Horai" brand name and a smiley face as a souvenir

Enjoy Hida Furukawa's Food and Sake Amid Nature

This experience lets you indulge in local delicacies and fine sake, all while staying at a long-established inn in Hida Furukawa. Experience the traditions passed down through generations and connect with the majestic nature of the region for a truly enriching stay.

The scenic town of Hida Furukawa, surrounded by mountains and nature

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Yatsusankan

Yatsusankan is a historic ryokan in Hida Furukawa with a history spanning approximately 180 years. The property features three distinct buildings, each reflecting a different era of its long history. One of these buildings is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, preserving the atmosphere of a bygone age. Throughout the property, guests can discover seasonal displays and antiques that offer a glimpse into the culture and way of life of the Hida region. Three generations of proprietresses warmly welcome visitors, carrying forward a spirit of hospitality that has been nurtured over generations. Together with locally sourced cuisine and soothing hot-spring baths, Yatsusankan offers an immersive stay that connects guests with the nature, traditions, and everyday life of Hida Furukawa.

Location

Yatsusankan
Hida City, Gifu

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June 2026

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Hida Takayama

1 night

Private: 1 - 4

English-speaking guide included

Cancel free up to 8 days prior

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FAQ

Guests with tattoos may use the public bath if their tattoos are covered. Guests are required to bring their own covering items.

Adjacent room can be arranged subject to availability

Yes, we can accommodate your group in a private dining room.

*Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your request depending on the group size and availability.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below.
We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.