Takayu Onsen Ryokan Higenoie

I visited Takayu Onsen to relax while enjoying the snowy scenery. The Onsen and its water quality were excellent, and since I stayed in winter, I was able to enjoy an open-air bath with snow views. The meals were carefully prepared, delicious, and served in just the right portions. The yudofu at breakfast was outstanding. The Room had been renovated, was spotless, and very comfortable. At checkout, they even cleared the snow off my car, allowing me to truly unwind and take it easy throughout my stay. I would love to visit again.

The road to the accommodation involves a significant mountain path. In winter, those unfamiliar with snowy roads might find it intimidating as the snowfall can be quite heavy. The accommodation itself is luxurious and elegant in every aspect. I stayed in a standard room, which felt slightly dated, but the toilet and sink had been replaced. The air conditioning was not functional, possibly due to damage from sulfur; heating was provided only by a stove. While sounds of opening and closing sliding doors or partitions from neighboring rooms were noticeable, it was quiet during nighttime hours. The onsen features milky white sulfuric water with floating mineral deposits—an absolute delight for onsen enthusiasts. The water temperature was just right, making it tempting to bathe multiple times. Sulfur crystals were encrusted around the bath area (which I found fascinating to observe). The provided hairdryer was high-end; I used a ReFa dryer for the first time here. Meals consisted of kaiseki cuisine with refined flavors that highlighted the natural taste of ingredients—a very satisfying experience overall. However, younger guests might find the seasoning too subtle (as is typical for kaiseki). The rice was glossy and delicious, while all tableware added elegance to each dish presentation. During meal service at both breakfast and dinner, the owner personally brought out one dish at a time and explained its details—a thoughtful touch! If anything could be improved, having partitions in the dining area would enhance privacy.On departure day, staff kindly cleared snow off my car for me—a much-appreciated gesture! I'd love to visit again during warmer seasons next time around!