Uncover the Hidden Gem: Ryokan Murayama Takayama – Japan's Best-Kept Secret
Uncover the Hidden Gem: Ryokan Murayama Takayama – Japan's Best-Kept Secret (Or Is It Now?) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on Ryokan Murayama in Takayama, Japan. Forget those slick, glossy reviews – this is the real deal, folks. I’m talking warts and all, the good, the bad, the utterly delightful, and the moments where I considered wearing a full-body suit for a week straight. Let's dive in!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like My Finances…
Listen, if you're looking for total, seamless, ground-level accessibility, Ryokan Murayama isn't going to be your holy grail. The website doesn’t exactly scream "wheelchair wonderland." However, they do list "Facilities for disabled guests," which vaguely hints at something. I'd recommend directly contacting them before you book to confirm specific needs. Don't just assume – ask! (Pro-tip: Always do that, even if the brochure looks stunning.)
The Glorious, Ginormous List of "Things":
Okay, so they've got a list a mile long. Let's break it down, because frankly, staring at a spreadsheet is boring.
- Internet & Tech: Free Wi-Fi in rooms? Heck yeah! And they actually mean free, not the painfully slow stuff. Internet access – LAN is there, too and is just what you need if you're old school. Wi-Fi in public areas is a given, thank goodness.
- Relaxation Nirvana (Mostly): The "Spa" section is where things get interesting. They've got everything. Sauna, steamroom, massages, a pool with a view… it’s almost overwhelming. The pool, though? Oh man, it’s the kind of view that makes you question all your life choices (in a good way). It's the kind where you want to spend an entire afternoon in it, and just let the world drift away. I spent like, a full day there. I would suggest to spend a day there. Do it. You will not regrest!
- Cleanliness & Safety: Obsessively Awesome (Thank Goodness): This is where Ryokan Murayama shines. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Check. Hygiene certification? Lord yes! They're clearly taking things seriously, every staff seemed so careful. (And honestly, in the current climate, that's a huge relief.) Individually-wrapped food options? Yes. Hand sanitizer everywhere? You got it. I felt genuinely safe here. Room sanitization opt-out available? You’re in control, which is fantastic.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (With Options!)
- Restaurants: Multiple! Including Asian and Western cuisines. Buffet, a la carte, you name it.
- Breakfast: Asian, Western, buffet – cover your bases.
- Snacks & Drinks: Bars, coffee shops, poolside bars… you'll not go hungry or thirsty.
- My Anecdote: The soup. Oh, God, the soup. I'm not even a huge soup person, but their miso soup? Pure, unadulterated, soul-warming perfection. I ordered it every single damn day. And I’m not usually one for public displays of affection, but I might’ve shed a little tear.
- Services & Conveniences: They Think of EVERYTHING: Concierge? Check. Currency exchange? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check. The list goes on and on. Like, seriously, they have everything.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service and kids meals are available, which is helpful for parents.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer? Car park? They have it all.
The Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable, Culture-Rich
The rooms are… well, they’re Ryokan rooms. Think tatami mats, sliding doors, and a serious sense of calm. They're not the sleekest, sexiest rooms you've ever seen, but they are comfortable. The blackout curtains are your best friend for jet lag. The complimentary tea? A lifesaver. And the little details (slippers, bathrobes, a hairdryer that actually works) make all the difference.
My Experience - The Pool with a View!
I'm not lying when I say that the highlight of my stay was the pool. I'm talking, the kind of pool that wraps around an amazing view. Spend a day here, you are going to love it.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- The Atmosphere: Because I stayed there during the winter (December), the resort was a bit empty. But the atmosphere was still calm and quiet, which I enjoyed.
- Price Point: This isn't a budget backpacker joint. Be prepared to splash out a little. But honestly, the value for money is there.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
YES! If you’re looking for:
- A deeply relaxing getaway.
- A place to indulge in spa treatments.
- Impeccable cleanliness and safety standards.
- A taste of genuine Japanese hospitality.
- An amazing pool!
Then Ryokan Murayama is worth the splurge. This is my honest take, folks. No sugarcoating. Go. Relax. And drink the soup. You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Thara Cholapruek Resort Awaits in Nakhon Nayok!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, brochure-perfect Ryokan Murayama itinerary. This is the messy, glorious, sleep-deprived truth. We're going to Takayama, Japan, and we're doing it my way. And my way… well, let's just say it involves a healthy dose of spontaneity, questionable decisions fueled by ramen, and a whole lotta feelings.
Day 1: Arrival, Bamboo Forests, and the Great Udon Debacle
- 10:00 AM: ARRIVAL! Whew. Arrived at the Ryokan Murayama. I'm not gonna lie, the train ride here was… intense. Let's just say I saw more of my own reflection in the window than the actual landscape. (Note to self: Invest in blackout curtains and a travel pillow next time.) The Ryokan itself? Gorgeous. Like, picture-postcard gorgeous. The smell of tatami mats and… is that cedar? I'm instantly calmer. Or maybe it's just the jet lag finally kicking in.
- 11:00 AM: Check-in. Ah, the Japanese omotenashi – the legendary hospitality. Seriously, they practically bowed us into the room. And our room! It's all sliding doors, low tables, and a view that's worth a thousand Instagram likes. I immediately sprawled on the futon. I think I may have drooled.
- 12:00 PM: Bamboo Forest Exploration! Okay, this was supposed to be a tranquil stroll, a zen experience of walking between the tall bamboo. Instead, I spent most of my time dodging rogue tourists (that was me too, I know) and swatting away the most persistent mosquitos of my life. Seriously, I think one actually tried to carry me away. Still, the sunlight filtering through the bamboo? Magical. Briefly. Before the next swarm descended.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at a local Udon place. This is where things went off the rails a little. I was so incredibly ravenous after the mosquito assault and the bamboo forest that I ordered, like, five bowls of Udon. It wasn't even really THAT good… but I was so hungry. Let's just say my stomach regretted that decision. (Food coma: 30 minutes. Regret: lasting.)
- 3:00 PM: Okay, so I did wander the charming streets of Takayama a little bit. I was trying to see the old town, with its beautiful wooden houses and sake breweries, the same as in the photos. I think I was looking for something, but what exactly? My quest remains unsolved. The main point: it's gorgeous. Like, postcard-worthy gorgeous. I was going to take some pictures, but I realized I left my phone at the Ryokan.
- 5:00 PM: Back at Ryokan. Shower, change clothes. Feeling slightly better.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Ryokan. The Kaiseki meal… oh. My. God. I am not even kidding. This was a revelation. Tiny, exquisite plates of things I couldn't even name, but each one was a flavor explosion. The beef? Melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The presentation? Art. I ate slowly, savoring every bite. I felt… human. Alive. And slightly guilty that I'd eaten Udon at lunchtime.
- 8:00 PM: Onsen (Japanese hot spring) time! Okay, this was another level of "out of my comfort zone," but I did it. And it was… incredible. Soaking in the hot water, looking up at the stars, feeling all my muscles loosen… pure bliss. I may or may not have accidentally splashed a guy, but hey, cultural immersion, right?
- 9:00 PM: Back to the room. A cup of green tea and a good book. I am finally starting to unwind. And hopefully, avoid the Udon again tomorrow.
Day 2: The Morning Market, the Sake Tasting, and My Existential Crisis (Part 1).
- 7:00 AM: Wake up! I have a sudden urge to explore the Takayama morning market that is selling local farm products, flowers, snacks and souvenirs.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Ryokan. Again, a feast! This time, Japanese breakfast: miso soup, grilled fish, and rice. I attempted chopsticks again. It was a struggle but I ate it all.
- 9:00 AM: Takayama morning market. I walked through stalls selling everything from pickles to pottery. I bought a weird, vaguely fish-shaped sweet that tasted surprisingly good.
- 10:00 AM: Sake Tasting! This was a crucial moment in my trip, a crossroads. We wandered into a traditional brewery and were given small cups of sake. I tried several varieties, from dry to sweet. I loved it, which gave me the courage to take a bottle home.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. Again, ramen… I apparently have a ramen addiction.
- 2:00 PM: I stumbled upon a temple, where I sat for a while, breathing. I was watching the other tourists wandering around, and I began to wonder if they'd had the same experience I was having: wondering what was happening. I suddenly realized that I have no idea what I am doing most of the time. I wondered if the other tourists had these thoughts too as they walked around. This spiraled.
- 4:00 PM: The Ryokan. Time for another onsen, or maybe a nap.
- 6:00 PM: Another Kaiseki dinner. Just like the night before, except this time I'll actually make an effort to remember the names of the dishes.
- 8:00 PM: Writing in the journal, thinking.
Day 3: Leaving?
7:00 AM: Wake up.
8:00 AM: Breakfast.
9:00 AM: Packing. And crying inside, because I don't want to leave. The Ryokan Murayama, Takayama, and all its magic got me. This is where I belong right now.
10:00 AM: Check out. Goodbye, beautiful Ryokan. Goodbye, Takayama. I didn't want to go. But I am going to come back.
11:00 AM: Train to the next stop. (Crying a little more.)
Final Thoughts: This trip was a whirlwind, a mix of beauty, chaos, and self-discovery (and a whole lot of ramen). It wasn't perfect, and it wasn't always glamorous. But it was real. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Escape to Paradise: Benodet's Stunning Pierre & Vacances!
Ryokan Murayama Takayama: So Secret, It's Practically a Conspiracy (FAQ...ish)
Okay, "Hidden Gem"? Seriously? Sounds like marketing BS. Is it?
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" gets thrown around more than wasabi at a sushi counter. But with Murayama, I *almost* believe it. Look, pre-trip, I scoured the internet. Found a few TripAdvisor reviews, mostly gushing, and a website that screamed "charmingly outdated." My inner skeptic was screaming, "Tourist trap!" However…
See, the thing *is*... It’s not your typical Instagram-ready Ryokan. No sterile, minimalist aesthetics. No perfectly manicured rock gardens built for Insta-likes. It's... real. It feels like you're crashing the most awesome, quietly elegant family's home. They're not *trying* to be a "gem." That authenticity is, in itself, the hidden treasure. The fact that it isn't *trying* is what makes it… well, awesome.
Plus, you'll understand the conspiracy part when you try to book. Good luck!
So, what's the big deal? What makes it *actually* special? Spill the tea! (Or the sake...)
Ooh, alright, buckle up. This is where it gets messy, and maybe a *little* evangelical.
Firstly, the *people*. The Murayama family. The matriarch, Grandma, is a whirlwind of warmth and gentle scolding (in the best possible way – she knows a thing or two about soaking in the onsen). Her son... let's just say he speaks great English (thank god!), and he's a master of understated hospitality. He’s always anticipating your needs, like a zen ninja, before you even *realize* you have them! Seriously, they're not faking it. They're genuinely lovely.
Secondly, the *food*. I'm talking a *true* Kaiseki experience. Forget fancy Michelin-star pretentiousness (though, the food is, frankly, *delicious*). It’s all fresh, local ingredients prepared with incredible care. I remember this *one* dish. Thinly sliced, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, perfectly seared. The taste… I’m tearing up a little remembering it. Okay, a lot. That beef was a religious experience. Honestly, I wanted to lick the plate... but, you know, decorum. (Mostly.)
And finally, the *atmosphere*. It's calm, it's peaceful, it's… transporting. You shed your stresses the second you step inside. The tatami mats, the gentle sounds, the subtle scent of wood and… well, *history*. It's a sanctuary. You actually *decompress*. I swear, I slept for like, twelve hours the first night. It was glorious.
What are the rooms like? Are you going to be cramped?
Okay, so the rooms… they *aren't* gigantic. Don't expect the sprawling suites you'd find at, say, a Vegas hotel. They're traditional Japanese-style, which means tatami mats, sliding doors (fusuma), futon beds, and *ample* storage for your luggage (thank goodness!) But they're comfortable and well-appointed. And yes, there's a private bathroom. The view out of my room wasn't *stunning* - think a traditional Japanese garden and some surrounding rooftops, BUT! It was quiet, peaceful, and perfectly Japanese. And, most importantly, clean. Immaculate. No complaints. I kind of liked the more 'real' view, actually. Helps you unplug from the outside world and appreciate the experience, not the aesthetics. You know?
Is there an onsen (hot spring)? Please tell me there's an onsen!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! YES. There is an onsen. And thank the gods for it.
There’s a lovely indoor onsen. It has that amazing, subtly sulfuric mineral smell. And, get this, a BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR ONSEEEENNN! So imagine this: It's a crisp autumn evening. The air is cool on your face. You slip into the steaming, milky water, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Steam rising all around you. And then… pure, unadulterated bliss. Pure. Bliss. You emerge feeling… reborn. Seriously. Your skin is unbelievably soft, your muscles are relaxed, you’re thinking, "Why don't I live like this *every* day?" (You'll want to, trust me.) Be warned, though: it’s traditional. Naked as the day you were born. If the thought of public nudity freaks you out… well, get over it. It's worth it. Embrace the Japanese culture.
What about the location? Is it convenient? Will I spend all my time on buses and trains?!
Alright, so Takayama itself is a bit of a trek. Getting *to* Takayama is a small hurdle. But once you're there? Murayama is perfectly located. It's a short walk to the old town (Sanmachi Suji). You can easily wander around the historic streets, browse the shops, sample the local sake, and (crucially) find amazing restaurants. It's also close to the morning markets, where you can stock up on fresh produce and souvenirs.
It's not *so* central that you feel bombarded by tourists (though, let's be real, Takayama *is* a tourist town). It’s just removed enough to be quiet and relaxing. A genuine win-win. I was able to walk everywhere. The hotel even had parking, if you did decide to rent a car. (I didn't - trains and walking are the way to go, IMO.) You'll be fine.
This all sounds amazing. But what if I'm a picky eater? (I'm looking at you, *vegetarians*!)
Okay, good question. The Kaiseki meals are a *highlight*. But let's face it: Japanese cuisine can be a bit... challenging for certain palates. Vegetarians, vegans, people with allergies (like, *me*), you need to be prepared.
Here’s the deal: Murayama *is* accommodating. They *will* cater to dietary restrictions. But you NEED to communicate this in advance. And I mean, *well* in advance. Before you even book, if possible. (Seriously, email them). Explain your needs clearly, in as much detail as possible. They do try very, very hard, and the food is delicious. I told them I was allergic to... (omitted, because it doesn't matter to you!). They had *no* problem accommodating me. The meals were creative and delicious! They'll make adjustments if you are vegan.
But be realistic. You might not get *exactly* the same experience as everyone else. And you may not get familiar staples. Embrace the adventure! Be open to trying new things. And, again, communicate, communicate, communicate! Otherwise, you're going to have a disappointing experience. And that would be a real shame.
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Ryokan Murayama Takayama Japan
Ryokan Murayama Takayama Japan
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