Recensioni su Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun

I stayed for 2 nights for the Takayama matsuri, so prices were obviously not bargain rates. I wanted to experience a traditional ryokan, and the Futarishizuka definitely fits the bill - sleeping on a futon (surprisingly comfortable) on a tatami mat floor, sliding screen doors. The hotel is a little tired e.g. the fittings such as the washbasin/vanity unit in my room were definitely showing their age. The main tatami bedroom had a low (sittinng on the floor with backrest) Japanese chair and low table by the TV, and the smaller room with a little wardrobe and vanity unit also had a couple of Western chairs and table, and fine views over the city. There was a kettle, teapot (green tea but no hojicha, and a cookie), and TV in the room. My room also had a separate toilet (Japanese technotoilet) and a little bathroom with bathtub which I didn't use as I prefered the onsen experience. I was very glad of the quilted jacket provided along with the cotton yukata as it was a bit chilly my first evening and when I went down to breakfast the next morning. (More guests at breakfast were wearing the yukatas than every day clothes). I had breakfast at the ryokan but not dinner. The first day the breakfast was very Japanese (grilled fish, various vegetables, pickles, rice, miso, an egg (cold but not totally uncooked - the white was white) which I wasn't sure what to do with so mixed it in with my rice) plus some fruit. I'm not sure if the brown beans in goo was the infamous natto (the "Marmite" divisive Japanese breakfast food item) as the flavour wasn't that strong. There is a coffee machine in the lobby as well as tea served with breakfast. The second day the breakfast was more fusion - one dish with simmering tofu in broth, another with more Western style ham, fried egg and a couple of bits of wiener type sausage, plus various random salady items, rice and tea. I didn't get to experience the outdoor onsen, only the indoor one. (They switch the red noren curtain (ladies) and blue one (men's) between the 2 changing room entrances, one for indoors and one for outdoors). The indoor onsen has 2 "pot baths" which were a lovely temperature, and a square one (a bit hot for me). The hotel is up a bit of a steep hill, but they offer a shuttle minibus service to and from the station for guests. I'd recommending bringing a sleep eye mask (the one from your airplane amenity kit) as it got quite light quite early (no modern heavy blackout curtains in the room). Don't expect a modern designer boutique hotel, but enjoy a taste of traditional Japanese hospitality.