Machiyado Ichiryu

Machiyado Ichiryu, Takayama: A Michelin Key Selected Ryokan of Exceptional Hospitality

Machiyado Ichiryu in Takayama, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, lauded for its blend of traditional Japanese elegance and modern comfort. Guests frequently describe their stays as exceptional, memorable, and a true immersion into Japanese hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Machiyado Ichiryu is outstanding. Guests frequently give it top marks, with ratings often reaching 9.8 or 10 out of 10 on various platforms. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting an exceptional and luxurious ryokan experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Machiyado Ichiryu:

• Immaculate Service: The staff's attentiveness, kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond are frequently cited.
• Luxurious Design & Ambiance: The ryokan blends classic Japanese design with modern conveniences, creating a calm and clean atmosphere with beautiful wooden furnishings and tatami floors. It offers an "understated luxury" experience.
• Exceptional Onsen Facilities: The property features private hot spring baths, with some rooms boasting semi-open-air baths. Guests also appreciate the access to communal baths and an onsen lounge.
• Gourmet Dining: The meticulously crafted meals, particularly the Hida beef courses, receive high praise for their exquisite taste and presentation.
• Complimentary Lounge & Amenities: The premium lounge with free drinks and canapés is a cherished amenity for winding down after sightseeing. Many appreciate the thoughtful details in the rooms, such as massage chairs and high-quality skincare products.

3. Room Quality

Machiyado Ichiryu offers spacious and comfortable rooms, each designed with traditional Japanese decor and modern amenities. They feature tatami-mat flooring and comfortable beds or futons. A significant highlight for many guests is the inclusion of private or semi-open-air baths within the rooms, providing a serene and relaxing experience. Rooms are described as spotless, clean, and well-maintained. Some rooms even include a massage chair, adding to the comfort.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Machiyado Ichiryu is a major draw. Dinner, often an eight-course Japanese meal served in an Omakase setting, is frequently highlighted as superb. The hotel specializes in multi-course menus featuring delicious local Hida beef, which guests consistently praise for its tenderness and flavor. Meals are served in a private dining room located in a separate building across the entrance, creating a charming ambiance. Breakfast also consists of local dishes and is generally well-received.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Machiyado Ichiryu are consistently described as exceptional, attentive, kind, polite, and caring. Many guests note that the staff goes above and beyond to make their stay memorable, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. The staff is often praised for their excellent English communication skills, which further enhances the guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Machiyado Ichiryu boasts an excellent and unbeatable location in the heart of Takayama. It is situated on a quiet street yet is just a short walk (3-5 minutes) from the Old Town, main sights, restaurants, and bars. The Miyakawa Morning Market and Hida Kokubunji Temple are also within a 3-minute walk, and Takayama Station is about a 7-minute walk away. This central location allows guests to easily explore Takayama's traditional townscapes and cultural attractions on foot. Free private parking is available nearby, though a reservation is not always needed.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary, Machiyado Ichiryu is generally considered a luxurious and bespoke experience. Given the exceptional service, high-quality amenities, private onsens, and exquisite dining, guests perceive it as offering excellent value for a truly enjoyable and memorable stay. The average room rate has been observed around 70,616.71 JPY, which is higher than the city's average, reflecting its premium offering.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Some guests have expressed slight disappointment with the dinner given the price, or that while delicious, it felt "standard" for the price range of the ryokan.
• There was a specific instance where a guest was disappointed by the lack of availability of certain wines priced around ¥10,000.
• One guest mentioned that breakfast could have had more variety in side dishes.
• An older review noted an issue with towel absorbency, which the property responded to by stating they were adjusting their laundering process.
• Dining in a separate building across the entrance, while adding to the "Machiyado" experience, was noted by one guest as being "a bit chilly" in winter.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. ikyu.com
4. booking.com
5. michelin.com
6. agoda.com
7. youtube.com
8. gifu-onsen.jp
9. machiyado-ichiryu.com