What a wonderful place to stay. Tanabe is easy to find with a very warm welcome. The staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. We stayed for 2 nights and had the full dinner on our first night which was really good - you will not be left hungry. Breakfast was also really tasty and large! The rooms was lovely - we had our own bath with a little garden view - it was all spotless and was kept warm - we visited Takayama at the end of October and it really was cold. We chose this ryokan based on reviews here and its location and booked through an agency called 'Rural japan'. You will not be disappointed - its authentic - we were the only westerners staying, the food is good and the futons are comfortable. The only reason I didnt give it 5 out of 5 is that during our stay in japan we did have better food in other ryokans, and we had to leave the room when they made up our beds, however for the price you cant go wrong. If I could give Akiko - the owner a rating I would give here 6 out of 5 - she could not have been any nicer!

(See pics for source of headline!) I stayed here for two nights in early autumn and loved it. Centrally located and easy to find; the owners are charming and speak English well; and I stayed in a newly-constructed wing fitted out in the traditional style -- a perfect combination of ryokan tradition and modern convenience. The food was terrific, brought up to my room in the morning and at night by kimono-wearing elderly ladies, who also brought out and made the bed each night. That was the only concern for me -- as a taller fellow with a bad back, after sitting on a train for hours and lugging a suitcase around, the sleeping mat didn't offer a whole lot of comfort. But it's the authentic experience and that's what I came for, after all. Takayama and surrounds are utterly stunning, as well -- emerald green waterways, pine forests, patchwork farms and soaring alps -- as well as good bread and coffee (if you look for it) in the village itself.

The Ryokan Tanebe is located right in the middle of the Takayama town. It is the good place to experience Japanese hospitality with modern amenities. Mrs Tanebe is such a charming lady, insisting we must try the onsen and have coffee at the lounge. We like it so much that we have two sessions of onsen (in two days) and have coffee when returning from outside.

The dinner is awesome, 16 dishes in total and we have managed to clear all. It was a real experience for us and we will return again in future.