Yoshidaya Ryokan – A Sanctuary in Gujo Hachiman, Where Gardens and Local Cuisine Heal the Soul - Japan Travel Sights

Founded in 1880 (Meiji 13), the long-established Yoshidaya, nestled in the castle town of Gujo Hachiman, offers a unique stay that blends the nostalgic charm of traditional Japanese hospitality with the comfort of modern amenities, through its combined ryokan and hotel facilities.

At the heart of this tradition is the pure underground water springing from the same vein as Sōgi-sui, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters.

This water nurtures live ayu (sweetfish) and eel in tanks, enriching the flavor of the cuisine.

Guests can savor the changing scenery of the four seasons—summer brings wild-caught Gujo ayu, time-honored eel dishes passed down for generations, and seasonal delicacies unique to Gujo.
Here awaits a truly “special moment in Gujo Hachiman”, woven from pure water, fine cuisine, and deep history.

Guest Rooms – Japanese Rooms with Garden Views & Comfortable Western-Style Hotel Rooms

Two styles of stay await you at Yoshidaya.

Japanese-style Rooms (Ryokan Wing)

Tranquil tatami rooms, designed to blend seamlessly with moss-covered garden stones, allow you to feel at one with nature.
Each room has its own character and offers quiet moments with seasonal views.
In keeping with traditional ryokan style, rooms are not equipped with private baths or toilets, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of old Japan.

Western-style Hotel Rooms

The hotel wing offers single and twin Western-style rooms, equipped with clean, comfortable facilities, ideal for solo travelers or business use.
Bright windows and a soft, light color scheme create a refreshing atmosphere.
Each room is fitted with semi-double beds, private baths, toilets with bidet function, and Wi-Fi.
The charm of Yoshidaya lies in enjoying both the elegance of a ryokan and the convenience of a hotel.

Cuisine – Kaiseki Showcasing the Seasonal Flavors of Gujo

With the desire for guests to “experience the tastes unique to Gujo,” Yoshidaya offers kaiseki cuisine featuring local ingredients—river fish, mountain vegetables, and regional specialties such as eel.

Gujo Ayu Dishes

The “Gujo ayu,” regarded as one of Japan’s finest sweetfish, has won the Grand Prix at national ayu tasting competitions.
Highly valued across Japan and traded at premium prices by top restaurants, this brand of ayu is nurtured by clear, swift streams.
Its beauty, firmness, aroma, and exquisite flavor make it the pinnacle of sweetfish cuisine.

Wild Boar Hot Pot (Shishi Nabe)

A winter specialty, the hearty “shishi nabe kaiseki” fills the air with savory aromas as the pot simmers, warming the body to the core.
The broth is made with a special miso blend based on Gujo miso. Only carefully selected 2- to 3-year-old female boars are used for their tender, odorless meat.
Contrary to the common belief that wild boar is gamey, the result is surprisingly refined and easy to enjoy.

Gujo Beef Steak

Raised in Gujo’s rich natural environment, Gujo beef is prized for its fine marbling and deep umami.
Prepared simply as a steak, it melts in your mouth while releasing an elegant aroma that fills every bite.
This dish highlights the blessings of Gujo’s mountains and rivers.

Mino Nishiki – A Taste of Eel and Ayu Nurtured by Pure Water

Inside Yoshidaya is the restaurant Mino Nishiki, where guests can enjoy unpretentious eel and ayu dishes prepared with natural spring water from Shiroyama.
This water flows into live tanks and is generously used in cooking.

The eel, sourced from Mikawa Isshiki in Aichi, is raised for several days in the spring water before preparation, transforming it into the premium “Ao-unagi.”
The flesh is firm, aromatic, and truly unique to this restaurant.

Protected by a historic well, Mino Nishiki has preserved its flavors for over a century, symbolizing Yoshidaya as a “Ryokan of Famous Water.”

Strict Sourcing & Quality

Eels are procured from aquafarms in Mikawa Isshiki (Aichi), carefully selected by the long-established river fish wholesaler Yamato in Gifu City.
Only the slightly larger 250g size, known as “4P grade” in the industry, is chosen for its balance of substance and flavor.

Meticulous Tank Management

Because eels lack scales and are highly sensitive to water quality, they are raised in tanks with a constant flow of underground water at 16°C year-round, ensuring purity and quality.

The Secret Sauce of Mino Nishiki
Their eel dishes are complemented by a special sauce, made from tamari soy sauce, aged mirin, and rock sugar—completely additive- and color-free.
While slightly stronger in taste for visitors from eastern Japan, it reflects the authentic flavor traditions of the region.

A Flavor Handed Down for 130 Years
This sauce has been continuously replenished for over 130 years since the founding of the ryokan.
All ingredients are consistently sourced from the same brewers, ensuring unchanging quality through the generations.
The sauce embodies the richness of Gujo’s nature and history, delivering a true “drop of tradition.”

Access – Convenient for Castle Town Sightseeing

Address: 160 Tonomachi, Hachiman-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture

• By car: 5 minutes from Gujo Hachiman IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
• By train/bus: 5 minutes by taxi from Nagaragawa Railway’s Gujo Hachiman Station, or a 2-minute walk from “Jokamachi Plaza” bus stop.

Located in the heart of Gujo Hachiman, Yoshidaya is the perfect base for exploring the historic castle town, with easy access for strolling after your stay.

Nearby Attractions

Gujo Hachiman Castle

Known as the “Castle in the Sky of Gifu,” Gujo Hachiman Castle is a striking fortress embraced by the surrounding mountains.
Its seasonal scenery is captivating—from fresh spring greenery to autumn leaves.
Legends such as Oyoshibashira (the story of a sacrificial maiden) and tales of the Ryosōtai warriors, who fought alongside Aizu’s Byakkotai, continue to fascinate history enthusiasts.

The Water Town of Gujo Hachiman

The Yoshida River, designated one of “Gifu’s 50 Famous Waters,” flows through the heart of town.
Even today, life shaped by this clear water endures, offering visitors the soothing sounds of flowing streams and glimpses of traditional lifestyles.

Historic Streets

Gujo Hachiman preserves the atmosphere of the early Edo period.
Craftsmen’s quarters such as Kajiya-machi and Yanagi-machi are designated Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, preserving the castle town’s legacy.
The compact town is dotted with 13 temples, including Jion-zenji, built in 1606 by Endo Yoshitaka, a tranquil retreat to enjoy seasonal beauty.

Conclusion – Experiencing the Spirit of “Wa” in Gujo Hachiman

Rather than luxury facilities, Yoshidaya Ryokan focuses on traditional elegance and the joy of food.
By savoring local cuisine, walking the historic streets of Gujo Hachiman, and embracing the changing seasons, guests are promised an unforgettable stay steeped in the spirit of Japan.