This hotel is truly something out of a daydream. Designed by Tadao Ando, perhaps one of Japan’s greatest architects, and filled with beautiful art pieces, warmth and character. It respectfully breaks the rules of a traditional ryokan. Make sure to eat in their restaurant which serves delicious Japanese or Western-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

An incredible ryokan with an even more incredible view over the Shirakawa Canal. Originally built as an Ochaya, which is a place where Geiko and Maiko live, study, and work. 

The Common One Bar offers a relaxed setting dedicated to well-balanced drinks. The team happily makes any classics, but it’s worth trying the matcha-led cocktails such as the Wagashi Margarita and Vanilla Matcha cocktail for something with local flavour. It’s a good place to go off menu by sharing your preferred spirits with the bartender and letting them create a custom mix.

Though it is spangled with Michelin stars this terrific kaiseki is incredibly difficult to find: a true hidden gem. Set within a traditional tea house, this eight seat dining experience is as intimate as it gets.