I like the setting out of the hostel. It is simple, basic and nice. The hostel has a very nice pine wood smell. It is newly refurbished which can see the original stucture at the roof. Although the location is a distance from Shirakawa-go Station, the Ant Hut provides shuttle service twice a day which are at 8.30am to Station and 5.30pm from station which is ideal for overnight stay. Besides, a hida beef restaurant is nearby where can have dinner there. I found Ant Hut is a great place for young travellers because the washroom is downstairs and rooms are upstairs. Need to access using a steep staircase.

the rooms and cleanliness

location wasn't great

It’s modern with motion sensor lights, free coffee and utensils available in the pantry area for guests to prepare food and have hot water. Host is friendly and helped to carry my luggage to the second storey.

It’s a distance from the centre of attractions and the hosts only provide one trip at 8:30 am to send guests to the bus terminal (which is where the centre of attractions begin). At other times, guests will have to take the infrequent local bus or walk to the attractions. There are only 5 rooms with twin beds on the second floor. Each tiny room has 2 twin beds, and no space for luggage. Clothes hangers are placed outside each room. Only one small towel is given in the first day. There was no change of towel thereafter. Guests have to get their own meals. The nearest small convenience store is 10 mins walk away. The booking.com says they are only open for check in at 4pm. I think that’s too late. I had to pay JY1000 at the bus terminal for storing my luggage as I was early for 3 hours. Although I called several times at the contact number provided by booking.com and even sent text message to the host to confirm pick up at 5:30 p.m. (only once a day upon confirmation only), there was no response at all. So I had to take the public bus to the guest house. And there was a confusion with Ant Hut, as that was what the Google map showed as their location. I waited outside Ant Hut for a while after receiving no response and decided to go to the next door to seek help, only to find out that it was Shirakawago Inn. They should make a bigger sign outside to indicate the name of the Inn. For the price they charged per night, I think it would be helpful if they provide shuttle trips to the bus terminal instead of the current fixed schedule. Overall, I would say Shirakawago is an expensive place for tourists, and there are not many accommodation available. If you could pay for a nearer location, it would be more convenient, especially those with young kids.

it was nice and clean.And the owner of the guest house was so charming person

I thought I’ll be in a room with window but it hadnt any window

Must stay if you come to shirakawago esp during winter time. You will see a beautiful snow scene at the lounge area, peaceful and quiet. Owner was friendly and helpful. Room was clean although the space is super small but that’s enough for you to get a good sleep. Their pillow is really comfortable I wonder what brand is the pillow hahah. You can reach the place by walking from shirakawago though it is a bit far but Owner offered pickup services at Nohi bus terminal so it is convenient for me and my mum. Shared toilet and bathroom were clean and tidy. Would come back again if I visit shirakawago next time.

The warm seat function was switched off during midnight and unable to turn it on hence was very cold when I went to toilet.

It was super convenient to Shirakawago village and bus terminal by walk or local bus. The staff was extremely helpful with any questions and very kind!

It’s not a deal breaker but as someone that goes to the bathroom I’m the middle of the night it was a little tough that it was down the stairs.

The bus from Takayama can stop at bus stop near the guesthouse.(The owner inform this detail in email) The owner have a car to took the guest to Main Bus stop at 8.30am. It is very useful for traveller that no have a car. I saw a board and some activities gadget. I imagine in the summer.

it's a bit far from the main town maybe inconvenient if you want to walking to the town with your luggage. However, the owner can bring you to the town! In the condition you have to standby on time.

the host are so helpful

cleanliness, Staff attitude and Location!

No attached washrooms.

nice owner took me back into town when I left something at the hotel

I liked the hospitality of the staff and the vibe of the place.

The staff only informed us that the Shirakawago lightup was cancelled on the day we got there. We booked this place on Jan 14 and the light up for 2022 was cancelled I think the day or a couple of days after that. We would appreciate if the inn had called us or informed us that that was the case, because the lightup was 90% of what we are looking forward to in the trip. We got a refund of 3k for the 12k we paid, but we were very disappointed still. Had we known the lightup was cancelled, we would not have pushed through. That's the sad reality of cancelling such event. We would've appreciated a heads up. :( Other than this aspect, everything was fine.

The staff was amazing. They were so friendly and helpful. After picking us up from the bus station, they asked if we’d eaten and offered to stop at the convenience store on our way for us to pick up some food. The next morning was snowing hard, so again the staff went out of their way to offer to drive us to the village’s main area, which would have been a 20 min walk otherwise. Our stay was very enjoyable because of them!

owner was so kind

nothing