"Okuhida Hot Spring Hirayukan is conveniently located, just a short and easy walk from the Hirayu Onsen bus terminal. A small shop beside the ryokan sells snacks and drinks, which is useful especially in the quieter evenings.
Check in was smooth and the ryokan already had our Expedia reservations. As with most Japanese ryokan, copies of our passports were taken. We stayed in the Japanese Style Room, Sengakuso, Non Smoking (35 sqm). Footwear must be removed at the main lobby and changed to the in house slippers, in line with traditional ryokan customs.
Our room was located some distance away from the main lobby and required climbing two flights of stairs, with no lift access. There were no shower facilities in the room, which is typical for many traditional ryokan. The onsen baths are located in the main building, and the male and female bathing areas are rotated once a day.
Buffet dinner offered at Y4400 per person from 6pm. It was enjoyable and good value, with a wide selection including seafood. Each table is provided with two fuel stoves, and guests can choose between grilling, hotplate, or hotpot to cook the raw food.
A nice touch is the free ramen served at the main lobby from 10pm to 10.30pm, perfect for a light supper after a soak in the onsen."