Gora Hanaogi

A complete change of scenery for a first experience in a ryokan; everything was perfect from A to Z. The room with the private hot bath, not seeing anyone else as a guest, the private area for dining, the place was super clean and very well located. We were disappointed to leave after 2 magnificent nights. The meal is delicious, the kaiseki was also a first experience; kudos to the chef, thank you for the shuttle back, and a big thank you to Miu who took great care of my wife and me.

This place is truly magical. It offers a unique experience that I highly recommend for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in the ryokan and onsen culture. The standout feature here is the staff, whose hospitality reflects a genuine desire to provide exceptional experiences for their guests. We had the same host throughout our stay, who warmly welcomed us to the hotel, served us breakfast and dinner each day, and even escorted us out when we departed. It felt incredibly special; in just three days, we looked forward to seeing her each time. The onsen experience was new for us, and we decided to embrace it fully, enjoying it as it’s meant to be appreciated in this culture. We loved every moment and highly recommend this experience!

Our stay at Gora Hanaougi from 4th - 6th May was something we will never forget. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with such warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality that we were honestly left at a loss for words. Staying somewhere as special as Gora Hanaougi is not normal for us, and we felt truly honoured to experience such incredible care and attention from all of the lovely ladies and gentlemen working there. Wearing our yukata to breakfast and dinner made the experience feel very authentic, and the food itself was an unforgettable insight into the wonders of Japanese cuisine. Every meal was beautifully prepared and presented. Breakfast especially was a banquet unlike anything we are used to back home in Scotland! A very special thank you to Hata-san, who looked after us morning and night throughout our stay. We hope we have not misspelled her name. We know she enjoys Scottish whisky, so… Slàinte Mhath, or as we explained it, “Slanj-a-va”. Your hospitality exceeded every expectation and made our stay even more meaningful. And to my Japanese teacher too: ippon bīru kudasai!! What a genuinely profound experience this was for us both. We already dream of visiting again one day in the future. David & Elle Scotland 🥃