Unryuso

Disclaimer: we only had lunch and didn’t stay overnight! We arrived in the village and, to be honest, it felt very quiet — the kind of quiet where you start wondering if lunch is just… not happening today. Everything seemed closed, and we were getting pretty hungry. Then we spotted a small sign near the parking mentioning lunch at a very reasonable price, and thought: “Alright, let’s give this a shot. ”
Best decision of the day. We went up the stairs and were welcomed by the loveliest older lady, who made us feel instantly at home. She led us to a private tatami room.
The meal was absolutely beautiful. A full set lunch with perfectly cooked rice served in a hot pot, along with a variety of small dishes.
Everything tasted homemade, thoughtful, and comforting. Nothing flashy — just really, really good.
The whole experience felt incredibly special and private, like being invited into someone’s home rather than a restaurant. We came in slightly desperate for food and left feeling like we’d had one of the highlights of the trip. Would absolutely recommend — and honestly, we’d get lost in a quiet village again just to end up here.

【心地よい静寂、挑戦する味わい】
Unryuso (雲竜荘) is a charming escape into traditional Japan, nestled in the heart of Aichi’s serene countryside. Founded in the 1950s, this ryokan blends simple comforts with authentic design, offering a tranquil stay for those seeking a slower pace of life.
The rooms were spacious and comfortable, though light sleepers should note the lack of curtains—bringing a sleep mask is a wise choice. Dinner was an adventure in itself, featuring unique dishes like roasted crickets. While their taste was surprisingly mild, trying them added a memorable twist to the evening. Breakfast was a lighter, healthy spread with a variety of flavors—though Western visitors might find some of the offerings a bit challenging if unfamiliar with traditional Japanese cuisine.
The hot spring baths were a highlight, especially the outdoor bath, which was peaceful and set against a lovely backdrop. However, the indoor bath was a touch too hot for my preference, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the green Captain Stag umbrella replacing the iconic red one from their promotional photos. A minor detail, but it stood out!
Unryuso’s location is excellent for nature lovers, with Houousan Temple and hiking trails just a short trip away. The ryokan’s free parking made it convenient for a two-hour hike, after which we returned to its cozy embrace for rest and recovery.