We actually chance upon this Ryokan and after reading a few good reviews on it decided to book via Expedia. Our plan was to stay near to Yoshino Mountain to go view the Cherry Blossom. We wanted a Ryokan experience as we always enjoyed the onsen and the Japanese Kaiseki style meals.
We stayed over 2 week-days in April so the Ryokan had very few guest, so we practically had the onsen to ourselves. Meals were not as lavish as what we had experienced before in other Ryokan, but food was simple and fresh.
The Ryokan staff were all very friendly and helpful. They even offered to take us to Yoshino Mountain the 2nd day and that turned out much better for us as he dropped us at Naka Senbon (about 45min ride), which was the middle part of Yoshino Mountain, where the view of the Cherry Blossom was the best and where the shops were. We walked down from Naka Senbon to the foot of the mountain to Yoshino-station back to Shimoich-guchi station we access the bus transfer back to the Ryokan.
We learn that they Ryokan in that area will have more guest from Saturdays, more popular with trekkers. Also, the mountains around there will also be filled with Cherry Blossom later in the month of May. This area will also be busy till month of September - I think it will be a whole new experience here in Autumn.