Questioning the place to remain in Takayama in your subsequent journey to Japan? Discover out the perfect areas and lodging choices under.
The alpine metropolis of Takayama provides the last word genuine getaway, boasting scenic mountain views and Edo-period structure. It’s simply accessible by practice from each Nagoya and Toyama, and serves as the proper base for exploring the Japanese Alps.
Takayama can also be residence to one in every of Japan’s best-loved festivals: the Takayama Pageant. This iconic competition is legendary for its conventional music, elaborate floats, and swinging lanterns.
There’s additionally a lot to do on this charming metropolis for these not visiting throughout competition season, with highlights together with the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum, the Sanmachi Historic District, and the close by Shinhotaka Ropeway (which is simply an hour’s drive away).
When you’re uncertain of the place to remain in Takayama, preserve studying. This information will cowl the three finest areas to remain in, lodging suggestions, and what there may be to do close by.
In A Rush? Greatest Locations to Keep in Takayama Overview
When you’ve not received time to learn the complete information, here’s a fast overview of my prime ryokans and motels in Takayama:
Regardless of not being on the favored Golden Route, Takayama has been attracting increasingly more vacationers over the previous few years. Most of them, nevertheless, go to on a day journey. Staying in a single day in Takayama offers you the proper alternative to see the town, particularly the outdated city, with out the crowds (earlier than they arrive or after they go away).
As Takayama is a really conventional city, it’s additionally a good spot to remain in a standard inn (ryokan) or within the Higashiyama Temple Space, and it was magical. We made buddies with our hosts and have been invited to have dinner with them. Within the night, we heard the shamisen being performed from throughout the road from our room. We later realized it was a shamisen instructor who lived there.
It’s additionally value noting that there are a number of vacation properties in Takayama accessible. They’re just like a trip rental or Airbnb in a approach that you just hire out the complete residing area. It’s an ideal choice for households or teams who’re on the lookout for a self-catering facility. You gained’t get the identical providers as you’d in a lodge or ryokan, but it surely might be a great choice as there are such a lot of accessible in Takayama.
To see Takayama, we suggest no less than one or two full days. However there are some nice day journeys you’ll be able to take from Takayama (Hida Furukawa, Gero Onsen, Kamikochi and Shirakawa-go, for instance), making it an ideal base for just a few nights.
1. Takayama Outdated City
Greatest for first-time guests.
Why Keep in Takayama Outdated City?
The Outdated City is the perfect place to remain in Takayama for first-time guests. This a part of the town is crammed with fantastically preserved Edo-period structure, making it an ideal base in your journey.
Not solely is that this space lovely, however you’ll additionally discover lots of the metropolis’s major sights within the Outdated City. This contains the Takayama Shōwa-kan Museum, Miyagawa Morning Markets, and the Funasaka Sake Brewery. The quaint district of Sanmachi Suji is only a brief stroll away.
Due to its central location, you gained’t have any points discovering a spot for dinner within the Outdated City. In style choices embody Hida Kotte Ushi, Aji-no-Yohei, and Falò Espresso Brewers. When you don’t thoughts hopping throughout the river, you’ll be spoilt for selection with regards to making an attempt the native delicacies.
Takayama Outdated City may be very walkable, making it simple to see the remainder of the town when staying within the Outdated City. There are wonderful bus hyperlinks within the space, with the Takayama Metropolis Line servicing this a part of the town. Takayama Station can also be only a 15-minute stroll away.
Downsides: Because the Outdated City is a well-liked base for staying in Takayama, it might get very crowded. That is particularly the case throughout the Takayama Pageant, and you could wrestle to search out lodging throughout this time. Motels are sometimes costlier within the Outdated City too.
The place to Keep in Takayama Outdated City
There are many unbelievable ryokans and motels in Takayama’s Outdated City. You’ll discover that lots of the properties on this space supply conventional eating and have an on-site onsen. Listed here are our prime picks in Takayama Outdated City:
Lodge Wooden Takayama
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 2-minute stroll
- Onsen/public tub?: Sure
- Laundry?: Sure (further cost)
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
Lodge Wooden Takayama is a unbelievable choice in the event you’re planning to remain within the Outdated City. It’s in a central location, surrounded by sights (together with the Fuji Folks Museum), and is only a brief stroll from the closest bus cease.
The fashionable rooms are a combine between fashionable Western motels and traditonal Japanese inns. With tatami flooring and lots of wooden components, it brings the calmness of a ryokan with the consolation of getting Western-style mattresses. There’s little to fault with Lodge Wooden; it’s top-of-the-line motels within the metropolis.
One other spotlight of this property is its massive public tub, the place you’ll be able to loosen up after a day of exploring. The lodge provides free drinks (together with beer and sake) and popsicles. As well as, Lodge Wooden Takayama serves a tasty breakfast, which is made with seasonal and native substances.
Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun (Ryokan)
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 7-minute stroll
- Onsen/public tub?: Sure (private and non-private onsen accessible)
- Laundry?: No
- On-site restaurant?: No (however conventional meals are served)
- Baggage storage?: No.
Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun is situated on the sting of Takayama Outdated City (solely a 5-minute stroll to the centre). It sits on the entrance of Shiroyama Park and seems out over the Japanese Alps. This conventional ryokan provides tatami flooring and Japanese futon bedding, in addition to yukata to put on to the on-site sizzling spring.
The ryokan provides each public onsen and personal onsen that may be booked. Having the choice to ebook the non-public onsen is a giant plus for individuals who could really feel a bit intimidated making an attempt public onsen or who need to attempt it along with a accomplice.
One other spotlight of staying in a ryokan in Takayama is that you just’ll get to expertise the native delicacies. Ryokans usually embody dinner and breakfast as a part of your keep. At this ryokan, you’ll get to take pleasure in a standard multi-course meal with Takayama’s scrumptious Hida beef. It’s a good way to expertise as a lot of the native tradition as a part of your keep.
Garon 飛騨高山浮世絵INN画侖 (Vacation House)
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 3-minute stroll
- Onsen/public tub?: No (however ceramic tub accessible)
- Laundry?: Sure (freed from cost)
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: No.
This vacation house is a 100-year-old conventional home that gives lodging for as much as seven folks. It consists of two residing rooms (one conventional Japanese lounge and yet one more Westernised room) alongside two massive bedrooms. This makes it good for teams and households who need a bit extra privateness.
Boasting a ceramic tub, residence theatre, tea ceremony area, and gallery, this property has the whole lot you could possibly want for a soothing keep. Different amenities on the GARON embody a washer and dryer (that are free to make use of), a kitchen, and a washroom.
The home has a lot character and shows many artefacts, together with a 100-year-old classic kimono in one of many bedrooms. Staying here’s a distinctive method to expertise Japanese tradition up shut.
RIKKA BABA NI (Vacation House)
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 2-minute stroll
- Onsen/public tub?: No (however Japanese cypress tub accessible)
- Laundry?: Sure (freed from use)
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: No.
RIKKA BABA NI is one other vacation residence choice, however for as much as three folks. It’s an ideal selection for many who need their very own area. This one-bedroom condominium is ideal for {couples} and is only a brief stroll from the Fuji Folks Museum and Yoshijima Heritage Home.
RIKKA BABA NI additionally provides loads of facilities equivalent to a washer, a kitchen space, a fridge, and free WiFi. Within the toilet, there’s even a Japanese cypress tub the place you’ll be able to loosen up after a full day of exploring.
2. Takayama Station Space
Greatest for transport, day journeys and comfort
Why Keep within the Station Space?
Though not as in style because the Outdated City, the Station Space in Takayama is a good base. Because the identify suggests, that is the place Takayama Station is situated, and it’s the place most travellers will arrive within the metropolis.
Regardless of not having many sights, the Station Space is barely a 15-minute stroll from the Outdated City. Meaning you’ll be able to take within the metropolis’s finest landmarks, with out the excessive lodging costs of Takayama’s Outdated City. There are greater than sufficient eating places close to the station, too.
Takayama Bus Terminal can also be situated subsequent to the practice station, making it a great place to remain in the event you’re planning on taking any day journeys from Takayama. Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi, Kanazawa and Hida Furukawa are all accessible by bus. Toyota Lease a Automotive additionally has a retailer exterior of the station, making it simple to choose up a rental automobile in the event you want driving.
Downsides: There aren’t as many sights within the Station Space, and it feels much less genuine in comparison with the Outdated City.
When you’re on the lookout for a great espresso/breakfast spot close to Takayama Station, cease by Model New Day Espresso. Superb espresso and croissants!
The place to Keep within the Takayama Station Space?
The Takayama Station Space has a great number of motels, particularly a bit cheaper than in comparison with the Outdated City. Listed here are our suggestions:
Takayama Ouan
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 2-minute stroll
- Onsen/public tub?: Sure
- Laundry?: Sure
- On-site restaurant?: Sure
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
Takayama Ouan is a good combine between a ryokan and a lodge. With its conventional design, Japanese-style rooms, and an on-site restaurant that serves scrumptious native delicacies, this place has the whole lot travellers may need.
Absolutely the spotlight of Takayama Ouan is its onsen, which is the highest open-air tub within the metropolis. From it, you’ll be able to take pleasure in panoramic views from the rooftop. Through the day, you’ll be able to admire hanging views of the Northern Japanese Alps, or you’ll be able to take pleasure in stargazing throughout the evening. There are additionally a number of indoor baths the place you’ll be able to loosen up.
The lodge is barely a 2-minute stroll from Takayama Station, making it an ideal selection if you wish to keep close to transport choices.
Wat Lodge & Spa Hida Takayama
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 1-minute stroll (7-minute stroll from Takayama Station)
- Onsen/public tub?: Sure
- Laundry?: Sure (further cost)
- On-site restaurant?: Sure
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
Throughout our first go to to Takayama, we stayed within the Wat Lodge & Spa Hida Takayama and liked it. The lodge sits in an ideal location, not too removed from the principle practice station. The rooms have been comfy with good beds. The spotlight of Wat Lodge & Spa Hida Takayama needs to be the amenities, which embody a massive public tub, an open-air tub, and an after-bath relaxation space. There’s additionally an on-site restaurant and lounge.
There are a number of rooms to select from at this lodge, and you may benefit from a free health centre throughout your keep. A breakfast buffet is obtainable between 6:30 am and 9:30 am. The rooms are additionally extra reasonably priced in comparison with different lodging within the metropolis.
KOKO HOTEL Hida Takayama
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 4-minute stroll
- Onsen/public tub?: Sure
- Laundry?: Sure (further cost)
- On-site restaurant?: Sure
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
KOKO Lodge Hida Takayama (previously named Lodge Wing Worldwide Hida Takayama) is a extra budget-friendly choice I’ve loved staying at previously. It’s solely a 4-minute stroll from Takayama Station, and rooms are a lot extra reasonably priced than different spots within the metropolis.
A type of amenities is the pure sizzling spring tub, which you should utilize freed from cost when staying on the lodge. There’s an on-site restaurant, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in native specialities. They provide free bike leases as effectively, making it simple to discover Takayama by bike.
Lodging in Takayama isn’t the most cost effective, so selecting a lodge like KOKO HOTEL is an ideal budget-friendly choice. The rooms are a bit fundamental, however you get the whole lot you want for just a few nights, on prime of the lodge’s amenities.
3. Higashiyama Temple Space
Greatest for tradition and an genuine keep
Why Keep within the Higashiyama Temple Space?
Staying within the Higashiyama Temple Space is another choice for these travelling to Takayama. This a part of the town is residence to over a dozen temples and shrines, and it’s not very touristy. There aren’t any motels on this space. As a substitute, it’s a mixture of visitor homes and vacation properties. It’s the proper base for these trying to immerse themselves within the native tradition.
The Higashiyama Strolling Course provides one of the best ways to discover. This 3.5 km lengthy stroll runs from the Higashiyama Temple Space to Shiroyama Park, taking you previous Unryuji Temple, the Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine, Daioji Temple, and extra.
You’ll need to permit no less than 2–3 hours for this stroll, so you’ll be able to be taught concerning the space’s historical past. Relying on while you go to, you may also respect the vivid autumnal colors or cherry blossoms. Alongside the way in which, there are some charming espresso retailers the place you’ll be able to take a break.
You’ll even be only a brief stroll from Takayama Outdated City (lower than 10 minutes). Staying on this space offers you quick access to the town’s major sights, but nonetheless benefit from this space’s rural appeal.
Downsides: There aren’t a number of locations to remain on this space, so it’s necessary to ebook as quickly as doable. Takayama Station can also be a 20-minute stroll away, which can be handy for these arriving by practice/bus. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to simply take a taxi from Takayama Station to get to your lodging right here (we’ve performed this previously and it’s not very costly).
If you wish to attempt a public onsen on this space throughout your keep, you’ll be able to head to Takanoyu. This native public bathhouse can also be tattoo-friendly, and you may benefit from the a number of baths (and saunas) for a small payment. We went just a few occasions whereas staying within the Higashiyama Temple Space and liked it!
The place to Keep within the Higashiyama Temple Space
There aren’t many lodging choices within the Higashiyama Temple Space, particularly in comparison with the Outdated City and Station Space. You might need to ebook prematurely, particularly in the event you’re planning to journey throughout the peak season.
Visitor Home HINATA
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 6-minute stroll
- Onsen/public tub?: No (however common open-air tub is included)
- Laundry?: Sure
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: No.
Visitor Home HINATA is a classy Japanese condominium, situated in the course of Takayama’s quiet Temple Space. It’s additionally near Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine and Yoshijima Heritage Home, so it’s in a superb location for exploring.
This two-bedroom conventional home is a prime choose for {couples} or buddies who’re on the lookout for a bit extra privateness. The home comes with unbelievable amenities, together with a sauna, an open-air tub (that appears out on the non-public backyard), and a washer.
Atagoya (Vacation House)
- How removed from the closest bus cease?: 7-minute stroll
- Onsen/public tub?: No
- Laundry?: Sure
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: No.
This vacation residence is an efficient selection for bigger teams or households (as much as six folks) trying to keep within the Higashiyama Temple Space of Takayama. The atmospheric 3-bedroom home will be rented out totally, supplying you with your personal lounge, kitchen and toilet. The home additionally has a washer and dryer that can be utilized at no cost throughout your keep.
Conclusion – Greatest Motels in Takayama
Takayama actually deserves a spot in your subsequent Japan itinerary. Though not as well-known as Kyoto or Tokyo, the normal environment and alpine environment make Takayama top-of-the-line locations to go to.
Regardless that there isn’t a number of selection with regards to lodging, those which might be accessible are good! It may be difficult to search out the perfect place to remain in Takayama, however fortunately, there’s a vary of motels, ryokans, visitor homes and vacation properties to hire.
Hopefully, this information has given you an concept of the place to remain in Takayama. Though small, there are such a lot of wonderful issues to do and locations to go to close by. Pleased travelling!