Wondering where to stay in Takayama on your next trip to Japan? Find out the best areas and accommodation options below.
The alpine city of Takayama offers the ultimate authentic getaway, boasting scenic mountain views and Edo-period architecture. It’s easily accessible by train from both Nagoya and Toyama, and serves as the perfect base for exploring the Japanese Alps.
Takayama is also home to one of Japan’s best-loved festivals: the Takayama Festival. This iconic festival is famous for its traditional music, elaborate floats, and swinging lanterns.
There’s also plenty to do in this charming city for those not visiting during festival season, with highlights including the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum, the Sanmachi Historic District, and the nearby Shinhotaka Ropeway (which is just an hour’s drive away).
If you’re unsure of where to stay in Takayama, keep reading. This guide will cover the three best areas to stay in, accommodation recommendations, and what there is to do nearby.
In A Rush? Best Places to Stay in Takayama Overview
If you’ve not got time to read the full guide, here is a quick overview of my top ryokans and hotels in Takayama:
| Best For… | Hotel/Ryokan | Book Now |
|---|---|---|
| First Time Visitors | Hotel Wood Takayama | Check Availability |
| Traditional Ryokan | Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun | Check Availability |
| Near Station | Takayama Ouan | Check Availability |
| Families or groups | Garon 飛騨高山浮世絵INN画侖 | Check Availability |
Despite not being on the popular Golden Route, Takayama has been attracting more and more tourists over the last few years. Most of them, however, visit on a day trip. Staying overnight in Takayama gives you the perfect opportunity to see the city, especially the old town, without the crowds (before they arrive or after they leave).
As Takayama is a very traditional town, it’s also a great place to stay in a traditional inn (ryokan) or in the Higashiyama Temple Area, and it was magical. We made friends with our hosts and were invited to have dinner with them. In the evening, we heard the shamisen being played from across the street from our room. We later learned it was a shamisen teacher who lived there.
It’s also worth noting that there are a lot of holiday homes in Takayama available. They are similar to a vacation rental or Airbnb in a way that you rent out the full living space. It’s a great option for families or groups who are looking for a self-catering facility. You won’t get the same services as you would in a hotel or ryokan, but it could be a good option as there are so many available in Takayama.
To see Takayama, we recommend at least one or two full days. But there are some great day trips you can take from Takayama (Hida Furukawa, Gero Onsen, Kamikochi and Shirakawa-go, for example), making it a great base for a few nights.
1. Takayama Old Town
Best for first-time visitors.
Why Stay in Takayama Old Town?
The Old Town is the best place to stay in Takayama for first-time visitors. This part of the city is filled with beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, making it a great base for your trip.
Not only is this area beautiful, but you’ll also find many of the city’s main attractions in the Old Town. This includes the Takayama Shōwa-kan Museum, Miyagawa Morning Markets, and the Funasaka Sake Brewery. The quaint district of Sanmachi Suji is just a short walk away.
Thanks to its central location, you won’t have any issues finding a place for dinner in the Old Town. Popular options include Hida Kotte Ushi, Aji-no-Yohei, and Falò Coffee Brewers. If you don’t mind hopping across the river, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to trying the local cuisine.
Takayama Old Town is very walkable, making it easy to see the rest of the city when staying in the Old Town. There are excellent bus links in the area, with the Takayama City Line servicing this part of the city. Takayama Station is also just a 15-minute walk away.
Downsides: As the Old Town is a popular base for staying in Takayama, it can get very crowded. This is especially the case during the Takayama Festival, and you may struggle to find accommodation during this time. Hotels are often more expensive in the Old Town too.
Where to Stay in Takayama Old Town
There are plenty of fantastic ryokans and hotels in Takayama’s Old Town. You’ll find that many of the properties in this area offer traditional dining and have an on-site onsen. Here are our top picks in Takayama Old Town:
Hotel Wood Takayama
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 2-minute walk
- Onsen/public bath?: Yes
- Laundry?: Yes (additional charge)
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Luggage storage?: Yes.
Hotel Wood Takayama is a fantastic option if you’re planning to stay in the Old Town. It’s in a central location, surrounded by attractions (including the Fuji Folk Museum), and is just a short walk from the nearest bus stop.
The stylish rooms are a mix between modern Western hotels and traditonal Japanese inns. With tatami floors and many wood elements, it brings the calmness of a ryokan with the comfort of having Western-style mattresses. There is little to fault with Hotel Wood; it’s one of the best hotels in the city.
Another highlight of this property is its large public bath, where you can relax after a day of exploring. The hotel offers free drinks (including beer and sake) and popsicles. In addition, Hotel Wood Takayama serves a tasty breakfast, which is made with seasonal and local ingredients.
Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun (Ryokan)
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 7-minute walk
- Onsen/public bath?: Yes (public and private onsen available)
- Laundry?: No
- On-site restaurant?: No (but traditional meals are served)
- Luggage storage?: No.
Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun is located on the edge of Takayama Old Town (only a 5-minute walk to the centre). It sits at the entrance of Shiroyama Park and looks out over the Japanese Alps. This traditional ryokan offers tatami floors and Japanese futon bedding, as well as yukata to wear to the on-site hot spring.
The ryokan offers both public onsen and private onsen that can be booked. Having the option to book the private onsen is a big plus for people who may feel a bit intimidated trying public onsen or who want to try it together with a partner.
Another highlight of staying in a ryokan in Takayama is that you’ll get to experience the local cuisine. Ryokans often include dinner and breakfast as part of your stay. At this ryokan, you’ll get to enjoy a traditional multi-course meal with Takayama’s delicious Hida beef. It’s a great way to experience as much of the local culture as part of your stay.
Garon 飛騨高山浮世絵INN画侖 (Holiday Home)
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 3-minute walk
- Onsen/public bath?: No (but ceramic bath available)
- Laundry?: Yes (free of charge)
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Luggage storage?: No.
This holiday home is a 100-year-old traditional house that offers accommodation for up to seven people. It consists of two living rooms (one traditional Japanese living room and one more Westernised room) alongside two large bedrooms. This makes it perfect for groups and families who want a bit more privacy.
Boasting a ceramic bath, home theatre, tea ceremony space, and gallery, this property has everything you could need for a relaxing stay. Other facilities at the GARON include a washer and dryer (which are free to use), a kitchen, and a washroom.
The house has so much character and displays many artefacts, including a 100-year-old vintage kimono in one of the bedrooms. Staying here is a unique way to experience Japanese culture up close.
RIKKA BABA NI (Holiday Home)
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 2-minute walk
- Onsen/public bath?: No (but Japanese cypress bath available)
- Laundry?: Yes (free of use)
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Luggage storage?: No.
RIKKA BABA NI is another holiday home option, but for up to three people. It’s a great choice for those who want their own space. This one-bedroom apartment is perfect for couples and is just a short walk from the Fuji Folk Museum and Yoshijima Heritage House.
RIKKA BABA NI also offers plenty of amenities such as a washing machine, a kitchen area, a refrigerator, and free WiFi. In the bathroom, there’s even a Japanese cypress bath where you can relax after a full day of exploring.
2. Takayama Station Area
Best for transport, day trips and convenience
Why Stay in the Station Area?
Although not as popular as the Old Town, the Station Area in Takayama is a great base. As the name suggests, this is where Takayama Station is located, and it’s where most travellers will arrive in the city.
Despite not having many attractions, the Station Area is only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. That means you can take in the city’s best landmarks, without the high accommodation prices of Takayama’s Old Town. There are more than enough restaurants near the station, too.
Takayama Bus Terminal is also located next to the train station, making it a good place to stay if you’re planning on taking any day trips from Takayama. Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi, Kanazawa and Hida Furukawa are all accessible by bus. Toyota Rent a Car also has a store outside of the station, making it easy to pick up a rental car if you prefer driving.
Downsides: There aren’t as many attractions in the Station Area, and it feels less authentic compared to the Old Town.
If you’re looking for a good coffee/breakfast spot near Takayama Station, stop by Brand New Day Coffee. Amazing coffee and croissants!
Where to Stay in the Takayama Station Area?
The Takayama Station Area has a good variety of hotels, especially a bit cheaper than compared to the Old Town. Here are our recommendations:
Takayama Ouan
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 2-minute walk
- Onsen/public bath?: Yes
- Laundry?: Yes
- On-site restaurant?: Yes
- Luggage storage?: Yes.
Takayama Ouan is a great mix between a ryokan and a hotel. With its traditional design, Japanese-style rooms, and an on-site restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine, this place has everything travellers could need.
The absolute highlight of Takayama Ouan is its onsen, which is the highest open-air bath in the city. From it, you can enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop. During the day, you can admire striking views of the Northern Japanese Alps, or you can enjoy stargazing during the night. There are also several indoor baths where you can relax.
The hotel is only a 2-minute walk from Takayama Station, making it a perfect choice if you want to stay near transport options.
Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 1-minute walk (7-minute walk from Takayama Station)
- Onsen/public bath?: Yes
- Laundry?: Yes (additional charge)
- On-site restaurant?: Yes
- Luggage storage?: Yes.
During our first visit to Takayama, we stayed in the Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama and loved it. The hotel sits in a great location, not too far from the main train station. The rooms were comfortable with good beds. The highlight of Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama has to be the facilities, which include a large public bath, an open-air bath, and an after-bath rest area. There’s also an on-site restaurant and lounge.
There are a variety of rooms to choose from at this hotel, and you can take advantage of a free fitness centre during your stay. A breakfast buffet is available between 6:30 am and 9:30 am. The rooms are also more affordable compared to other accommodations in the city.
KOKO HOTEL Hida Takayama
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 4-minute walk
- Onsen/public bath?: Yes
- Laundry?: Yes (additional charge)
- On-site restaurant?: Yes
- Luggage storage?: Yes.
KOKO Hotel Hida Takayama (formerly named Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama) is a more budget-friendly option I’ve enjoyed staying at in the past. It’s only a 4-minute walk from Takayama Station, and rooms are a lot more affordable than other spots in the city.
One of those facilities is the natural hot spring bath, which you can use free of charge when staying at the hotel. There is an on-site restaurant, where you can indulge in local specialities. They offer free bike rentals as well, making it easy to explore Takayama by bike.
Accommodation in Takayama isn’t the cheapest, so picking a hotel like KOKO HOTEL is a perfect budget-friendly option. The rooms are a bit basic, but you get everything you need for a few nights, on top of the hotel’s facilities.
3. Higashiyama Temple Area
Best for culture and an authentic stay
Why Stay in the Higashiyama Temple Area?
Staying in the Higashiyama Temple Area is another option for those travelling to Takayama. This part of the city is home to over a dozen temples and shrines, and it’s not very touristy. There aren’t any hotels in this area. Instead, it’s a mix of guest houses and holiday homes. It’s the perfect base for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
The Higashiyama Walking Course offers the best way to explore. This 3.5 km long walk runs from the Higashiyama Temple Area to Shiroyama Park, taking you past Unryuji Temple, the Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine, Daioji Temple, and more.
You’ll want to allow at least 2–3 hours for this walk, so you can learn about the area’s history. Depending on when you visit, you can also appreciate the vivid autumnal colours or cherry blossoms. Along the way, there are some charming coffee shops where you can take a break.
You’ll also be just a short walk from Takayama Old Town (less than 10 minutes). Staying in this area gives you easy access to the city’s main attractions, yet still take advantage of this area’s rural charm.
Downsides: There aren’t a lot of places to stay in this area, so it’s important to book as soon as possible. Takayama Station is also a 20-minute walk away, which may be convenient for those arriving by train/bus. However, you can easily take a taxi from Takayama Station to get to your accommodation here (we’ve done this in the past and it’s not very expensive).
If you want to try a public onsen in this area during your stay, you can head to Takanoyu. This local public bathhouse is also tattoo-friendly, and you can enjoy the multiple baths (and saunas) for a small fee. We went a few times while staying in the Higashiyama Temple Area and loved it!
Where to Stay in the Higashiyama Temple Area
There aren’t many accommodation options in the Higashiyama Temple Area, especially compared to the Old Town and Station Area. You may want to book in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel during the peak season.
Guest House HINATA
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 6-minute walk
- Onsen/public bath?: No (but regular open-air bath is included)
- Laundry?: Yes
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Luggage storage?: No.
Guest House HINATA is a stylish Japanese apartment, located in the middle of Takayama’s quiet Temple Area. It’s also close to Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine and Yoshijima Heritage House, so it’s in an excellent location for exploring.
This two-bedroom traditional house is a top pick for couples or friends who are looking for a bit more privacy. The house comes with fantastic facilities, including a sauna, an open-air bath (that looks out on the private garden), and a washing machine.
Atagoya (Holiday Home)
- How far from the nearest bus stop?: 7-minute walk
- Onsen/public bath?: No
- Laundry?: Yes
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Luggage storage?: No.
This holiday home is a good choice for larger groups or families (up to six people) looking to stay in the Higashiyama Temple Area of Takayama. The atmospheric 3-bedroom house can be rented out fully, giving you your own living room, kitchen and bathroom. The house also has a washing machine and dryer that can be used for free during your stay.
Conclusion – Best Hotels in Takayama
Takayama truly deserves a spot on your next Japan itinerary. Although not as famous as Kyoto or Tokyo, the traditional atmosphere and alpine surroundings make Takayama one of the best places to visit.
Even though there isn’t a lot of choice when it comes to accommodation, the ones that are available are good! It can be challenging to find the best place to stay in Takayama, but luckily, there is a range of hotels, ryokans, guest houses and holiday homes to rent.
Hopefully, this guide has given you an idea of where to stay in Takayama. Although small, there are so many amazing things to do and places to visit nearby. Happy travelling!
