7 Best Hotels in Takayama Japan: Top Ryokans, Onsens & Family Stays

Few travelers think of Takayama when they think of Japan. The city has a slower pace of life and a more traditional feel than Tokyo or Osaka. Located in Gifu Prefecture’s mountain towns, Takayama offers visitors well-preserved Edo-period streets, delicious Hida beef, morning markets, and quick access to the Japanese Alps. Visiting Takayama for the iconic Takayama Old Town? Going on a day trip to Shirakawa-go? Wanting to unwind in a ryokan with an onsen? Where you stay in Takayama can truly make or break your trip.

Luckily, Takayama offers lodging options that will fit just about anyone’s travel style. From luxurious ryokans with private hot spring baths to modern hotels right next to JR Takayama Station to quaint boutique hotels located within walking distance inside the old district.

In this Takayama hotel guide, I will provide some of my favorite hotels in Takayama Japan for families, couples, foodies, and first-time visitors.

Why Stay in Takayama?

Before booking your hotel, it’s useful to know the geography of Takayama.

The majority of tourists stay in one of these general locations:

• Close to JR Takayama Station (for convenience)
• Nearby Sanmachi Suji （旧街道)(old town)(for ambiance)
• Along the river (for quieter ryokan)
• Near the bus terminal (if visiting Shirakawa-go for the day)

One thing that I loved about Takayama was just how walkable the town is. Unlike in Tokyo or Kyoto, you will not find yourself spending tons of time on the train. Most of the recommended attractions, restaurants, and markets can all be walked to from one another.

If you are staying one or two nights, I would definitely recommend staying within walking distance of Takayama Station or Old Town.

Oyado Koto No Yume

Address: 6 Chome-11 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0026, Japan

For those wanting to stay at a ryokan but not give up all conveniences, this is one of your best bets in Takayama.

Only a short walk from JR Takayama Station you can find yourself stepping right into traditional Japanese hospitality mixed with some modern comforts. All of the rooms have tatami floors and futon beds along with stunning Japanese decorations. Some rooms even boast their own open air baths.

The aspect of this place that really impressed me was the atmosphere. Many staff members greet you in traditional garb and it feels like home from the moment you check in.
Not to mention, the breakfast is great as well. Wonderful Japanese-style breakfast with seasonal ingredients beautifully laid out.

Ideal for:

• Couples
• First time staying at a ryokan
• Those wanting a traditional Japanese stay

TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu

Address: 4 Chome-301 花⾥町 Takayama, Gifu 506-0026, Japan

Hands down this was one of our favorite hotels in Takayama and also probably one of the best modern hotels in town if you’re looking for something new and convenient.

Located right next to the train station and bus terminal, the location of this hotel is perfect. If you’re going to Shirakawa- go or Kanazawa this is super convenient.

Rooms feel spacious and modern. If you’re used to typical Japanese hotels this one will feel very Westernized and no scratch that- it’ll feel practical. They even have rooms with washing machines and kitchenettes!

After a long day of exploring Takayama walking up to the rooftop onsen and relaxing in the hot tub looking at the mountain range was heavenly.

Best for:

• Families
• Long stays
• Travelers using Takayama as a base for nearby destinations

Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan

Address: 1 Chome-34 Honmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0011, Japan

Looking for the best ryokan to stay at in Takayama? Consider checking this place.
Stayed near the Old Town area of Takayama. Gorgeous riverside view and incredible kaiseki meals. Service was very omoshiroi and almost obsessive with details.

Rooms themselves were a nice combo of Japanese style with touches of luxury.

Public baths were beautiful, serene, and classy.

Don’t let anyone tell you differently but dinner really is something to rave about. If you’re into kaiseki style meals, the dinners here will likely be the highlight of your trip. They serve multi course meals consisting of amazing Hida beef and locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

Best for:

• Luxury vacationers
• Couples celebrating anniversaries
• Japanese food enthusiasts

Residence Hotel Takayama Station

Address: 6 Chome-105 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0026, Japan

Families and Digital Nomads/Long-term Travelers will most likely love this hotel.
First off, the rooms are very spacious compared to typical Japanese hotel rooms. Most rooms come equipped with kitchen appliances, dining tables, laundry machines, etc… Definitely great if you have kids and are traveling with family.

Location is another strong point. This place is literally right across the station so dragging your luggage around won’t be an issue.

Even though the hotel feels more like an apartment, it still has that clean and modern Japanese aesthetic.

Best For

• Families with children
• People staying for longer periods of time
• Those with bulky/large luggage

Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama

Address: 3 Chome-39-1 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0026, Japan

This hotel provides a happy medium between modern comforts and relaxing Japanese style.

Rooms are comfortable and modern. The rooftop open air baths feel more relaxing/resort like. There are also private baths you can reserve if you want more privacy.

In my opinion, this hotel provides great value for what you get.
The amenities/facilities and quality of the hotel are great.

Breakfast was another highlight of this hotel. There’s a good variety of Japanese and western style food. Perfect for families or kids who are picky eaters.

Best For:

• Couples
• Mid-range travellers
• Those who want modern comforts with onsen facilities

Ryokan Asunaro

Address: 2 Chome-96-2 Hatsudamachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0008, Japan

The ryokan seems smaller and therefore more authentic than some other properties that I have stayed at.

The rooms and buildings are wood framed and give you that feeling of being local. Everything is very quaint. It is also only a 5 minute walk from the station and Old Town.

Staff/Accommodations: Everyone raves about the hospitality they receive while staying at this property. You hear it time and time again…so polite and caring.
If you are looking to stay in a traditional Japanese inn without spending big ryokan dollars, this is a great place to stay.

Best for:

• Explorers
• Couples
• Authenticity seekers

Mercure Hida Takayama

Address: 4 Chome-311-1 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0026, Japan

This international-brand hotel is one of the newer ones to open in Takayama. What surprised me was how well they mixed Japanese elements into this modern design.
The rooms are sleek but comfortable. They don’t feel cookie-cutter. This hotel even has its own onsens onsite. It was nice to experience that bit of Japanese flavor even at an international style hotel.

One downside is that it can feel far from the center of town. Luckily it is close to the station, so if you’re coming by train/bus it won’t be an issue.

If you like staying at international hotel brands, but don’t mind Japanese style, this is a great safe pick that you can trust will be comfortable.

Best for:

• International Visitors
• Business Travelers
• Couples interested in modern comfort

Should You Stay in a Ryokan in Takayama?

In my opinion, Takayama is one of the ideal places in Japan to experience a ryokan stay.

It tends to be cheaper than staying in Kyoto or Tokyo while still maintaining that quaint atmosphere. Ryokans here also typically come with traditional meals made with local Hida beef, vegetables, and mountain mountain dishes.

If you have the budget, I would definitely spend at least one night in a ryokan if you’re visiting Takayama.

It’s a totally different experience.

Best Area to Stay in Takayama

Let’s break it down by traveler type:

Near Takayama Station

For accessibility, families, and day travelers.

Recommended Hotels:

• Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
• Residence Hotel Takayama Station
• Mercure Hida Takayama

Near the Old Town Area

For those seeking atmosphere and a traditional feel.

Recommended Hotels:

• Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan
• Ryokan Asunaro

Looking for Traditional Ryokan Experience

Ideal for couples and travelers wanting to experience traditional Japan.

Recommended Hotels:

• Oyado Koto No Yume
• Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan

Tips for Booking Hotels in Takayama

Book in Advance During Peak Times

Takayama is most popular during these times:

• Autumn (leaf viewing season)
• Winter (snow season)
• Spring (cherry blossom season)
• During the Takayama Festival

Some hotels will sell out weeks in advance, especially ryokans with their own private baths.

Check Dinner Inclusion Carefully

Most ryokans offer a half-board option that includes dinner and breakfast. This is often where they spend most of their budget.

If you choose not to get the meal option you could be cheating yourself out of one of the highlights of staying at a traditional inn.

Factor in Bus Connections

If you are traveling to Shirakawa-go, staying close to the bus terminal will make your life a lot easier.

Staying at a hotel near JR Takayama Station will make your life much easier.

Final Thoughts

Small compared to some of Japan’s larger cities, Takayama has that advantage packed into its charm. Walk around at a leisurely pace and enjoy traditional buildings, mountain vistas and friendly hospitality. It’s sure to be one of your most unforgettable trips to Japan.

When you want the conveniences of Western-style hotels with that traditional Japanese hospitality, TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu is your pick.
Couples looking for a romantic ryokan experience should consider Oyado Koto No Yume and Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan.

And if you are traveling with family, Residence Hotel Takayama Station offers larger rooms and an apartment-style feel.

Whichever hotel you decide on, Takayama is one of those destinations you can feel relaxed in as soon as you step off the plane.