A fascinating historic city in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture, riverside Takayama is a wonderful gateway to the region's hot springs, as well as an intriguing cultural destination. Accommodation options range from simple ryokans to chic concept hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Takayama are in the atmospheric old town, but we do have two favourites hidden in the peaceful countryside.
Heritage enthusiasts will adore discovering the narrow streets of the Sanmachi Suji historic district. Lined with wooden houses dating back to the Edo Period, the area is also home to many characterful museums, eateries and shops. The Takayama Showa Museum, Takayama Jinya, Takayama Museum of History & Art and the Hikaru Museum are all excellent. The city has famously hosted the biannual Takayama Festival since the mid-1600s, and the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall displays some of the stunning gilded floats which feature in the parade.
Follow the Higashiyama Walking Course or venture beyond the city for hiking and cycling paths aplenty. The Great Limestone Cave of Hida is striking, as are the region’s mountains, forests and hot springs. Hide away in one of the best places to stay in Takayama and feast on delicious cuisine in a charming setting.
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Takayama (Gifu)
A former food warehouse then bank, turned minimalist inn, in the centre of town. Cosy rooms with shower and alcove or loft beds, enveloped in warm wood made from Japanese cedar. No restaurant, but there's a kitchen available plus many eateries nearby. A chic city stay at a reasonable price.
Takayama (Gifu)
A 4* hotel in Takayama, offering a modern twist on a classic concept. Spacious rooms in 'modern' and 'classic' styles feature walls adorned with local art and traditional crafts. A range of onsens and a fabulous restaurant ensure a serene escape in this historic city.
Takayama (Gifu)
A striking hotel in Hida Takayama Onsen. Guests can opt for Japanese or Western style rooms, some with views to die for. There are hot-spring baths (open-air and indoor), a sauna and zen garden, plus restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese and French cuisine. The perfect spot for a chilled city stay.
Takayama (Gifu)
A comfortable hotel in downtown Takayama. Rooms in gold and turquoise are minimalist and serene, with soft lighting. There's a restaurant serving buffet meals, a sultry piano bar and the chic rooftop boasts a natural hot spring with panoramic views. A good choice for a reasonably priced city break.
Takayama (Gifu)
Situated in the heart of Takayama, this comfortable hotel has light, spacious rooms with sitting areas, kitchenettes and washing machines. The large rooms with bunkbeds are especially good for groups or families, plus there's a bar serving snacks. A great choice for a budget-conscious city break.
Takayama (Gifu)
A wooden structure with zen at its heart, in the heart of Takayama old town. The warm theme continues throughout with comfortable rooms, a lounge designed around a sunken fireplace and a calming zen room. Complimentary tea and a large public bath complete the picture for a relaxing stay.
Takayama (Gifu)
A charming hotel in a renovated building in the centre of town. Rooms feature high ceilings, wood-lined tubs and original artwork. There's a tea lounge with locally sourced Japanese tea, two private baths infused with the scent of cypress wood, plus a cute courtyard garden. A delight for the senses.
Takayama (Gifu)
This ryokan is in the centre of bustling Takayama yet, once inside, it's like a different world. Spacious guest rooms are filled with the warmth of natural wood while the communal areas reflect the building's history and character. It's the perfect spot to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Takayama
An historic hotel in the heart of Hida, offering a rural sanctuary for travellers. Traditional Japenese style rooms, with authentic features including tatami flooring and Japanese decor. Enjoy delicious, seasonal local cuisine, and the use of relaxing hot spring baths. Utter bliss.
Takayama (Takayama)
This culture-concept hotel is situated in the Hida Takayama Onsen district of Takayama. Interiors are warm and inviting, with exposed wood accents complemented by natural hues. Each room features original fusuma artwork inspired by Takayama’s natural landscape and traditional Mino yaki coffee cups.
Takayama (Gifu)
A small hotel in a residential area of downtown Takayama. Streamlined rooms (some with tatami floors and futons) give a relaxed feel, plus there's a complimentary breakfast (alternate Japanese bento box or Western fare). A garden with a hot spring bath completes the picture for a serene city stay.
Takayama (Gifu)
Nestled in the tranquil Hida Mountains, this resort offers a magical escape with glorious views. Rooms feature tatami floors and futons, plus there are indoor and outdoor baths. The restaurant serves traditional Kaiseki food and there are complimentary noodles every night. A haven for relaxation.
Takayama (Gifu)
An elegant hotel in the heart of historic Takayama Old Town. Spacious suites in neutral tones have soaking tubs and separate sitting rooms. The indoor hot spring bath features special toiletries for both men and women plus there's a sushi restaurant serving authentic fare. A stylish city escape.
Takayama (Gifu )
A tree-themed adult hideaway in a secluded corner of Takayama city. The traditional ryokan boasts bespoke rooms with tatami mat floors and earthy colours; the best with private terrace and outdoor hot spring onsen. Delicious Kaiseki cuisine features the best produce from the Northern Alps.
Takayama (Gifu)
An adult-only ryokan situated between mountains and natural hot springs in Takayama. Stylish rooms offer beautiful simplicity with contemporary Japanese design and private baths. There's a lush garden with forest views, plus delicious in-room dining. The perfect grown-up stay in a tranquil setting.
Takayama (Gifu)
A traditional, high end, timber-fronted ryokan, dating back to 1934, in the centre of Takayama's Historic District. Perfect for an authentic experience with a hot spring onsen, futon beds, tatami-matted floors, and elaborate kaiseki dinners served in your room. An authentic stay.
Takayama
A stunning riverside ryokan set in original 160 year old thatched houses. Just eight individually designed, authentic rooms plus a traditional "irori" hearth sitting centre stage. There are two onsens on site (one rock, one cypress) and delcious, elaborate Kaiseki cuisine. Tradition at its best.
Takayama (Gifu)
This charming Japanese inn feels like an oasis of calm in Takayama. Guestrooms have traditional tatami mats and local cedar wood accents, in addition to sliding screens leading to open-air terrace baths. Sample seasonal dishes at the hotel's chic restaurant after sightseeing.
Takayama (Gifu)
This hideaway hotel is nestled amongst the Fukuji Ho hot springs in the foothills of Japan's Northern Alps. Guestrooms have a sitting room with tatami mats and a sunken table connected to a Japanese-style bedroom, in addition to private open-air baths. Sample rustic, seasonal cuisine at dinner.
