Are you planning a trip to Takayama and wondering where to stay? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the best areas and hotels in Takayama for 2024.

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No time to read? Here’s a quick summary:

• For first time visitors, stay in Takayama City Centre. It’s the most central area, with easy access to attractions and transport, although it’s not convenient to access old town.
• Sanmachi (Old Town) is perfect for history and culture lovers. Stay here to explore the beautifully preserved, traditional wooden buildings.
• Takayama Station area is ultra convenient for getting around. Best if you plan to take day trips from Takayama.
• Stay in quieter Hanasatomachi for a local vibe and fewer tourists. It’s a short walk from major sightseeing spots.
• If you want a hotel with a private open-air onsen, book Mozumo Ryokan or Takayama Ouan.
• Honjin Hiranoya Annex, Ryokan Asunaro and Rickshaw Inn are top luxury, mid-range and budget picks respectively for Takayama City Centre.

Where to Stay in Takayama: The Best Areas and Hotels

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the best places to stay in Takayama

My Recommendation om where to stay in takayama japan (best area to stay in takayama)

As outlined in detail already, some of the top neighborhoods and accommodations in Takayama include:

• Takayama City Centre – Most central and convenient area, putting you near sights, shops, transport and restaurants. Great affordable ryokans like Ryokan Asunaro.
• Sanmachi (Old Town) – Ideal for history and culture lovers who want to immerse themselves in the atmospheric historic district. Lovely guesthouses like Taniya Ryokan.
• Near Takayama Station – Ultra convenient transport hub to explore Takayama or take trips farther afield. Good range from budget hotels to upscale places like Residence Hotel Takayama Station.

Tip: I stayed at Sanmachi Old Town and Mazumo Ryokan in Huyrin onsen nearby. I think you can see most of Takayama In 24 hours or one day.

 Takayama Where to Stay ? accommodation in takayama japan

Takayama’s ultra-walkable, compact city center stretches 3.5km along the Miyagawa River and is easily explored on foot.

I’ll cover the highlights of the top neighborhoods, along with hotel recommendations for each area.

Takayama City Centre best takayama accommodations 

Hida Takayama hotels where to stay in Takayama for first timers 

As the name suggests, Takayama City Centre puts you right in the heart of the action. It encompasses the areas between Takayama Station and the scenic Miyagawa River.

Staying here means attractions, shops, restaurants and transport are right on your doorstep. For first time visitors, it’s hands down the most convenient location.

The area around Hida Kokubunji Temple is perfect for families. Hotels here have good sized rooms and a peaceful ambiance, while keeping sightseeing spots within easy reach.

Foodies should note Takayama City Centre also boasts the largest concentration of Hida beef restaurants. After all, you can’t visit Takayama without trying this beautifully marbled, locally reared beef!

Recommended City Centre Hotels in Takayama

• Luxury: Honjin Hiranoya Annex – Elegant ryokan with open-air onsen and views. Serves Hida beef dinners.

• Mid-Range: Ryokan Asunaro – Charming ryokan with hot spring baths. Close to attractions.
• Mozumo Ryokan – private and secluded ryokan in the mountains of Takayama with natural Huyrin Onsen with private open air onsen and Hida Beef dinners.

• Budget: Rickshaw Inn – Japanese inn with free WiFi and futon beds. Central location.

Related: takayama hotel with private onsen

Best hotels in takayama japan in Sanmachi (Old Town)

accommodation Takayama Best for history and culture

With its beautifully preserved Edo-era wooden buildings, Sanmachi Suji (Old Town) transports you back in time. Wander the narrow streets as you pop into sake breweries, craft shops and tiny cafes.

Staying in or near Sanmachi means historic attractions like the Morning Market and Shiroyama Park are easily accessible.

Sanmachi is also a great base for day trips to the Hida Folk Village, reachable by bus from Takayama Station in just 20 minutes.

Recommended hotels in Takayama Old Town

Ryokan: Hotel Wood Takayama – Sleek ryokan offering modern style rooms near Sanmachi street.

Budget: Takayama Ninja House – Quirky inn with bar offering free shuttle service. Walking distance to Old Town.

Related: Top Ryokan in Takayama with private onsen & Takayama 2 day Itinerary & Hida Folk Village Guide

hotel around Takayama Station Area

Most convenient for transport and day trips

As soon as you exit the train, you’re in the thick of the action in Takayama’s station precinct.

The area has a nice selection of hotels and some great restaurants, including spots specializing in Hida beef. Takayama Station also offers easy access around town and the region, by bus, train or walking.

It’s just a 10 minute stroll to the Old Town’s sake breweries and craft shops. Or hop on a bus to the delightful Hida Folk Village and experience traditional farmhouses transplanted from the mountainside.

Staying near Takayama Station means starting your explorations as soon as you arrive.

Recommended Takayama Station Hotels

High-End: Residence Hotel Takayama Station – Sleek hotel with fitness center, just opposite the station.

Mid-Range: Eph TAKAYAMA – Sophisticated hotel featuring a buffet breakfast. Short walk from the station.

Hanasatomachi area in takayama

Best for a peaceful, residential vibe

For a quieter, more local experience, base yourself in Hanasatomachi district, south of the river.

You’ll be away from the main tourist center, but still only a short walk from attractions like the scenic Nakabashi Bridge and morning markets.

The area around Hanasatomachi and Tenmanmachi has plenty of shops and restaurants used by locals rather than tourists. Keep an eye out for French bakery Train Bleu, which serves divine pastries.Staying here gives a lovely glimpse into everyday life in Takayama.

Recommended Hanasatomachi Hotels Takayama

High-End: Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama – Sleek hotel with mineral spa and sky lounge offering mountain views.

Mid-Range: Hotel And Spa Gift – Modern hotel with spa lounge and massage services. 15 minute walk to sights.

Budget: Cup Of Tea Hostel – Friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms. Shared kitchen.

Summary of Best areas to stay in takayama & hotels in takayama to book

Best Takayama Hotels with Private Onsen

One of Takayama’s top highlights is soaking weary muscles in mineral-rich hot spring baths. For the ultimate indulgence, book accommodation with private open-air onsen.

Here are our top picks with outdoor hot spring baths:

Luxury – Takayama Ouan – 5-star ryokan with luxurious rooms, gorgeously resorted gardens and premium Hida wagyu beef cuisine.

Mid-Range – Mozumo Takayama – Intimate ryokan offering a more affordable hot spring experience. Enjoy beautifully presented kaiseki meals.

Related: Top Ryokan in Takayama with private onsen & Takayama 2 day Itinerary & Hida Folk Village Guide

Best Takayama Hotels for Families

With spacious rooms to handle the whole group, these family-friendly Takayama hotels take the stress out of vacationing with kids or extended family.

Luxury Apartment – IORI Stay – Chic Japanese style townhouse. Spacious with full kitchen.

Japanese Style Apartment – BEYOND HOTEL Takayama – Homey apartments with full kitchens. 5 minutes’ walk from sights.

Best Hotels for Budget Travelers

You don’t need to break the bank to stay in wonderful accommodation in Takayama. Here are some top-rated hotels under $70 per night:

Budget – Chisun Grand Takayama – Smart hotel with spa lounge. Free bike rental.

Budget – Hotel Kuretakeso Takayama Ekimae – Newly renovated hotel with relaxing spa facilities.

is staying overnight in Takayama worth it?

Yes absolutely! Nestled high in the Japan Alps, Takayama charms visitors with its beautifully preserved old town, charming riverside streets, towering mountain views, and delicious Hida beef.

I stayed 2 nights in Takayama and absolutely loved it. We stayed in a ryokan in Hyurin Onsen and old town of Takayama. I highly recommend both. 

The peaceful mountain city sees fewer tourists compared to major destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto, allowing you to soak up traditional Japanese culture at a more relaxed pace.

Takayama’s varied accommodation options mean you’re spoiled for choice. From cheap hostels and cozy guesthouses to upscale ryokans (traditional inns) complete with private hot spring baths, you’ll find the perfect base here.

Best Time to Visit Takayama

The optimum times to visit Takayama are:

• Spring (late March to May) – Pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer. The cherry blossoms in April and May are stunning.
• Autumn (September to mid-November) – Gorgeous fall colors and seasonal festivals like Takayama Autumn Festival. Ideal hiking weather.

Spring and autumn give you the best chance to enjoy Takayama’s breathtaking natural beauty without extreme cold or crowds of summer travelers. Whenever you visit, booking accommodation and transit early is wise as Takayama is small.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Takayama worth visiting?

Absolutely! Takayama charms visitors with its beautifully preserved old streets, artisan sake and craft shops, delicious Hida beef and stunning mountain scenery. Its peaceful atmosphere makes an enjoyable change from jam-packed Tokyo and Kyoto.

What is there to do in Takayama?

Top things to do include wandering the traditional wooden buildings of Old Town, sampling local sake, exploring morning markets for street food and craft souvenirs, visiting the folk village to see historic farmhouses, and admiring gorgeous views from Shiroyama Park.

How many days do you need in Takayama?

2 or 3 days is ideal to explore Takayama at a relaxed pace. It’s enough time to wander around Old Town, visit attractions like the folk village and morning markets, and make the most of your hotel’s onsen if you choose a ryokan stay.

What is Takayama’s Old Town?

Called Sanmachi Suji, Takayama’s atmospheric Old Town captivates visitors with its beautifully preserved wooden buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and traditional shops. Make sure to pop into some sake breweries and craft stores as you explore this historic district.

What’s the best way to get around Takayama?

Takayama city center is super walkable. But there’s also a convenient local bus network for accessing sights like the Hida Folk Village. Takayama Station offers bus and train connections to regional spots like the mountain town of Shirakawa-go.

Start Planning Your Takayama Hotel Stay

We hope this guide gives you all the tips you need to decide the perfect place to stay in Takayama!

The traditional mountain city makes a wonderful, less crowded alternative to Japan’s hectic big cities. Spend days soaking up historic atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, rich culinary experiences and plenty of relaxing hot spring soaks.

Refer to our Takayama neighborhood and hotel recommendations to find great accommodation choices suiting your budget and travel style.

We wish you a memorable trip to this charming, wonderfully preserved gem of Japanese culture. Please reach out with any other questions as you plan your travels!