Hotels in Takayama

Whispers of the Mountains: Unveiling Takayama's Timeless Charm

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is a charming mountain town that beckons travelers with its well-preserved Edo-period architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. Explore the bustling Sanmachi Suji district, where traditional wooden houses house sake breweries and artisan shops. Visit the Takayama Jinya, a historic government building, and unwind in the serene Shiroyama Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. With its picturesque landscapes, engaging museums, and seasonal festivals, Takayama is a delightful off-the-beaten-path destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan’s rich history and natural beauty. For the best hotel rates in Takayama, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in Takayama

Some of the best places to stay in Takayama are Hida Takayama Onsen, Gero Onsen and Gujo. Hida Takayama Onsen, Gero Onsen, and Gujo offer unique experiences for travelers. Hida Takayama Onsen is known for its traditional ryokans and stunning mountain views, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Gero Onsen boasts one of Japan's top hot springs, providing a relaxing retreat. Gujo, famous for its beautiful rivers and traditional crafts, is perfect for cultural exploration. Accommodations in these areas range from modern hotels to charming ryokans with tatami rooms, catering to various preferences and budgets. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Takayama:

1. Hida Takayama OnsenOpens in a new window: Hida Takayama Onsen is a culturally rich area, perfect for travelers interested in Japan's history and traditions. Key attractions include the historic Takayama Jinya, the cultural village of Hida-no-Sato, and the vibrant Miyagawa Morning Market. This area offers unique ryokan-type accommodations, such as YunoshimakanOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel housed in a national historic building, featuring both indoor and outdoor public onsen amenities. Hidatei HanaougiOpens in a new window, another 4.0-star ryokan, provides a similar hot spring experience with traditional tatami floors. For luxury seekers, WanosatoOpens in a new window is a 4.5-star option with onsite hot springs and elegant facilities.
2. Gero OnsenOpens in a new window: Gero Onsen is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore Gero Onsen Gassho Village, Onsenji Temple, and enjoy the Gero Onsen Funsenchi Outdoor Hot Spring. Affordable accommodations include Enakyo Grand HotelOpens in a new window, a 3.0-star ryokan with both indoor and outdoor public onsen options, and Yukai Resort Enakyoonsen Enakyo Kokusai HotelOpens in a new window, also a 3.0-star hotel featuring hot springs onsite. ToutaroOpens in a new window, another 3.0-star ryokan, offers dining options and recreational activities nearby for a well-rounded stay.
3. GujoOpens in a new window: Gujo is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy winter sports. With ski fields like Takasu Snow Park and Meiho Ski Resort, it’s a hub for skiing and outdoor activities. For lodging, NAGARAGAWA SEIRYU HOTELOpens in a new window is a 3.5-star hotel with dining options and entertainment facilities, making it a great base for exploration. Miyako Hotel Gifu NagaragawaOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel, provides fitness amenities and easy access to outdoor activities. For a unique experience, Hotel Harvest Skijam KatsuyamaOpens in a new window is a 3.5-star resort with hot springs, catering to both ski and wellness travelers.

What to do in Takayama

Nestled in the mountains, Takayama offers a charming blend of scenic landscapes, traditional culture, and vibrant festivals. Spend three days hiking through lush forests, strolling along quaint streets, and immersing yourself in local traditions. With its rich history and picturesque surroundings, Takayama is a captivating destination for travelers. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Takayama:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at the enchanting Shirakawago Historic Village, renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and stunning mountain scenery. After soaking in the picturesque views, make your way to the Miboro Dam, where you can enjoy a walk along the dam and take in the surrounding natural beauty. To relax after a day of exploration, unwind at the Shirakawago Hirase Onsen, where you can indulge in a rejuvenating hot spring experience amidst the tranquil mountain landscape.
• Day 2: Start your day with a visit to the charming Shirakabe Dozogai, a historic street lined with traditional white-walled buildings that date back to the Edo period. Next, head over to Keta Wakamiya Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine that offers serene surroundings and fascinating cultural insights. Conclude your day at Honkō-ji, a tranquil temple where you can appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture, perfect for reflection and relaxation.
• Day 3: Kick off with a visit to the Takumikan Craft Museum, where you can learn about Takayama's traditional crafts and even participate in hands-on workshops. Afterward, take some time to relax at the Nagareha M Plaza Hot Spring, where you can enjoy soothing hot springs and rejuvenate your spirit. End your day at Fujinami Hatcho Yuhodo, where you can delve into the world of miso making and taste some local delicacies, wrapping up your trip with a flavorful experience of Takayama's culinary heritage.

5 tips to find a great Takayama hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: For those traveling on a budget, the most affordable times to visit Takayama are in January, February, and June, when hotel prices are significantly lower. Spending at least 1-2 days in this charming destination is perfect for discovering its main attractions, which include stunning mountains, beautiful temples, and intriguing museums. With its great value for money, Takayama offers a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Takayama, Hotels.com can be a great resource. Simply navigate to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section to uncover potential discounts on hotels as your travel date approaches. You might also want to sign up for email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, allowing you to stay informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute offers, helping you maximize your savings on accommodations in Takayama.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Takayama.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Takayama usually tends to be more expensive. If you opt for accommodations further from the city center, you can take advantage of transportation options like trains and buses to explore the area, which can help you save on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Takayama and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

What to eat in Takayama

Here are some popular dishes in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan:

• Hida Beef: Renowned for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, Hida beef is a local delicacy that embodies the rich flavors of Takayama. Often grilled or served as sashimi, this premium beef is best enjoyed in a traditional yakiniku setting, where diners grill their own slices at the table, allowing for a personalized culinary experience.
• Sushi: Takayama's sushi reflects the region's unique access to fresh river fish and seasonal ingredients. Local sushi chefs often incorporate traditional techniques, serving nigiri topped with fish caught from nearby rivers. Enjoying sushi in Takayama can be a spontaneous experience, as many restaurants offer seasonal specials that highlight the freshest available catches.

Best time to go to Takayama

Takayama experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 21.9°F (-5.6°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 70.2°F (21.2°C). July is usually the wettest month. April, July, and September are the peak travel months in Takayama, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, with moderate to frequent rainfall. On the other hand, May, November, and December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light to moderate rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.