Hotel and Spa Gift Takayama

The service was really nice, and the staff were friendly and spoke English well. I slept very well here. The hotel was clean and neat, with new, useful equipment, a big comfortable bed, and a tidy restroom. I found both dinner and breakfast satisfying, so if you book the option with both meals, you won't have anything to complain about. It was a good experience for me.

The rooms were nice, and the view, especially with snow outside, made the hotel feel cozy. I stayed here with my family for Christmas and loved it. The outdoor onsen was especially pleasant in the cold weather. After a hot soak, we could relax in the lounge and have tasty free popsicles. They also served more free food in the evening, and I remember it tasting amazing. If you visit Takayama, stay here.

We stayed with our two older kids, and this part of our trip became a highlight of our visit to Japan. The staff were professional and helpful, and everything felt welcoming and easy. The hotel is close to local shops and about a 10-minute walk from the scenic Old Town. In winter, its location is especially handy: just a few minutes on foot from the train and bus stations, including the hub for Shirakawa-go buses. That made dealing with luggage in the snow much easier, since public transport in Takayama isn't as frequent as in Tokyo or Osaka. We loved the Japanese-style breakfast, with so much variety I couldn't try it all on the first day. In winter, there was also a rich, savory beef curry that was perfect before heading out into the cold. The onsen and sauna are simple, clean, and functional. The open-air bath looking toward the Takayama mountain range was a favorite, especially with fresh snow falling while we soaked. The onsen is gender-separated and requires full nudity, so that's something to know if you're new to Japan. Unlimited access was a great value, and the free popsicles afterward were a thoughtful touch. It really felt like a "Gift" to us from Japan.

The buffet breakfast has both Western and Japanese options, and the front office staff were friendly, helpful, and good at English. Ms Maruaka-San and Mr Taga-San were especially professional and helpful. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The location is superb, just 200m from Takayama station and about a 10-minute walk from most tourist attractions.