Japanestay Takayama House Hotel

The rooms are unusually spacious for Japan and have a washing machine, a little kitchenette with a pan and pot for light cooking, and a bathtub. It seems well suited to families or longer stays if you like having some home comforts. Everything feels fresh and clean since the property is newly built. Check-in is at a lobby kiosk, which is usually unmanned, and was quick and simple for us. The hotel is within walking distance of Takayama Station, though the old town is farther away, around a 15-20 minute walk. Parking is limited to just a few cars, so get there early if driving. For the comfort, facilities, and reasonable price, it was very good value in Takayama.

We booked the quad room, which sleeps up to four and has two bunk beds. The lower bunks are roomy enough for two people each, and every bed has outlets by the headboard. The layout also includes a sofa and sitting area, a kitchenette with a stove, utensils and microwave, plus a bath and toilet in separate rooms. There’s a Japanese-style stool and soaking tub, and a washer-dryer with detergent provided. The hotel is around 450 meters, or a seven-minute walk, from JR Takayama Station. It’s far enough from the crowds and noise for a peaceful stay. Check-in was easy on a tablet: scan your passport, fill out the form, and you’re done. We used a password to get into the room instead of a key card. There’s no restaurant on site, but a 7-Eleven and local ramen shops are just around the corner. We had a great stay and would recommend it to families or small groups.

The rooms are large and modern, with in-room laundry, a small kitchenette, and a low price, so groups or families with all the beds could suit it well. But the train and main sights felt farther away than we wanted, the blinds let in quite a bit of light, and the beds weren't especially comfortable. It also has fewer extras than some nearby hotels, with no onsen, pajamas, or face care products. We stayed one night, then moved to a hotel closer to the center. Those extra 5-7 minutes of walking each way can really add up over several days, especially when it’s dark and cold.

Our family of five shared one room and still had plenty of space. The beds were really comfortable, the room was spacious and very clean, and the staff were kind, patient, and understanding.