Ryokan Tanabe Hotel

The location in the heart of Takayama is ideal, and the ryokan offers a good Japanese experience with efficient service and useful facilities. The room was well equipped, the service was good, and the small onsen was nice for relaxing. Meals were traditional Japanese food and served in the room, which was a novel experience. There was an extensive selection of starters and main dishes. Staff were very helpful in explaining dinner and breakfast, both of which are served early. The whole futon routine runs like clockwork: after dinner, the team lays out the bedding, then before breakfast they come to put it away and set the table. I needed a double futon for a comfortable night, and they supplied one without any trouble.

We chose this hotel for both the stay and the included dinner, so it was upsetting to arrive and find no solution after our flight was delayed. We had contacted them ahead of time and asked politely if the meal could be set aside for us, even to eat in our room, but they refused, citing a “hygiene policy.” When we tried to talk it through, reception was rude and called it a “common Japanese attitude,” which felt completely inappropriate. We were left with no alternative after paying for a hotel at this price, and felt as if nobody cared once they had our money. A flight delay is a common problem, so I expected some flexibility or basic understanding. This was my worst experience in Japan, and I wouldn’t recommend the place to anyone who expects respectful service.

Dinner was great, and the location in Takayama is really good. It also feels very authentic. We stayed in a Japanese-style room. It wasn’t cheap, and I found it short on charm, so if your budget allows, I’d go for one of the more spacious rooms. And if you’re Western, ask for an extra futon unless you want your back to hurt for two days 😓

The Hida beef dinner for two was a real treat, and breakfast was lovely too. Our ryokan room was beautifully decorated and kept in great shape, and the private onsen was quiet, cozy, and well equipped. What made the stay especially memorable was how kind and courteous the staff were. They went out of their way to help us and make us feel welcome. We enjoyed Takayama even more than we expected, and the inn gave us the feeling of being in a real Japanese home. Congratulations, and keep up the hard work!