Hida Hanasatonoyu Takayama Ouan

I liked the traditional Japanese setting, and the hotel itself felt comfortable and pleasant. The onsen area was a different matter. There was no staff member watching it, and I saw a guest go in fully dressed, even though that isn’t allowed. It made me uneasy and could leave other guests with a bad impression too. I hope the hotel adds clearer etiquette guidance for international visitors and better supervision.

The plumbing noise kept waking us during the night, with water flushing or running at intervals. The lifts were painfully slow for the number of guests, and the lobby felt chaotic, with luggage scattered around. That wasn’t what we expected after paying over $500 for a night. We booked breakfast in advance because of all the hype, but it was much like an ordinary hotel breakfast, and the loud crowd made it less enjoyable. The automated car park was another hassle every time we needed the car, and the staff member handling it came across as annoyed instead of helpful. At the concierge desk, instructions were delivered mechanically and without warmth. I know service in Japan can be reserved, but at other hotels we visited, staff still made us feel welcome. Also, this is a no-shoes hotel, so you have to remove and lock your shoes whenever you go in or out. We chose Takayama Ouan after seeing its zen atmosphere, private onsens, and positive reviews on Agoda. The room and facilities were decent, but the stay didn’t match the premium price or the experience we expected. I rarely write negative reviews, but wanted others to know what they might encounter.

You didn’t have to wait long for a private onsen, and while waiting you could help yourself to free ice cream or Yakult. They even served complimentary ramen soup in the evening. The no-shoes rule added to the cozy feel, with everyone walking around in socks. We had a truly wonderful stay, highly recommend this hotel.

From the 13th floor, you can see the town and the snow-capped Northern Alps in the distance. That floor has separate public baths for men and women, plus three private baths available on a first-come basis for 20 minutes at a time. The hotel also serves free hot soba in the first-floor dining area from 9:30 to 10:30 pm. Staff worked hard to keep everything tidy, and the service was excellent. The hotel is about five minutes from Nohi Bus Terminal and Takayama JR station. Takayama Jinya is within a 15-minute walk, and during my 3D2N stay I watched the Spring Festival [13-15 April 2026] floats and performance there. It was busy, with lots of guests coming and going. Shoes aren’t worn inside: you lock them in a cabinet and keep the key until you return. Toiletries are available by the lift lobby before you head to your floor. Highly recommended.