Thanyaporn 2

The location is close to the bus station and lots of restaurants, and there’s a place to store luggage if you arrive before check-in or leave after checkout. The hot water worked reliably, and the bedroom stayed warm on winter nights. Rooms and facilities were comfortable, making this a great place for families or groups of friends. It was even better than I expected.

We were happy with our stay and got what we expected from the booking. It’s more like an Airbnb than a hotel, so there’s no daily sheet change or toiletries. We booked a room for three through bookings(dot)com with no meals. Check-in was handled by message, and they sent us the room code in advance. There’s a toilet, washing area and tub, plus a small kitchenette with a stove and basic kitchenware. The living room is tight, with a sofa and dining table, and the bedroom can be divided into two parts, one with tatami and the other with a wooden floor. We mostly used the space for sleeping and having a beer or two, and it was more than enough. The location is handy even if, like us, you drive. It’s very close to the main station, about ten minutes on foot from the old street area (sannachi historical house preserved area) and Miyagawa Morning market, twelve minutes from Jinya-mae morning market, and fifteen minutes from Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. There are several izakaya nearby, so you can still find food if you get in by 6 pm, since things close quite early in Takayama. Parking is first come, first served, and cost 1000 jpy per night when we visited in October 2023. We didn’t have much trouble getting a space, and there seemed to be other parking nearby, especially at night, within walking distance. One small suggestion: a complimentary fabric freshener would help, since grilled Hida beef and hoba miso can leave a barbecue smell that’s hard to clear without doing laundry.

We were left outside with our luggage for several hours because this hotel has no reception and hadn’t sent our room number or entry PIN in advance. After traveling more than 12,000 km, we lost an entire day. We tried to reach them, but their replies were late and unhelpful. The rooms aren’t the issue here; customer service was nonexistent. I wouldn’t risk staying here in Japan, and we’ll never return or recommend it.

The owner, Mr. Junichi, was polite and attentive, explaining everything clearly, and the location is superb. The place felt cozy and comfortable, like home, with plenty of space, especially in the bathtub. Breakfast is at a restaurant about a five-minute walk away. It’s not an inconvenience, since you can enjoy the river and the morning market along the way.