Most people visit Takayama as a day trip to see Sanmachi Suji, maybe eat some ramen, then move on to Shirakawa-go.
And that’s just fine.
But in my opinion, Takayama is a worthy destination in itself. And after visiting Takayama 3 times, we realized just how much this town in the Japanese Alps has to offer!
There is no shortage of things to do in Takayama, and you definitely can’t see it all in a day. And by staying in Takayama, you can beat all the crowds and settle into the town’s onsens, edo-era streets, and temples, and then cap it all off by dining at its restaurants after all the day-trippers leave.
In this guide, I will share the pros and cons of the 4 main areas that you can stay at in Takayama. I will also provide my recommendations for accommodations in each of those areas, which include both western-style hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans, so you can find a place to stay in Takayama no matter your travel style.
Our Experience Staying in Takayama
We have been to Takayama three times now, and each time we experienced the town in a slightly different way.
On our first two trips to Takayama, we stayed in regular accommodations, and on the third, we drove in with a camper van and used that as our base. After all of that, I think it’s safe to say we have a pretty good handle on what it’s like to stay in Takayama.
On our first trip, we stayed at a traditional ryokan in Central Takayama. It was a good move, since we could walk pretty much anywhere. From Central Takayama, we could cross the Miyagawa River and end up in the Sanmachi Suji area in a few minutes, where many of the town’s must-see attractions are.
For our second visit to Takayama, we switched things up a bit and stayed at a western-style hotel near Takayama Station. Staying there meant we had a longer walk to the main sightseeing areas, but we enjoyed going by the small shops and cafes during our walks. And of course, when it was time to leave, walking over to Takayama Station with our luggage was a breeze.
Our third trip to Takayama was for the Takayama Spring Festival. We slept in our camper van in the Sanmachi-Suji area of Takayama. This was by far the most convenient since we were smack dab in the middle of all the action, not only of Takayama Old Town, but also for the Takayama Festival!
Best Areas to Stay in Takayama
Here are the four main areas that most people stay in Takayama:
- Takayama Station
- Central Takayama
- Sanmachi-Suji Area
- Sakuramachi
Each area has its own pros and cons, but the good news is that Takayama is small and walkable. No matter where you stay, you will never be far from the places you want to see. It’s just a matter of how far you’ll need to walk.
If you’re just looking for my quick recommendation: staying in Central Takayama is the best all-around choice. It provides a good balance of convenience and price. It’s also close enough to most of the town’s main attractions and has a good spread of shops and restaurants right in the area.
That said, getting around Takayama by walking is not difficult. Most people can easily get from one area of the city to another. For example, the walk from Takayama Station to the Sanmachi Suji area takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Most attractions in town fall within a similar range, so you can expect a max of around 15 minutes between one spot and the next.
Below is my opinion on each area of Takayama based on our experience there:
Takayama Station
Takayama Station is the gateway to Takayama. It has the town’s train and bus station, and is bisected by the main road that runs through the city. Due to the accessible location, there are many places to stay around Takayama Station, including many high-rise western-style hotels.
But don’t think that Takayama Station is just a transit area. The dense city begins literally right across the street from Takayama Station. There are many restaurants and shops in the area, often priced more reasonably than those in other areas since it’s outside the main tourism hub.
The drawback of staying near Takayama Station is that you will need to walk into the city’s other areas to go sightseeing. There are no attractions in the Takayama Station area. But Takayama is not big, so most people will have no problem walking around to get where they need to go.
Central Takayama
Central Takayama sits along the west bank of the Miyagawa River and has some of the city’s attractions, including Takayama Jinya and the Jinya-mae Morning Market. It’s sandwiched between the Takayama Station Area and the Sanmachi Suji Area, so it’s a good balance of convenience and price, with many places to stay and some of the city’s best restaurants.
You really can’t go wrong staying in central Takayama, as it’s well within walking distance of every other area in the city.
Sanmachi-Suji Area
The Sanmachi-Suji Area is the heart of Takayama and the most convenient place to stay if you’re doing lots of sightseeing. It’s located along the Miyagawa River, and many of the city’s top attractions are located here, including the Sanmachi Historical Houses, the Miyagawa Morning Market, and the Takayama Town Museum.
During the day, the area is bustling with activity, as it’s the epicenter of tourism in the city, with its Edo-style shops, restaurants, and sake breweries. And if you want to get a hike in during your stay in Takayama, the area is adjacent to the Higashiyama Walking Course and the Takayama Castle Ruins.
But all that convenience comes at a price. There are not many places to stay in the Sanmachi Suji Area, so they tend to be booked ahead of time and a bit on the pricier side. Still, staying in Sanmachi-Suji is my recommendation if you’re visiting Takayama with limited time and are looking for the most convenience.
Sakuramachi
If your idea of a stay is getting in touch with Takayama’s cultural side, then Sakuramachi is hard to beat. The Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan are both located in this area, which is where four of the Takayama Fall festival floats are stored for most of the year.
The Sakuramachi area is adjacent to the Sanmachi-Suji Area, but it also has a traditional houses area of its own called the Homeitaigumi Preservation Area, which is more of a museum-type area with historical houses rather than a commercial one. The area also has some of our favorite cafes in the city, including Cafe & Gallery.
But the Sakuramachi area is definitely on the quieter side. You won’t find any big hotels here. Instead, it has a few traditional ryokans and whole houses for rent. Overall, if you’re looking for a low-key stay while still being within range of the town’s main attractions, then staying in Sakuramachi is a good choice.
Where to Stay near Takayama Station
Takayama Ouan
Takayama Ouan can be best described as a cross between a Western and Japanese-style hotel. Walking in, you’ll think you’re entering a modern Western hotel with a large lobby, but when you reach the rooms, the vibe changes.
You get the familiar Western-style bedding and bathroom, but it’s paired with Japanese-style furnishings and tatami floors. It’s a tasteful combination and perfect if you’re looking to get immersed in Japanese culture without sacrificing familiar Western comforts.
The hotel has both public and private onsen on the roof, and the view over the Takayama valley adds a quiet, scenic finishing touch to the end of each day. It is especially nice after walking around town or exploring the city’s old streets.
Overall, if you want something that feels Japanese but still keeps everything simple and familiar, Takayama Ouan is a solid choice.
Koko Hotel
Koko Hotel is a modern Western-style hotel in the Takayama Station area. Their rooms are simple, clean, and have everything you would expect, including a private bathroom, a small fridge, and a TV.
The hotel serves breakfast in the morning, so you can charge up for a big day of exploring. And when you return at the end of the day, you can use the hotel’s onsen to wind down after a full day.
In my opinion, the best part of staying at Koko Hotel is that they offer free bicycle rentals. It makes exploring Takayama super quick, and you can cover a lot of ground while saving your energy for sightseeing instead of walking.
Overall, if you want a convenient base near the Takayama Station with a few extra perks, Koko Hotel is a solid pick.
K’s House Takayama Oasis
K’s House Takayama Oasis is a traditional Japanese ryokan with a friendly, hostel-style vibe. You can choose from dorm rooms, private rooms with futons, or a full tatami room if you want the classic Japanese stay. The property is clean and comfortable, so it’s easy to settle in for a few days while you explore Takayama.
The kitchen is well equipped, and you can cook your own meals, store groceries, and eat in the property’s common area. It’s the kind of space where people chat with other travelers, unwind after a day in town, or simply hang out with a cup of tea.
They also have a washer and dryer, so you can do your laundry there. Huge bonus if you’re in the middle of a long trip.
Overall, K’s House is a solid place to stay in Takayama if you want comfort, value, and a social atmosphere without giving up the charm of a ryokan.
Where to Stay in Central Takayama
Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan
Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan sits right next to Takayama Jinya and just across the red Nakabashi Bridge from Sanmachi Suji and the Old Town. The location is about as good as it gets. You can walk to Takayama’s main sights in minutes.
And even though it’s located right in the middle of everything, the hotel still feels calm. That’s because this place leans into the luxury side of things, and the service shows it. The staff handles everything with care, from taking your shoes at the door to setting up and putting away your futons each day. Thoughtful touches that you won’t find at most other places.
The hotel offers both western and Japanese-style rooms, which is a big plus. You can stay in luxury, close to the action, without having to compromise on your preferred room type.
Overall, if you are looking for an elevated stay in Takayama and have the budget for something special, Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan is hard to beat.
The Machiya Hotel
The Machiya Hotel is a Western-style hotel that also offers Japanese-style rooms, so you can choose whatever feels right for your trip. Every room comes with its own private bathroom, TV, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Basically everything you’d expect from a modern hotel. It has clean finishes and is the kind of place where everything just works.
The lounge area is a nice bonus. Perfect for grabbing a drink and relaxing after a day of walking around Takayama. The whole property looks and feels new, from the rooms to the shared spaces, and it is kept very tidy.
The location is convenient too. It is about a ten-minute walk from the Takayama Station, so you can get around easily without needing transportation. And if you want something extra during your stay, the hotel has two private onsens you can book for a fee. They are a fun, quiet way to unwind at night.
Overall, The Machiya Hotel has a clean, modern style with friendly service and a great location. If you want comfort and convenience with a touch of Japanese charm, it’s a good choice.
Hostel Murasaki
Hostel Murasaki is a traditional-style ryokan tucked into a quieter part of Central Takayama. You still have easy access to the main streets, but the area stays calm, which gives the place a relaxed, homey feel.
We stayed here on our first trip to Takayama, and it was a great budget-friendly option. One of the biggest perks was the shared kitchen. Being able to cook our own meals and eat in the common area saved money and made the stay feel more personal. The common space was perfect, and we enjoyed chatting with other travelers there.
The rooms are simple but cozy, and the whole property has that classic ryokan style without feeling dated. We settled in quickly and felt comfortable right away.
Overall, if you want a Japanese-style ryokan that won’t push your budget, Hostel Murasaki is a solid choice.
Where to Stay near Sanmachi-Suji
Hotel Wood
Hotel Wood sits right in the heart of Takayama’s Old Town. From the outside, it blends perfectly into the Edo-era streets, but once inside, you get a clean, modern aesthetic that still maintains its traditional charm.
The rooms at Hotel Wood are a nice balance between Western and Japanese style. They are spacious and come with comfortable beds and a bigger-than-normal bathroom (for Japan standards, anyway).
The hotel’s Zen Room is styled after a traditional Japanese tea room, giving you an atmosphere that is calming in all the right ways. The hotel also has a large onsen facility, which is perfect for soaking away the day while experiencing the Japanese bath culture firsthand.
Perhaps the best part of Hotel Wood, though, is the tours they offer. The staff curates experiences, some of which you won’t find in guidebooks. For example, you can join a night tour of Old Town to see Takayama after the crowds disappear, or go snowshoeing in winter.
Overall, Hotel Wood is a great choice if you want modern comfort, traditional touches, and a location right in the middle of Takayama.
Daihachi
Daihachi isn’t a hotel. It’s an entire house that you get to yourself. It fits up to four people with two standard beds and two futons, and it comes with a kitchen, a living area, and plenty of space to spread out.
It’s located in a quiet area, just a couple of blocks from the Miyagawa Morning Market. You can roll out of bed, grab some fresh snacks, and start your day off right. Having a home base in the middle of Takayama also means everyone can wander back whenever they want during the day to rest, recharge, or enjoy a quick meal.
The place gets its name from one of the 11 floats for the Takayama Autumn Festival. The house is adjacent to the storehouse for the famous three-wheeled float. If you happen to visit during the autumn festival, you might catch the float being brought out right outside your stay.
Overall, if you’re visiting with friends or family and want an entire house to yourselves, Daihachi is an excellent choice in Takayama.
Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun
Many hotels in Takayama have onsen facilities, but Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun takes it a lot more seriously. First of all, their large public bath is traditionally styled with wood and stone, and it feels more like you’re going to a relaxing spa than a communal bathhouse.
If you want to go all in, their Japanese-style rooms are the way to do it. Each of these rooms has spacious tatami floors and its own private open-air hot spring bath facing the mountains.
Meals are served in the dining area, and the property’s hillside location gives you views of Takayama and the surrounding Alps. But because of the elevated location, there is a short uphill walk to get to the property. However, the hotel offers a shuttle from Takayama Station, so you don’t have to carry your luggage on the climb.
Overall, Hidatakayama Futarishizuka Hakuun is perfect if you’re looking for a traditional Japanese stay centered around hot springs and relaxation.
Where to Stay in the Sakuramachi Area
Tsuki-Akari Takayama
Tsuki-Akari is a lovely Japanese house. It sits beside a small creek and has a peaceful open-air garden with a bath tucked in the back. It’s like having your own little private oasis in Takayama.
You get the entire place to yourself, which makes it perfect for groups who want privacy and space. Inside, you’ll find a kitchen, a tatami room, and even a washer and dryer. It has everything you need to settle in and feel at home while you explore Takayama
The house is located right along the Enako River, so you can start your mornings with a quiet riverside walk or stop by one of the nearby cafes for a drink.
Overall, Tsuki-Akari is a great choice if you want to stay in a peaceful, private space with the comfort of having your own house in Takayama.
Live Takayama
Live Takayama is a guesthouse, but not in the traditional ryokan sense. Once you step in, you’re joining the host’s extended family. They look after you in a personal way, from cooking breakfast to picking you up from Takayama Station.
The property has only two rooms, one Japanese-style and one Western-style. Staying here feels peaceful and intimate; it’s family-style living in Takayama.
But what really stands out is the level of personal attention. The host is happy to share local tips, make restaurant reservations, and even build a custom tour plan for exploring Takayama.
Overall, Live Takayama is a great fit if you want a cozy stay with hands-on guidance from a thoughtful local host.
Minshuku Iwatakan
Minshuku Iwatakan is a traditional Japanese-style accommodation in the Sakuramachi area. It sits in a quiet local neighborhood, tucked away from the business of the town, which gives the place a more authentic feel.
The inn is located in an old wooden house, and you can feel that warmth the moment you step inside. The interior is decorated with local crafts, and the rooms have tatami floors that keep things simple and cozy.
The rooms themselves are small and private, with shared toilets. It’s a modest setup, but it works well if you’re looking for a simple, traditional stay.
One nice perk of staying here is the onsen area. It’s small but relaxing, with one outdoor wooden tub and a slightly larger indoor bath. After a day of walking around Takayama, it hits the spot.
Overall, Minshuku Iwatakan is a good place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet, traditional ryokan experience in a local neighborhood.
Travel in Takayama
Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a charming town known for its expert woodworkers, traditional architecture, and delicious cuisine.
Here you can wander through its preserved Sanmachi Suji, go back in time at the Showa-Kan Museum, snack at the Miyagawa Market, and explore the Higashiyama Temple Area.
Takayama is easily our favorite small town in Japan—so much so that we’ve visited it three times!
How to Get to Takayama
There are two ways to get to Takayama by public transportation: Train or bus.
Nagoya is the closest major city to Takayama, so most train routes to Takayama pass through Nagoya. If you’re taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, expect to stop in Nagoya along the way.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from these cities, which is a more budget-friendly option and only slightly longer in travel time.
For example, while the train ride from Tokyo to Takayama takes about 5 hours, the bus ride is just an hour longer at 6 hours. Plus, with the bus, there’s no need to transfer or juggle luggage between trains.
Japanese buses are clean and reliable, making them a hassle-free option, especially if you’re carrying a lot of bags. However, keep in mind they may not be as spacious or comfortable as a train.
Best Time to Visit Takayama
We recommend visiting Takayama in either spring or autumn. These seasons have the best weather for exploring the town, with mild temperatures. In spring, you’ll catch the cherry blossoms in bloom, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the trees. Both times of year make for an ideal visit.
- Spring (late March to May): The weather is cool, but not too cold. The Takayama Spring Festival happens in April, around the same time as the cherry blossoms!
- Summer (June, July, and August): Summer in Takayama is the rainy season. While the weather can be nice for outdoor activities, it tends to be humid and wet during the summer.
- Autumn (October to November): The temperatures haven’t gotten too cold and the leaves start to change colors in late October and early November. The Takayama Autumn Festival also happens in October!
- Winter (December, January, and February): Winter in Takayama is cold and snowy. While there won’t be many crowds in Takayama during the winter, it is a tough time to visit since Takayama gets a decent amount of snowfall.
How to Get Around Takayama
You do not need a car to get around Takayama. Most things in Takayama are within walking distance of each other. For places that are just outside of the Takayama City Center, you can use the bus to get there.
Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle to get around Takayama. That’s what we did the first time we visited the town.
Some accommodations in Takayama provide bicycles for you to rent. If yours doesn’t, here are two places in Takayama where you can rent bicycles:
If you drive a car to Takayama, check with your accommodation about parking. Many places do not have on-site parking, and you may need to pay to park in a nearby lot.
Our Free Takayana Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Takayama locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Takayama locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Takayama adventure.
Are You Following Our Takayama Blog Series?
We’ve been to Takayama three times and found so many awesome things to do there. To help you plan your trip to Takayama, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Ultimate Guide to Takayama: 17 Awesome Things to Do in Takayama
- How to plan your trip to Takayama: Takayama 2 Day Itinerary
- Our Takayama accomodation guide: Where to Stay in Takayama: Guide to the Best Areas and Hotels
- We attended Takayama Spring Festival and put together a guide to help you navigate the crowds: Takayama Festival: Our Complete Guide
- Our favorite hike in Takayama: Higashiyama Walking Course
I hope you enjoyed our guide to where to stay in Takayama, Japan! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
