Hidatei Hanaougi

Overview

This traditional ryokan checks all the right boxes; Spacious and comfortable rooms, with tatami mat floors and heaps of Japanese character? tick. Gracious hospitality and an intimate welcome? tick. wonderful onsen, with both indoor and outdoor hot pools with therapeutic hot spring waters taken straight from their source? tick. Fine kaiseki dining, presented with exquisite care? tick.

Hidatei Hanaougi is located in a peaceful little neighbourhood in the backstreets of Takayama, well away from the bustle of the main streets. When you first arrive (having been picked up from the station area by their own little shuttle bus), you immediately feel the welcome as Japanese tea is served in the charming lobby area, where the traditional atmosphere of the ryokan is immediately apparent.

Built from a variety of famous local woods, the property’s architecture is calming and stylish, with beautifully traditional spaces in which to relax after time spent exploring Takayama.

They really do have excellent and extensive on-site onsen baths which are available to all guests. You can choose from a number of different soaking locations, including the spacious communal open-air baths designed in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. They also have a relaxing foot spa, and another outdoor onsen which you can rent out for private use…if the whole naked / public thing causes anxiety!

For dinner, indulge in an aesthetically pleasing Kyoto-style kaiseki course meal featuring Hida beef and other local ingredients in your own private dining room. For breakfast, enjoy Hida Takayama's regional dishes and locally grown rice.

The rooms are delightfully Japanese, with heaps of character i.e. tatami mat floors, futon bedding, shoji screens and Japanese cedar timbers. For those who prefer Western beds, they do have a few rooms with Twin Beds, though these are all in the higher category with private outdoor onsens also. The charming and relaxing ambiance of traditional Japan is complimented by modern amenities across all rooms - TV, air purifier, fridge, and WiFi throughout. All rooms have their own toilet and bathroom and are equipped with yukatas – “house coats” – which you wear whenever in-house, in the room or walking to / from the onsen or even in the restaurant. It’s the Japanese way!

Location

Hidatei Hanaougi is tucked out of the way. It is only a short drive from Takayama Station (and coach station) and they have regular shuttle buses running to pick you up / drop your off. You never feel stranded – these regular shuttles run every 30-minutes (in a loop), so exploring the old streets of central Takayama remains always within range.