Takayama Ouan

An amazing onsen-hotel in central Takayama with a rooftop onsen that has an astonishing view of the town and surrounding area (in addition of being a pretty decent onsen in its own right, both indoor and outdoor, plus private alternatives to the main public facility). The view from the upper floor rooms is also exceptional, and as mentioned at the start, location almost cannot get any better. The room itself it pretty decent (with a minor caveat, see below), and with a bed that feels like a modern take on the traditional futon. Can also recommend the breakfast option. While I would not say there is no room for improvement, in this price category, and in this location, it deserves a 10/10!

We can’t recommend this place enough! Fantastic location, only 4 mins away from Takayama Station, 30 mins walk to Hida no sato (the folk village). There are no shoes allowed inside the hotel, you take them off when you enter and put them in a locker. The interior design of the hotel is so beautiful, looks very traditional, with tatami floors throughout and japanese style rooms with huge futon beds. Our room was really big, and only cost us €50 per night - crazy value for money. They have a public onsen and 3 private ones on the 13th floor, the private onsens are on a first come first served basis, with a 30 mins time limit. On the same floor they offer free icecream. Every night for 1 hour they give out free bowls of ramen, it’s not fancy ramen but it’s a very nice gesture and it’s free so what more could you ask for. There’s even a free to use foot bath, just outside the main entrance, with hot spring water, which anyone can use, whether they are a guest at the hotel or not. All in all we had a fantastic stay and would happily come back anytime. Hotel Ouan, おつかれさまでした.

We had such a great stay at the Takayama Ouan! There's something about walking around the hotel in your slippers and yukata as you alternate from onsen to onsen. The three private onsens on the top floor are great! Better yet are the public baths which feature large warm spas, cold plunges and a sauna. Once discovering these, it was hard to keep us away. After a big day of hiking or sight seeing, there isn't anything much better than winding down in the outdoor onsen — looking out over the city. Once you're done in the spa, grab a free icecream on your way down to the dining area for a free bowl of ramen. I miss Takayama — would stay again.

Great price and it's a great location near everything and very close to the station. Room was cozy as well. The breakfast was very good as well. Smoking room inside as well as private/public onsens which were great.

Good size room for two, the bed was pretty comfy and had lots of space to open suitcases. We managed to get into the private onsens without much wait on both nights we stayed, but by late evening the 13th floor was full with people queueing for the baths. Free ice cream after onsen was a very nice touch. Staff were quite friendly and happy to help.