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.

The whole experience was exceptional. Such a relaxing and comfortable experience. The beds were unbelievably comfy, the breakfast is phenomenal with a wide range of high quality western and Japanese foods. You put your shoes in a locker beside reception and the whole hotel is tatami mats. The private onsens are such a treat and we never had to wait more than 20 minutes to use them. There are free lollies outside the onsen for guests to enjoy. They also offer free ramen in their restaurant from 9.30-10.30pm for guests. The staff are so friendly and can’t do enough for you. We are already planning our trip back there to stay again. 100% recommend.

The hotel is only a 4 min walk from the station and very close to other landmarks nearby even hida folk village! The staff was amazing and the whole hotel is strictly no shoes policy. They provide comfortable socks to walk around the hotel areas which gives a very pleasant and traditional feel as all the rooms and hotel floors are tatami! The hotel also has public onsen for men and women while also providing for 3 different private onsen which during our stay did not have trouble finding vacant! All onsen are really good! The hotel also provides lots of amenities, and price included drinks, coffees, night ramen and ice creams which were delicious after having a relaxing onsen. Highly recommended for the traditional element of the rooms and the onsen! Breakfast has plenty of choices both western and traditional! I highly recommend to try the local breakfast options.

Location was great, close to bus station, a short walk to cafes and konbini, not far from centre. The private onsen is amazing, great views. I really liked the room, super comfy and spacious enough. The ramen in the evening was a nice addition.