Where to Stay in Hida-Takayama: Choosing the Right Area

The Nohi Bus Center sits in front of Takayama Station, where the Limited Express Hida stops, with buses to Shirakawa-go, Okuhida and Kanazawa. There are many hotels around the station, and the old town is within walking distance.

Best for

• ✓Those making day trips to Shirakawa-go or Okuhida
• ✓Travelers who would rather not walk far with luggage
• ✓Family trips

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Takayama Station; Nohi Bus Center

An area where the streets of an Edo-period castle town survive, lined with sake breweries and Hida beef shops, with morning markets held along the Miyagawa River and in front of Takayama Jinya. There are ryokan and accommodations in converted machiya townhouses, so you can walk the quiet streets early in the morning.

Best for

• ✓First trips to Hida-Takayama
• ✓Anyone who wants to visit the morning markets
• ✓Those who enjoy food hopping and sake brewery visits

Keep in mind

Many shops close early in the evening, so it is safest to have dinner at your accommodation or a restaurant you have booked.

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Takayama Station (walk from the station)

A group of five hot spring areas at the foot of the Northern Alps: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio and Shin-Hotaka, with many ryokan that have open-air baths. The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway offers mountain views, and buses toward Kamikochi depart from Hirayu.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to relax at a hot spring ryokan
• ✓Travelers heading to the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway or Kamikochi
• ✓Anyone who wants to enjoy mountain scenery

Keep in mind

Travel to and from central Takayama is by bus, and there are few places to eat nearby, so accommodation with dinner included is the safe choice.

Nearest stations

🚉 Nohi Bus Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal and Shin-Hotaka Ropeway bus stop

The next town over from Takayama Station on the Takayama Main Line, where streets of white-walled storehouses still line the Seto River. There are ryokan and machiya accommodations, and you can spend time in a calm atmosphere with few tourists.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to stroll quiet streets
• ✓Travelers who want to enjoy two towns by pairing it with Takayama

Keep in mind

There are fewer places to stay and eat than in Takayama, and the town gets quiet early in the evening.

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Hida-Furukawa Station