Hotel Wood Takayama is a small, well-run hotel on Kamininomachi, in the heart of the preserved old town. Its trump card is position: the preservation area is about a minute away on foot, the Jinya and the Miyagawa morning market are nearby, and Shiroyama Park is close. The station is about twelve minutes away on foot, so it suits travellers who like to walk. Rooms are non-smoking and run from standard singles and twins to deluxe, superior triple, family and barrier-free types, with free WiFi, air conditioning and heating, in-room safes, electronic bidet toilets and kettles. There is a public bath without hot-spring minerals, a bar and laundry, and breakfast is available for a surcharge. Guests rate cleanliness and staff very highly, and the multilingual team can help with tickets and tours.
Location and getting around
Staying in the old town changes the experience, because you can walk the lanes at dawn and at dusk when the day-trippers are away. The morning market is on your doorstep, the sake breweries and craft shops are within a few minutes, and you can return to your room between sights. The trade-off is distance from the station, about twelve minutes, so with luggage you may prefer a short taxi ride, and the bus stops for Shirakawa-go and Okuhida are at the station.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are compact and neat, with comfortable beds and thoughtful extras such as a kettle, a water dispenser, toiletries and a hair dryer. The family room sleeps four, the triple sleeps up to five and the deluxe offers more space. There is no mineral hot spring, only an indoor public bath, so if onsen is a priority, look at the other hotels in this guide. Parking spaces are limited, so ask before driving. Pets are not allowed. The concierge desk and the multilingual staff help with luggage, tickets and recommendations.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, solo travellers and small groups who want an authentic old town address at a modest price. Breakfast is optional and paid separately, and the old town offers many cafes if you prefer to eat out. The area is quiet at night, since shops close early, so choose a restaurant before you head out. Expect narrow lanes, so pack light, and in winter wear shoes with grip on icy paths. Book early for the festival and holiday periods, because the location is in high demand.
Why stay here
- ✓One minute to the Sanmachi lanes
- ✓Indoor public bath
- ✓Bar and laundry
- ✓Breakfast available for a fee
- ✓Concierge and ticket assistance
- ✓Multilingual staff
- ✓Free WiFi and heating
- ✓Kettle and in-room safe
Good questions
Is Hotel Wood Takayama in the old town?+
Yes, it is about a minute from the preserved Sanmachi area and near the Miyagawa morning market. It is about twelve minutes on foot from the station.
Does it have a hot spring?+
No, it has an indoor public bath without hot-spring minerals. For onsen, choose one of the other hotels in this guide.
Is parking available?+
Limited spaces are available, so ask before you arrive. Many guests arrive on foot or by bus.
