Ryokan Hidatei Hanaougi, Takayama

As you approach Ryokan Hidatei Hanaougi, you'll notice that the entire structure is crafted from natural wood, with wooden walkways, walls, and lattice work that create a warm and serene ambience. The inside common spaces, including the large lobby, observation lounge, and multiple salons, are decorated in a traditional Japanese style, with wooden floors covered partially by tatami mats. If you want to explore the area, you're within a 10-minute drive from popular tourist destinations such as the Teddy Bear Eco Village, Hida Kokubunji, Food Stall Hall, Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, and Festival Forest. 

The luxurious guest rooms at this hotel focus on wood, with soothing design elements that include Jindai cedar, Kamishiro zelkova, and Yoshino cedar. You'll discover sofas and chairs for lounging, calming lighting, and light green tatami mats covering most hardwood floors. Wide windows give you a vantage point of neighboring buildings and tree-covered hills in the background or private decks with hot springs and small Japanese gardens. Sliding screens separate bathrooms from the living rooms and feature showers and large indoor baths where you can soak. If you upgrade your stay, you can relax in the two massage chairs you'll find in your suite. 

While visiting, take time to soak in the hot springs sourced from the Jindai spring, located nearly 4,000 feet (1,200 m) underground. Locals covet this spring water for its silky texture, often compared to a rich beauty serum. You'll have your choice of indulging in the indoor bath, relaxing in the open-air bath, or enjoying the natural hot springs in the privacy of your room. Enjoy the footbath gallery on the first floor, where you can unwind with a view of the courtyard for a different kind of relaxation. When you're ready to eat, dine at the hotel restaurant that highlights the best of Hida Takayama's seasonal ingredients, including the famed Hida beef.