Hidatei Hanaougi

The city of Takayama, in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, is surrounded by rich natural beauty and features a well-preserved old townscape reminiscent of the Edo period (1603–1867), earning it the nickname “Little Kyoto of Gifu.” The area offers a wealth of attractions, including traditional events like the Takayama Festival (held in spring and autumn), which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. There are also long-running morning markets, and a variety of local delicacies, such as premium Hida beef, regional specialties like hoba miso (miso on a dried magnolia leaf), gohei mochi (rice cake coated in sweet and sour sauce), and Takayama ramen. In recent years, the Hida Takayama area (which refers to the city and its surroundings) has even been featured in the Michelin Green Guide, drawing a growing number of visitors from abroad.

The accommodation has a total of 47 guest rooms, 26 of which feature open-air baths, and is lavishly constructed using Yoshino cedar, a high-quality wood grown in the Yoshino region of Nara Prefecture, and rare Jindai cypress and cedar. Jindai refers to ancient pieces of wood buried underground for hundreds to even thousands of years by earthquakes or floods, and later dug up in a preserved state.

The inn takes pride in its private hot spring, the only one of its kind in the area and sourced from 1,200 meters directly below the premises. This spring water is renowned for its rich, serum-like texture. Guests staying in rooms with open-air baths can enjoy the hot spring waters to their hearts’ content in complete privacy. For others, the spacious public baths, with both indoor and open-air tubs, offer a serene setting to unwind. Baths may also be booked for private use. If you wish to do so, be sure to reserve a time at check-in.

As is customary at a traditional Japanese inn, breakfast and dinner are included with the room. Dinner is a multi-course kaiseki-style meal showcasing Hida beef, Gifu Prefecture’s premium Wagyu brand, accompanied by traditional local delicacies such as river fish and wild vegetables, as well as fresh seafood sourced from neighboring Toyama Prefecture. Hida Takayama is also known for its thriving sake brewing tradition, and locally brewed sake is available to complement your meal. A restaurant in the inn serves Takayama ramen, a regional specialty that is perfect for a late-night snack. Breakfast features locally harvested, freshly cooked rice, served together with regional specialties like hoba miso and a selection of light side dishes to help ease you into the day.

Hidatei Hanaougi welcomes guests with open arms. Be sure to book a stay during your visit to Hida Takayama so that you can experience its warm, heartfelt hospitality for yourself.