Takayama Hot Spring Gifu Prefecture Complete Guide｜Thorough Explanation of Hida Takayama Hot Spring Accommodations, Day-Trip Hot Springs, and Spring Quality
Takayama Hot Spring in Hida, Gifu Prefecture, is a representative hot spring destination in the Tokai region where charming historic townscapes blend with hot springs. Hot spring inns scattered around Takayama Station boast optimal locations as tourism bases, and day-trip bathing facilities are also well-equipped. This article provides a thorough explanation of the charm of Hida Takayama Hot Spring, from spring quality and source springs to recommended hot spring inns, day-trip hot springs, and surrounding sightseeing.
What is Hida Takayama Hot Spring｜The Charm of Gifu Prefecture’s Emerging Hot Spring Destination
Hida Takayama Hot Spring is a relatively new hot spring destination that emerges in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Multiple source springs are scattered mainly in the southern part of Takayama city, each with different spring qualities. It possesses a unique charm where the historic townscape continuing from the Edo period’s castle town blends harmoniously with modern hot spring facilities.
History and Origins of Hida Takayama Hot Spring
The development of Hida Takayama Hot Spring is relatively recent, with full-scale drilling conducted after the Heisei period. Hot springs were discovered at depths exceeding 1,000 meters underground in the Takayama city area, and multiple source springs were developed. This added hot springs as a new attraction to Hida Takayama, a traditional tourist destination, greatly increasing its value as an accommodation tourism base.
Geographic Characteristics of Hida Takayama Hot Spring
Hida Takayama Hot Spring has many hot spring inns concentrated within a 5-10 minute walk from JR Takayama Station. Access is also excellent, being just about 5 minutes by car from the Takayama IC. Located at an altitude of approximately 570 meters, surrounded by the mountains of the Northern Alps in a basin, it offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Access from the Tokai region is also good, with the express train Wide View Hida taking approximately 2.5 hours from Nagoya and within day-trip range from the Osaka and Kyoto areas. It is also an ideal location as an access base to Shirakawa-go and Oku-Hida Hot Spring Resort.
Spring Quality and Efficacy of Hida Takayama Hot Spring｜Characteristics of Four Source Springs
The greatest characteristic of Hida Takayama Hot Spring is that multiple different source springs are scattered throughout the city. There are four main source springs, each with different spring qualities and efficacies.
Takayama Ryujin Hot Spring
Takayama Ryujin Hot Spring is one of the representative source springs of Hida Takayama Hot Spring. The spring quality is alkaline simple hot spring with a pH of 9.1, showing high alkalinity. This high alkalinity is expected to provide beautiful skin effects that make the skin smooth.
Efficacies:
- Chronic dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Dry skin
- Neuralgia
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Motor paralysis
- Joint stiffness
- Bruises and sprains
- Chronic gastrointestinal disorders
- Hemorrhoids
- Cold sensitivity
- Post-illness recovery period
- Fatigue recovery
- Health promotion
- Diabetes
Characteristics of Other Source Springs
Besides Takayama Ryujin Hot Spring, Hida Takayama Hot Spring has multiple other source springs, with each hot spring inn and day-trip facility using their respective sources. Simple hot spring is the main spring quality, but components vary slightly by source, allowing guests to enjoy different sensations of hot water at each inn.
Source spring temperatures vary as well, from those requiring heating to high-temperature sources. Many facilities use both source spring straight-through and circulation methods, though some facilities achieve completely source spring straight-through bathing.
Recommended Hot Spring Inns and Hotels at Hida Takayama Hot Spring
Hida Takayama Hot Spring has diverse accommodations ranging from traditional inns to modern hotels. Here, we introduce particularly recommended hot spring inns.
Hida Takayama Hot Spring Futari Shizuka Hakuun
Futari Shizuka Hakuun is a luxury inn representing Hida Takayama Hot Spring. In a quiet environment, guests can enjoy high-quality hot springs and kaiseki cuisine using Hida ingredients. All guest rooms have spacious layouts where guests can enjoy private time. The hot spring uses source spring straight-through bathing, and the open-air bath offers views of seasonal natural beauty.
Hida Takayama Hot Spring Takayama Green Hotel (Keio Group Hotels)
Takayama Green Hotel, operated by Keio Group Hotels, is a large hotel representing Hida Takayama Hot Spring. Located about a 6-minute walk from Takayama Station with the historic townscape also within walking distance.
The natural hot spring large bath and open-air bath on the top floor command panoramic views of Takayama city. The breakfast buffet features approximately 60 types of menus including Hida Takayama regional cuisine, with dishes using magnolia leaf miso and Hida beef also served.
Hida Takayama Hot Spring Watt Hotel & Spa Takayama
Watt Hotel & Spa Takayama is a hotel featuring modern design and extensive spa facilities. The hot spring has both a large bath and open-air bath, with sauna and relaxation facilities also well-equipped. With excellent access just about a 3-minute walk from Takayama Station, it is convenient for both business and tourism use.
Hida Takayama Hot Spring Hossho-kan
Hossho-kan is an established inn adjacent to Shiroyama Park. While centrally located in Hida Takayama, it offers a quiet environment for enjoying hot springs. It specializes in cuisine using carefully selected ingredients including A5-grade Hida beef, also offering regional dishes unique to Takayama.
Conveniently located within walking distance to the morning market, it is also convenient for early morning walks. The hot spring has both a large bath and open-air bath where guests can bathe leisurely while feeling Hida’s nature.
Hida Takayama Hot Spring Spa Hotel Alpina Takayama
Spa Hotel Alpina Takayama is a hotel with extensive hot spring and spa facilities. Located about a 5-minute walk from Takayama Station, it is ideal as a tourism base. The large bath is spacious, and the open-air bath allows bathing while feeling the seasonal breezes.
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort is a resort hotel located on a plateau overlooking Takayama city. Free shuttle buses run from Takayama Station, making access convenient. The hot spring has both a viewing large bath and open-air bath offering spectacular views of the Northern Alps.
With spacious guest rooms and extensive facilities, guests can enjoy a relaxed stay. The restaurant offers cuisine using local ingredients including Hida beef.
Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama Musubi-no-yu
Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama Musubi-no-yu is a relatively new hotel that opened in 2019. Located about a 3-minute walk from Takayama Station with the historic townscape about a 10-minute walk away. The hot spring large bath “Musubi-no-yu” on the top floor commands panoramic views of Takayama city, with an open-air bath also complete.
Guest rooms are equipped with washing machines, dryers, and mini kitchens, accommodating long-term stays. Breakfast features Japanese and Western buffets using Hida Takayama ingredients.
Hida Takayama Hot Spring Hida Hotel Plaza
Hida Hotel Plaza is an established hotel located about a 5-minute walk from Takayama Station. Equipped with a hot spring large bath and open-air bath, guests can easily enjoy Hida Takayama Hot Spring. The specialty is cuisine using Hida beef, served in various cooking methods including steak and shabu-shabu.
Hida Takayama Honjin Hiranoya Kofukan (formerly: Hida Takayama Honjin Hiranoya Annex)
Honjin Hiranoya Kofukan operates as an annex of the established inn “Honjin Hiranoya” continuing from the Edo period. While retaining the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn, it also incorporates modern comfort. The hot spring uses source spring straight-through bathing, allowing guests to savor the pure charm of hot springs.
Wanwan Paradise Takayama (formerly: Takayama Wanwan Paradise Hotel & Cottage)
Wanwan Paradise Takayama is a hot spring inn where guests can stay with their pets. It is ideal for those wanting to enjoy a hot spring trip with their beloved dogs, with facilities such as dog runs also well-equipped. While somewhat removed from the city center, it allows leisurely time in a nature-rich environment.
Hida Hanasato-no-yu Takayama Sakuraann (Kyoritsu Resort)
Takayama Sakuraann, operated by Kyoritsu Resort, is a hot spring inn featuring Japanese modern design. The building has multiple bathing areas allowing guests to enjoy bathing rounds. Free services such as night-crying soba are also popular. Located about a 7-minute walk from Takayama Station with good access to the historic townscape.
Mercure Hida Takayama
Mercure Hida Takayama is operated under the French hotel brand “Mercure.” European style and Japanese traditions blend into a unique design. Equipped with a natural hot spring large bath, guests can enjoy Hida Takayama Hot Spring in an internationally-flavored atmosphere.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities at Hida Takayama Hot Spring
Hida Takayama Hot Spring has well-equipped day-trip hot spring facilities where visitors can easily stop during sightseeing.
Hidamari-no-yu
Hidamari-no-yu is Hida Takayama’s only source spring straight-through day-trip hot spring facility. Using source spring luxuriously emerging from 1,000 meters underground, guests can enjoy genuine hot springs.
Inside the facility, besides a large bath, open-air bath, and sauna, it also has Korean-style relaxation (foot reflexology and body scrub), restaurants, and budget accommodations. With long operating hours extending into the late night, it is ideal for soothing fatigue after sightseeing.
Day-Trip Bathing at Hot Spring Inns
Many hot spring inns accept day-trip bathing. Day-trip bathing is available at major hot spring inns including Takayama Green Hotel, Hossho-kan, and Spa Hotel Alpina. Operating hours and fees vary by facility, so advance confirmation is recommended.
Day-trip bathing allows easy enjoyment of inns’ famous large baths and open-air baths. Some inns offer packages combining lunch with bathing, allowing guests to enjoy both Hida beef cuisine and hot springs simultaneously.
Access to Hida Takayama Hot Spring
Access to Hida Takayama Hot Spring is available through various methods including train, car, and bus.
Access by Train
From Nagoya area:
From JR Nagoya Station, take the express Wide View Hida for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to JR Takayama Station. From Takayama Station, each hot spring inn is 5-15 minutes on foot or about 5 minutes by taxi.
From Osaka/Kyoto area:
From JR Osaka/Kyoto Station via Nagoya, transfer to the express Wide View Hida, arriving at JR Takayama Station in approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours total.
From Toyama area:
From JR Toyama Station, take the express Wide View Hida for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to JR Takayama Station.
Access by Car
From Nagoya area:
Using the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, exit at Takayama IC. From Takayama IC to the city center is about 5 minutes. Takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours from Nagoya.
From Osaka/Kyoto area:
Via the Meishin and Tokai-Hokuriku Expressways to Takayama IC takes approximately 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes.
From Toyama area:
Via National Route 41, takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Parking is available at each hot spring inn, and day-trip bathing facilities also have parking. Large hotels like Takayama Green Hotel have parking facilities accommodating over 90 vehicles.
Access by Bus
Highway buses also operate with direct services from Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, and elsewhere. Takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from Nagoya and approximately 5 hours 30 minutes from Osaka. Highway buses arrive at Takayama Nohhi Bus Center, from where each hot spring inn is accessible on foot or by taxi.
Sightseeing Spots Around Hida Takayama Hot Spring
The charm of Hida Takayama Hot Spring is not limited to the hot springs alone. The surrounding area has abundant historical townscapes and sightseeing spots.
Historic Townscape (Sanmachi Street)
The historic townscape retaining the atmosphere of an Edo period castle town is the representative sightseeing spot of Hida Takayama. The three streets of Kamisan-no-machi, Kamini-no-machi, and Kamiichi-no-machi are called “Sanmachi Street,” with traditional merchant houses lined up.
Sake breweries, miso storehouses, folk crafts shops, and cafes are arrayed, and simply strolling feels like time-traveling to the Edo period. Street food such as Hida beef hand-pressed sushi, Hida beef skewers, and mitarashi dumplings are plentiful.
Takayama Jinya
Takayama Jinya is a former administrative office managing Hida as direct shogunate territory during the Edo period, and the only surviving county magistrate/deputy magistrate office building. Designated a National Historic Site, visitors can view how the office operated then. The extensive grounds preserve the administrative office, workspace, and judicial court area.
Miyagawa Morning Market and Jinya-mae Morning Market
Takayama has two morning markets. Miyagawa Morning Market opens along the Miyagawa River, while Jinya-mae Morning Market is held in front of Takayama Jinya. Fresh local vegetables, fruits, pickles, folk crafts, and more are sold, with local interaction also enjoyable. Operating from around 6 a.m. until noon, it is ideal for early morning walks.
Takayama Festival
The spring Sanno Festival (April 14-15) and autumn Hachiman Festival (October 9-10) are counted among Japan’s three most beautiful festivals as the Takayama Festival. Splendidly ornate festival floats parade through town, and the evening floats decorated with lanterns create a magical atmosphere.
Hida-no-Sato
Hida-no-Sato is an open-air museum preserving folk houses from Hida region including gassho-zukuri (steep-roofed farmhouses). With over 30 buildings, it allows visitors to experience life in old Hida. Demonstrations of traditional crafts such as straw work and dyeing are also conducted.
Shirakawa-go
Located approximately 50 minutes by car or about 1 hour by bus from Takayama, Shirakawa-go is a gassho-zukuri collective registered as a World Heritage Site. With 114 gassho-zukuri houses extant, it conveys Japan’s primeval landscape today. The itinerary of staying at Hida Takayama Hot Spring and visiting Shirakawa-go is popular.
Oku-Hida Hot Spring Resort
Located approximately 1 hour by car from Takayama, Oku-Hida Hot Spring Resort comprises five hot spring destinations: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayus, Tochio, and Shin-Hotaka Hot Springs. Located at the foot of the Northern Alps, it features abundant hot spring volume and diverse spring qualities. Enjoying hot spring tours combined with Hida Takayama Hot Spring is also recommended.
Enjoying Hida Cuisine at Hida Takayama Hot Spring
The enjoyment of Hida Takayama Hot Spring extends beyond hot springs alone. Hida region unique cuisine represents a major attraction.
Hida Beef
Hida beef is a brand of black Wagyu cattle raised in Gifu Prefecture. Characterized by fine-grained marbling, tender meat quality, and refined sweetness, many A5-grade highest-quality specimens are produced. Hot spring inns offer Hida beef in various cooking methods including steak, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and magnolia leaf miso grilling.
Magnolia Leaf Miso
Magnolia leaf miso is a representative regional dish of Hida Takayama. Miso with Hida beef, scallions, and shiitake mushroom are placed on magnolia leaves and grilled, with the leaf’s aroma transferring to the miso, creating unique flavor. Many hot spring inns serve this at breakfast.
Takayama Ramen
Takayama ramen is characterized by light soy sauce-based broth and thin, crimped noodles. Despite simplicity, it possesses deep flavor loved by local people. The city center has many ramen restaurants, with stopping by after hot springs also recommended.
Hida Buckwheat Noodles
Hida buckwheat noodles made from buckwheat cultivated in Hida region are also regional specialties. Characterized by aromatic noodles with firm texture, they offer various eating methods from cold zaru soba to hot kake soba.
Goheimochi
Goheimochi are regional folk dishes where crushed rice is wrapped on skewers and grilled with sweet-savory sauce. Popular as street food in the historic townscape.
Seasonal Enjoyment of Hida Takayama Hot Spring
Hida Takayama Hot Spring offers enjoyment of seasonal nature and culture.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is the season of the Takayama Festival (Sanno Festival). The spring Takayama Festival held on April 14-15 features splendidly ornate festival floats parading through town. Cherry blossoms typically bloom mid-April, allowing cherry blossom and hot spring enjoyment at places like Shiroyama Park.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is a season of beautiful fresh greenery. The Northern Alps mountains become verdant, allowing enjoyment of cool highland climate. Fresh vegetables and fruits from morning markets become abundant. The high altitude allows relatively cool summer temperatures.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is the season of autumn foliage and the Takayama Festival (Hachiman Festival). The autumn Takayama Festival held October 9-10 rivals spring as a major Takayama event. From mid-October through early November, surrounding mountains are painted with autumn colors, and viewing autumn foliage from hot springs is exceptional.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is an ideal season for enjoying snowy scenery and hot springs. The historic townscape in white snow possesses charm unique to winter. Enjoying warm sake after bathing in hot springs is exceptional. January also hosts events such as sake brewery tours.
Model Courses for Fully Enjoying Hida Takayama Hot Spring
1-Night, 2-Day Model Course
Day 1:
- 12:00 Arrive at Takayama Station
- 12:30 Lunch on Takayama ramen
- 13:30 Explore historic townscape (Sanmachi Street)
- 15:00 Tour Takayama Jinya
- 16:00 Check into hot spring inn
- 17:00 Bathe in hot spring
- 18:30 Hida beef kaiseki dinner
- 20:00 Evening historic townscape walk
- 21:00 Hot spring bathing (evening open-air bath)
Day 2:
- 6:30 Morning market walk (Miyagawa or Jinya-mae)
- 8:00 Breakfast (magnolia leaf miso, etc.)
- 9:00 Tour Hida-no-Sato
- 11:00 Check out from hot spring inn
- 11:30 Final bathing at day-trip hot spring
- 13:00 Lunch then head to Takayama Station
2-Night, 3-Day Model Course Including Shirakawa-go
Day 1: Arrive in Takayama, explore historic townscape, stay at hot spring inn
Day 2: Day-trip to Shirakawa-go, return to Takayama and stay at hot spring inn
Day 3: Morning market walk, tour Hida-no-Sato, depart
This course allows full enjoyment of both World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Hida Takayama Hot Spring.
Points for Booking Accommodations at Hida Takayama Hot Spring
Booking Period
During busy seasons—Takayama Festival times (April and October), Golden Week, Obon, and autumn foliage season (late October-early November)—booking 2-3 months ahead is recommended. Winter and weekdays offer relatively easy booking with many discount plans.
Inn Selection Points
- Location: Inns near Takayama Station or historic townscape are convenient for sightseeing
- Spring Quality: Prioritize source spring straight-through bathing or facility amenities
- Cuisine: Verify Hida beef grade and cooking methods
- Room Type: Japanese rooms, Western rooms, rooms with private open-air baths, etc.
- Budget: 15,000-40,000 yen per night with two meals is the average
Cost-Effective Booking Methods
Booking sites like Rakuten Travel, jalan.net, and Yukoyuko allow point returns and coupon usage. Many inns offer early-booking and multi-night stay discounts, making comparison across multiple sites recommended.
Tokai Hot Spring Destinations to Visit Along with Hida Takayama Hot Spring
Gero Hot Spring
Located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Hida Takayama, Gero Hot Spring is counted among Japan’s three most famous hot springs. Known as the “beautiful woman’s hot spring” for its alkaline simple hot spring with reputation for silky skin, enjoying hot spring tours combining Gero and Hida Takayama is recommended.
Oku-Hida Hot Spring Resort
As mentioned above, Oku-Hida Hot Spring Resort is located approximately 1 hour by car from Hida Takayama. Each of the five hot spring destinations has distinctive characteristics allowing hot spring tours. Shin-Hotaka Hot Spring is particularly popular for its open-air baths with spectacular Northern Alps views.
Nagara River Hot Spring
Nagara River Hot Spring emerges along the Nagara River flowing through Gifu city and is famous for cormorant fishing. Located approximately 2 hours by car from Hida Takayama, it is ideal for hot spring tours within Gifu Prefecture.
Conclusion: Experience Healing and Culture at Hida Takayama Hot Spring
Hida Takayama Hot Spring in Gifu Prefecture is a fascinating hot spring destination where the historic castle town atmosphere blends with quality hot springs. With numerous hot spring inns concentrated within walking distance of Takayama Station and excellent access, it is a highly attractive destination.
Multiple source springs with different spring qualities available for enjoyment, enriched local cuisine including Hida beef, and abundant sightseeing spots like the historic townscape and morning markets represent major characteristics of Hida Takayama Hot Spring.
Day-trip bathing facilities are well-equipped, allowing easy hot spring enjoyment between sightseeing. It also serves as an ideal base to Shirakawa-go and Oku-Hida Hot Spring Resort.
Hida Takayama Hot Spring possesses appeal through all four seasons—spring’s Takayama Festival, summer’s fresh greenery, autumn’s crimson foliage, and winter’s snowy landscape. As the Tokai region’s representative hot spring destination, it continues enchanting many tourists. At Hida Takayama Hot Spring, where tradition and modernity harmonize, enjoy a hot spring trip offering healing to body and spirit.
