Where to stay in Japan: ryokans in Takayama and Kanazawa
In Japan, where you sleep is part of the trip. The best ryokans in Takayama, Kanazawa and Miyajima, and the Mount Fuji stay you'll remember most.
In Japan, lodging isn't just a place to sleep. In destinations like Takayama or Miyajima, spending a night in a traditional ryokan is part of the trip's experience, and one of those moments you'll always remember. Here's what we recommend at each stop.
Takayama: the best place for a ryokan
If there's one place where it's worth sleeping in a ryokan, it's here. Tatami, yukata, a Japanese dinner: it's pure Japan.
Low cost (€50-100)
- Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama: incredible value for money.
- Chisun Grand Takayama.
- K's House Takayama: a very highly rated hostel, clean and with a good atmosphere.
Mid range (€150-300)
- Irori-yado Hidaya: a very authentic experience, with incredible hospitality.
- Hotel Wood Takayama: a modern boutique right in the old town, a mix of design and tradition.
Luxury (€250-500)
- Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan: one of the best ryokans in the city, with an onsen and kaiseki dinners.
- Ryokan Asunaro: traditional and welcoming, with details that make the experience very special.
- Hidaji (adults only): it's far, an hour by bus, but it's a luxury and relaxation option surrounded by nature.
- Sakyozan: an entire two-bedroom villa.
Kanazawa: a city to sleep somewhere traditional
In mid range (€120-250) you have Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, modern and well located, and Gunjo no Tsuki, a modern Japanese-style apartment that feels very authentic. For the ryokan experience, Kanazawa Chaya is very close to the station and elegant and traditional. In luxury (€400+), Beniya Mukayu is one of the most exclusive ryokans in the area, with zen minimalism and an incredible food experience.
Mount Fuji: this is where it's worth spending more
This isn't a hotel, it's a moment of the trip. Oike Hotel (€100-250) is a very good option, with Fuji views and good value. The experience we recommend most is Kozantei Ubuya: rooms with direct Fuji views and an onsen, probably one of the most memorable moments of the trip. And if you want something unique, Hoshinoya Fuji (€250-600) is luxury glamping with views of the mountain.
Miyajima: sleeping on the island
Many travelers recommend staying on the island because it changes completely at night. Iwaso Ryokan is historic and surrounded by nature, and Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto has a very good location near the torii and traditional dinners. The cheaper alternative is Miyajimaguchi, on the mainland side: more practical, but less magical.
Prices are approximate per night and vary a lot by season and dates. Book ryokans early, because they have few rooms.
Our recommendation
Pick one ryokan night in Takayama, another in Kanazawa if the budget allows, and spend more at Fuji. You'll find the whole route in our 17-day Japan itinerary, and the real costs in how much it costs to travel to Japan.
Our favorite activities in Japan
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