Japan: Hotel Around Takayama

Hotel Around Takayama

Location: It's perfect - only a block away from the bus and train station. There's a Family Mart across the street. It's also near the street market heading to the bridge and riverside for the old town.

Security: You are required to touch your room key at the elevator and your floor will automatically be selected.

Check-in: They have a self-operated cloakroom. You can leave your luggage if you arrive earlier than the schedule or on the day of your check-out.

You can freely roam around the lobby and public facilities while waiting for the check-in.

Room: The biggest bed and largest room we had in Japan. I even check if I mistakenly upgraded our room, but it's the basic room they have.

It's a modern room, with smart tv with Youtube.

They have provided drip coffee and teas, no bottled water.

Services: They have a great laundry facility - having six wash and dry coin machines.  It's connected to the smart tv in your room, so you can monitor it from your room.  

They also have vending machines for drinking water, teas and ice cream. Apart from it, they also have bicycles you can rent.

Private Bath: You can reserve the private bath room at the lobby. They will give you the keys on your schedule.  You can stay for 45 minutes.  They have also prepared milk for the guests. 

Cons: Private bath is enclosed in glass.  Thus, it moist and blocks your view of the lighted garden outside.

At the 2F, you can spend some time at the library.  They have wooden toys and some English books.

Local Program: They have this Good Local program, weaving together travelers and Hida-Takayama community.  They have introduced local cafes, restaurants, food, experiences, activities and places.

While preparing for this trip, there are places and activities that were not seen in vlogs.  But I have seen it on the hotel's instagram which I sincerely appreciate. My favorites are Hankyuu Dojo (archery), Tohouen (cat mochi), and Ohako (an old restaurant).

They have this blank card where you can write-on your experience and share it to other future guests. 

Read more about this local program on this page. 

Check-out: Upon check-out, then you'll settle the fee for the private bath.  It's just a quick process. 

Recommendation: My preferred accommodation among the four hotels we tried on this trip.  We like the experience they were able to offer on the Good Local program the most.  The staff were warm and very accommodating.  We prefer this area for its lively environment and accessibility to food, restaurant and transportation.  Given a change to be back in Takayama again, we'll choose to stay here again.