Ryokan Tanabe 旅館田邊
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 688 reviews
Ryokan Tanabe (旅館田邊) is a traditionally styled Hida ryokan operating since 1934, set in the heart of Takayama’s historic district. The property combines a century-old main building with a more recent annex, showcasing local timber construction and Hida architecture; inside you’ll find a quietly appointed lobby and a lounge with an irori hearth. Guest accommodation is Japanese-style with tatami flooring and futon bedding, and most room types include en-suite facilities; a limited number of suites and special rooms are fitted with semi-open-air baths for greater privacy. The inn provides practical touches such as freshly brewed coffee available throughout the day and a selection of colorful yukata for female guests.
The bathing facilities center on Hida Takayama onsen waters reputed locally for skin-smoothing qualities, delivered in a mix of indoor and outdoor settings: a moodful rock bath, a fragrant hinoki (cypress) tub and a Shigaraki-fired open-air rotenburo. Communal hot-spring bathing is prominent, with optional massage treatments and the semi-open-air room baths offering a more intimate option; the property therefore functions both as a ryokan with onsen in Gifu and as a traditional accommodation for those seeking on-site thermal bathing. Staff manage bathing schedules to balance comfort and privacy, and shared bathing areas are maintained in a quietly elegant style consistent with the inn’s heritage.
Meals emphasize regional produce and Hida culinary traditions: multi-course kaiseki dinners and local breakfast dishes—often centered on seasonal fish, mountain vegetables and A5-ranked Hida beef—are typically served in guest rooms to preserve privacy. The ryokan also offers limited on-site parking (advance reservation recommended) and a front desk that assists with local sightseeing; the location allows easy walking access to Takayama’s old quarter and morning market, with organized day-trip options toward nearby sights such as Shirakawa-go. Overall, the property blends established ryokan service with straightforward modern comforts for exploring Gifu Prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
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Review summary for: Ryokan Tanabe 旅館田邊
Positive Reviews
Excellent central location
Guests repeatedly praised the ryokan’s location in the centre of Takayama — very close to the main street and within easy walking distance of the station, shops and restaurants, which made sightseeing and luggage transfer convenient.
Attentive, friendly staff and service
Many reviews highlight warm, attentive service; staff are described as very kind and helpful, providing a high level of hospitality around meals, check‑in and general guest care.
Outstanding kaiseki meals and breakfasts
Multiple guests praised the quality, variety and presentation of the traditional kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts, calling the meals excellent, plentiful and a highlight of the stay.
Traditional Japanese atmosphere and decor
Reviewers enjoyed the authentic ryokan experience — tatami rooms, futons, kimono surprises and traditional decoration — which provided a strong cultural immersion and pleasant ambience.
Clean, pleasant onsen and good facilities
The onsen, both indoor and outdoor for some guests, was noted as clean and enjoyable; other facilities such as room cleanliness, décor and available amenities (e.g. communal coffee) were also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Perceived high price
Several guests felt the ryokan was expensive for what it offers; price was mentioned repeatedly as a downside despite the overall positive experience.
Uncomfortable pillows / futon sleeping
A number of reviewers commented that pillows were small or too firm and that sleeping on futons may be uncomfortable for some visitors who are not used to them.
Onsen temperature and size issues
Some guests found the baths very hot or the onsen rather small when fully occupied, which limited how long they could comfortably stay in the water or reduced availability at busy times.
Limited English spoken by staff
At least one review noted that staff spoke little English, which made communication harder for non‑Japanese speakers given the level and price of the ryokan.
Rigid meal/breakfast arrangements and occasional room shortcomings
A few guests reported limited flexibility (for example, automatic Japanese breakfast with extra charge to change to a Western option) and some mentions of older‑feeling rooms or missing comforts such as bathroom heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single/triple Japanese-style rooms to suites; many rooms list futon capacity up to 4–5 guests. Always check the selected room’s maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property offers indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths (rock and cypress features) and a public onsen area. Bath hours and rules vary, so please check at reception on arrival.
Some room types include a semi open‑air bath, and private-use options may be available on request. Ask the ryokan directly when you reserve to confirm availability and fees.
No airport shuttle is listed; JR Takayama Train Station is about a 10‑minute walk from the ryokan. For airport transfers, take public transport to Takayama or arrange a taxi/private transfer in advance.
The property’s listing and guest reviews highlight attentive staff, but the listing does not guarantee full multilingual service. If you need English assistance, mention this when you book so the ryokan can prepare.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course Japanese dinners and a set breakfast, and meals are served in guests’ rooms. Dietary requests can usually be accommodated if noted in advance.
It sits in the centre of Takayama’s Historic District, a 5‑minute walk from Old Town and Takayama Jinya. Hida No Sato is a short bus ride away and Shirakawago is reachable by car in about 45 minutes.
Check‑in is listed between 15:00 and 18:00 and guests must present photo ID at arrival; check‑out times vary by property but are commonly around mid‑morning. Confirm exact check‑out time and late‑arrival arrangements with the ryokan before travel.
The property accepts special requests, but pet policies and full privatization are not specified on the public listing. Contact the ryokan directly to request permission for pets or to inquire about exclusive hire or event arrangements.
Yes — the ryokan is close to small supermarkets, cafés and restaurants in Takayama’s historic centre, making errands and local dining convenient on foot. Reception can recommend nearby places and directions.