Hotel Hotaka
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 234 reviews
Hotel Hotaka sits beside the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway on the slopes of the Northern Alps, offering direct access to high-elevation vistas and a quiet mountain setting. The property is positioned to serve visitors exploring the Hida region’s principal sights, including Kamikochi and nearby traditional towns, and it combines panoramic alpine outlooks with easy access by bus from Takayama and by car from regional highways. Guest rooms are offered in both Japanese-style and twin configurations, designed for couples, families and single travellers seeking a nature-focused base in Gifu.
The spa facilities are a defining feature: the hotel operates a garden-style open-air bath fed from on-site sources and multiple indoor bathing areas supplied by sulfur and simple springs, with public bathing hours that extend from mid‑afternoon into the following morning. Several room categories include private bathing facilities, so the property functions both as a ryokan with onsen in Gifu for communal bathing and as a ryokan with private onsen in Gifu for those who prefer in-room privacy. Bathing areas are complemented by basic wellness amenities and rotating seasonal views of the surrounding peaks.
Dining follows regional practice with multi-course meals that highlight local ingredients such as Hida beef and seasonal mountain produce; meals are typically presented in a kaiseki-style sequence and served in dining rooms or as part of set plans. Practical amenities include on-site parking and hotel-wide Wi‑Fi, and front-desk services coordinate ropeway visits and local sightseeing. The hotel’s combination of hot-spring bathing, mountain access and regional cuisine makes it a considered choice for travellers wanting an onsen-centered stay in the Okuhida area of Gifu Prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Hotaka
Positive Reviews
Excellent hot spring facilities (indoor & outdoor)
Many reviewers praised the onsen, especially the outdoor baths with mountain and snowy views — described as superb, gorgeous and a highlight of the stay.
High‑quality traditional meals
Guests repeatedly complimented the food: multi‑course traditional dinners, strong breakfast offerings, and standout items (A5 wagyu mentioned). Several said the cuisine was gastronomic and a major reason to stay.
Ideal mountain location near Shinhotaka ropeway
The ryokan's position next to the cable car/ropeway and in a scenic mountain setting was frequently noted — convenient for ropeway access, peaceful, and offering beautiful views.
Friendly, helpful staff and good service
Many reviews highlight welcoming, helpful staff, good hospitality, privacy for guests, and useful amenities (toiletries, free water, parking), contributing to a relaxing stay.
Spacious rooms and authentic atmosphere
Guests appreciated large Japanese‑style rooms (futons, family rooms), a clean and retro/traditional ambiance, and comfortable accommodations that fit the mountain retreat character.
Negative Reviews
Very narrow / rigid breakfast and meal scheduling
Multiple guests reported an inflexible breakfast window (often cited as 7–8am or latest 8am) and were frustrated by the inability to adjust times; some noted the need to reserve meals in advance and limited Western breakfast options.
Remote location with few nearby shops or restaurants
While the location is scenic, reviewers warned it is isolated — there are no nearby convenience stores or eating options, so many recommend booking full board or preparing in advance.
Rooms and facilities feel dated or in need of maintenance
Several guests mentioned older decor/equipment and an outdated design; one review raised concerns about cleanliness and odors in parts of the property.
Noise from the nearby stream and limited soundproofing
A few reviewers noted that rooms facing the river can be noisy (especially after rain) despite triple glazing, which can disturb light sleepers.
Price versus value concerns for some guests
A minority of reviewers felt the hotel was expensive and questioned value — citing cost, occasional disappointing breakfasts, or feeling rushed through multi‑course meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin and Japanese-style to four-bed layouts; standard Japanese+Western rooms can sleep up to four guests. Extra beds are available only in Japanese-style rooms.
Yes — the property operates natural hot spring baths including a large indoor hot-spring bath and an open-air rock bath, plus a sauna and Jacuzzi. Public bathing is the primary onsen experience for guests.
The hotel lists public indoor and open-air baths but does not advertise permanent private onsen rentals; please ask reception on arrival or when booking about any private-use options or timed reservations.
The hotel provides a free shuttle between JR Hotaka Station and the property (advance reservation required); outbound and inbound shuttle times are published by the hotel and should be reserved at least one hour in advance. Matsumoto Airport is the nearest airport and is reachable by car or taxi; the hotel notes convenient access from Matsumoto.
Take the JR Oito Line to Hotaka Station and use the hotel shuttle or a taxi (about 15 minutes by taxi). From Matsumoto Airport and Matsumoto Station it is a drive of roughly 25–40 km depending on route; car or taxi is usually the fastest option.
The hotel website and guest information are available in English and staff can assist in English for common services; for complex requests you may wish to confirm ahead of arrival.
Check-in normally begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you need an earlier check-in or later check-out, contact the hotel in advance to check availability.
Children aged three and older are accepted; baby cots and extra beds are limited and subject to room type. Pets are not permitted at the property.
The hotel offers both Japanese and French dining and a Japanese/Western breakfast buffet; dinner and some meal options require advance reservation. Notify the hotel of dietary needs and reserve meals when you confirm your stay to ensure availability.
Popular nearby attractions include Daio Wasabi Farm (about 20 minutes by car), Matsumoto Castle (around 40 minutes by car) and Kamikochi (roughly 90 minutes by car); the hotel can help arrange excursions or the Kamikochi transfer if booked in advance. Local sightseeing is easiest by car or taxi, and seasonal buses/train connections serve the Hotaka area.