Shitanda
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Shitanda is a traditionally built countryside ryokan set amid rice fields and woodland near Takayama, preserved to reflect roughly two centuries of local architecture. The property emphasises low-key, time-honoured hospitality and seasonal rhythms: communal spaces with an open hearth and a small garden frame communal dining and quiet evenings. Located a short drive from Hida Takayama Station and within easy reach of Takayama’s historic centre and regional attractions, it presents a rural alternative to town-centre stays and is promoted as a ryokan with onsen in Gifu for travellers seeking an authentic Hida experience.
Accommodation is arranged in Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futon bedding, and room types offer combinations of shared bathing and private toilet facilities. Meals are a selling point: multicourse kaiseki dinners centred on Hida’s mountain vegetables, river fish and locally raised Hida beef are prepared for nightly service in the main dining hall. Facilities include a natural hot-spring bath, a modest lounge and parking on site; the inn runs a courtesy shuttle by prior arrangement and provides straightforward service for guests arriving by train or car. This ryokan with onsen keeps a compact, family-run scale that favours personalised attention.
Practical details are clear: normal arrival hours run in the late afternoon to evening while checkout is early morning, and the property can host seasonal activities such as local flower and autumn-leaf viewing or winter excursions to nearby ski fields. Its position makes it a convenient base for visiting nearby cultural sites, rural walking routes and the famed mountain villages of the region. For travellers seeking a calm, traditional stay with regional cuisine and access to hot-spring bathing, Shitanda offers a focused, place-specific option close to Takayama and throughout Gifu Prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shitanda
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Guests repeatedly praise the old, well‑preserved building and traditional features (yukata, futon, tatami), along with a beautiful garden and rural setting that delivers an authentic Japanese stay.
Very friendly, attentive staff and hosts
Hosts are described as warm and helpful, offering detailed communication before arrival, attentive service during the stay and personal touches (explaining meals, taking photos, accommodating requests).
Excellent meals (kaiseki) and generous breakfast
Dinner and breakfast are frequently highlighted as delicious, plentiful and beautifully presented; many guests cite the kaiseki meal as a highlight of their stay.
Onsen facilities with private-use flexibility
The property offers a small onsen that guests find pleasant and usable 24 hours; when occupancy is low visitors have been able to use facilities privately (family or single‑gender use).
Convenient free shuttle and peaceful countryside location
Although off the town center, reviewers value the calm rural location, garden and views, and emphasize the free pick‑up/drop‑off service to Takayama Station and available parking as helpful conveniences.
Negative Reviews
Location is somewhat remote
Multiple guests note the ryokan is a few kilometres from Takayama and requires a 10‑minute drive; access by car or the offered shuttle/bus is usually necessary.
Rooms can be cold in shoulder seasons
Visitors staying in late winter or early spring reported that rooms may be chilly and recommend being prepared for lower indoor temperatures.
Onsen water not always a natural volcanic spring
At least one guest pointed out the onsen is not a sulphurous geothermal spring, describing it as a basic onsen rather than a mineral/volcanic hot spring.
Property is a bit dated
Some reviews mention the building and facilities are older; however, guests also comment that it is kept very clean and well maintained.
Limited natural airflow in some rooms
A few guests observed that outside air circulation is restricted (screened windows), so they relied on provided fans or air conditioning to circulate air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style; many rooms fit up to six guests on futons, and the property has a main building and annex with multiple room sizes. Contact the ryokan in advance for group arrangements.
Yes, the ryokan has an onsen for guests and also offers a bookable private open-air bath; guests often report flexible access including early-morning and late-evening use.
Yes — the ryokan runs a complimentary shuttle from Takayama Station (scheduled pickups around 16:00 and 17:00); you must reserve the shuttle in advance and confirm your pickup location when booking.
Most visitors travel to Takayama via major hubs (Nagoya or Toyama) by train or bus and then reach the ryokan by the free shuttle, taxi, or a 15–30 minute car ride from Takayama Station. Plan connections ahead, as direct airport transfers are limited.
Staff can communicate in English and many guest reviews note clear, helpful communication in advance of arrival. The ryokan also provides basic English information on its site.
Shitanda serves traditional Japanese meals, typically a kaiseki-style dinner and a Japanese breakfast. Dinner must be reserved in advance and you should check in by 18:00 if you wish to be served dinner.
The ryokan is about 8 km from Takayama and roughly 15 minutes by car; popular nearby sights include Takayama Old Town, the morning markets, and the Hida Folk Village. Many guests use the ryokan as a base for exploring central Takayama and the surrounding countryside.
There is free private parking on site for guests, and the ryokan is reachable by shuttle, taxi or rental car. Public buses and trains connect to Takayama Station, from which the ryokan is a short drive.
Standard check-in begins in the mid-afternoon (from about 15:00) and check-out is by 10:00. If you want dinner at the ryokan, arrive by 18:00 so the kitchen can serve your meal.
Pets are not permitted at the property; a private open-air bath is available to reserve for guests. There are no restaurants within easy walking distance, so shops and dining are found in Takayama town center about a 15-minute drive away.