Incredible value!! For $100 USD a night, I got a wonderful room, laundry facilities, breakfast and happy hour, and an amazing Japanese bath/spa complete with popsicles. I doubled my time here because it was the best value hotel I stayed in on my Japan trip (I also stayed at the Conrad Tokyo!) - I would go back in a heartbeat. Super helpful and friendly staff, the best location in Takayama, and an amazing vibe. Just stay!
I cannot recommend this ryokan enough!! We stayed for two nights end of March/start of April. The staff were so friendly and patient, taking time to explain aspects of the hotel, onsen, and how to wear the traditional clothes. They made the evening meal and breakfast so accessible to foreigners by explaining each element, and a menu in English also helped! The new ladies onsen nextdoor allows you try different onsen locations, and I would really recommend a massage! I lucked out by going over at 3pm and had the onsen to myself! You will leave feeling so relaxed and well taken care of! We luckily had a room with river views which was stunning and a balcony to enjoy a cup of tea from and watch the people below. What an amazing way to unwind from the travel and rushing around the big city. The walks around the town are easy to get to from this hotel, and their shuttle service to and from the station is so helpful, and the drivers are so friendly!! We absolutely loved our stay, and it has rejuvenated us for our onward travel. Thank you so much to all the staff!
There are a lot of ”supers” about this hotel: - Super nice design. There are a lot of hotels in Japan that are on the cheaper end of mid-range that fail in the design category, but not the Eph Takayama. - Super close to the train station. It was an easy walk with our carry-on, wheely suitcases. - Super close to old town and the various Takayama attractions. - Super breakfast and coffee/tea/cocoa station. The breakfast was more like lunch (panini, salad, and soup), but it was all freshly made and delicious. There was also a coffee/tea/cocoa machine that was available to guests from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Super convenient to have coin laundry available in the hallway. We took full advantage of this! If we ever go back to Takayma I won't bother looking for anywhere else to stay - the Eph it is!
We stayed at the ryokan for a night and have mixed feelings about this place. Our room (3028) is what I consider a must-avoid. the carpets had all sorts of stains on it, some probably coming from bleach, some others I couldn't explain, walls were full of holes and cracks, their shojis (sliding doors) were also spotted and the small balcony had some soft spots in the carpet, probably coming from mouldiness. On the other hand, the location of this place is scenic, in the japanese alps, and they had the best onsens of our 14-day trip