"We stayed at Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan for a very special occasion, and I cannot overstate how exceptional the entire team was.
From the earliest planning stages through the night of our stay, every member of the staff, especially Mr. Kawamura from the reservation office, was deeply involved, genuinely excited, and incredibly thoughtful in helping coordinate my marriage proposal. They kept everything a complete secret from my partner (it was a surprise proposal), worked discreetly behind the scenes, and paid close attention to even the smallest details so the moment felt natural, personal, and entirely “us.”
What stood out most was how invested the staff were - this did not feel like a standard celebration package or a routine request. The team treated it as something truly special, tailoring the experience to us with warmth, care, and sincere enthusiasm. Their coordination, timing, and sensitivity were flawless, and they made the entire experience feel bespoke rather than scripted.
Beyond the proposal itself, the ryokan is beautiful, the rooms are elegant and comfortable, and the kaiseki dinner was outstanding. Every interaction reflected genuine hospitality and pride in what they do.
This is a place where people truly care. We will remember this stay, and the kindness of the staff, for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan highly enough."
What should I expect on my historical trip to Takayama?
Visitors in search of a tour of historical sites will find plenty of reasons to visit Takayama. Why not appreciate the mountain landscape during your visit?
How many historically relevant hotels will I find in Takayama?
Takayama is home to 285 lodging options bookable on Expedia though you won't find many designated historic hotels.
What are the most important historical sites and other places in Takayama?
Takayama is notable for landmarks like Takayama Jinya, Takayama Traditional Buildings Preservation Area and Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village. Cultural venues include Takayama Yatai Kaikan, Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and Hida-no-Sato. A couple of additional sights to add to your itinerary are Miyagawa Morning Market and Shiroyama Park.
What is a historic hotel like in Takayama?
By booking a historic hotel, guests can spend a night or two in a building that has an officially recognised historic designation. A stately home, palace or even a lodge, old police station or skyscraper can be turned into a historic hotel provided that it has special significance. Traditional architecture and period features are typically found within the guestrooms or public spaces of these historic hotels in Takayama, giving a real sense of character.
What is the difference between a historic hotel and a heritage hotel?
You'll often hear the term "heritage hotel" in Asia and Europe, while "historic hotel" is more common in the U.S. though overall the terms are quite similar. The architecture and building of historic hotels tend to be what's most important. For a heritage hotel, it's mainly the cultural value as well as how it influenced the community.
Do historic hotels in Takayama have modern facilities?
Hotels include modern conveniences and safety features you might expect, though efforts have been made to preserve treasured traditions and historic facades. Smart TVs, WiFi, updated bathroom facilities and the usual amenities found in a hotel will be available in a historic hotel. Rest assured that when you select a historic hotel in Takayama, you won't be staying at a place that's uncomfortable for guests or simply rundown.