Oyado Koto No Yume — Hotel in Takayama

This was our first time at a ryokan and it’s going to set the bar really high. As another reviewer noted, Oyado Koto no Yume embodies the best of hospitality. Right upon arrival, our hosts were warm and helpful. Would also note that the lady whom I think is the owner speaks very good English if necessary. I’ve noticed that the staff will also speak basic Japanese slowly if it’s clear that you’re learning the language and are struggling to speak it but trying—I really appreciated that :)

You’re asked to take your shoes off upon entry, which being Asian, I love. I think the host also wiped down the wheels of our suitcases.

This little place just goes beyond and above with all the nice things they offer additionally (price inclusive) to ensure you have a lovely stay. There’s a yukata service, where they let you choose a yukata to wear inside or outside, as well as plush coats hanging in the lobby area that you can borrow if it’s cold outside. They have aromatherapy burners with a variety of scents that you can choose, just ask the front desk for an aroma pot.

The room itself was pristine and immediately instilled in us a sense of calm. There are little snacks waiting on the table, a fridge that’s actually a fridge and not a minibar so can actually be used by the guest, a full set of cups and plates along with a kettle and coffee pod machine, and the host will explain that you get sleep yukatas and specific face towels as well. If you have the Japanese-style room, the staff will make up your futon while you’re out. They left a sweet note on ours and also a put a pitcher of ice water on the table. It was these little touches that made our stay so pleasant and memorable.

Would also mention that if you’re there longer, or it’s raining, there’s a small manga library downstairs and it looks like you can also do origami, which will get proudly displayed in a glass cabinet. There’s also a bathhouse and you can reserve a private one for a small fee.

Staying at Oyado Koto no Yume felt like being a welcome guest at home. After we checked out, we were given a set of Takayama postcards as a gift.

Would highly recommend you stay here if visiting the charming town of Takayama, so you can experience the best of Japanese hospitality. I can’t wait to go...

This traditional hotel in a great location was such a unique experience! Despite being affordable, guests are treated as honoured visitors, with services offered by default that go far beyond what I've experienced elsewhere.

For example, upon check-in we received a detailed room tour by staff, along with free sake in the evening. The options whilst checking in can be a little overwhelming, as the traditional nature means staff will tidy away your beds during lunchtime, then lay them back out again in the evening. Luckily we were out all day so just opted for the single visit (and beds always out), but if you intend to spend lots of time in the hotel be aware of this!

Similarly, upon entering you need to hand your shoes to a staff member in exchange for your key, and reverse the process every time you leave. Whilst this "being waited on" experience is presumably attractive, it disincentivises brief rest stops in your hotel room since it'll take quite a bit of yours & employees time!

Breakfast is unbelievably high quality, with reserved tables and your meal brought to you upon entering. The Japanese and Western meals vary daily (one example of each in photos), with a staggering array of different foods in each one! The Japanese one is (unsurprisingly) slightly better, but either will absolutely fill you up and leave you feeling like royalty. There's the usual hot drink / cereal / pastries available, but these foods are rarely touched. Additionally, only some guests use the provided clothing (0-30% per day), but it is of course fine either way.

The rooms themselves are a little outdated, with plug sockets a bit far away, bathing experience a little disjointed, and minor wear and tear on the rooms. They're perfectly usable though, and the staff redeem them entirely by adding little snacks to your room daily, along with ice cold water! Coming home to these after a day out was a wonderful experience.

Finally, there's a surprisingly high quality shop in the lobby, offering many of the same products sold within the market. We bought some small gifts and magnets here, it's a much appreciated feature. There's also a small gift on checkout to remember your trip by,...

They go extra miles and do more than you can expect!

There are two incidents - I lost my coin case and even called and asked the front desk. They didn’t find any but saying they will let us know if they find it. After tidying our room, we realised the coin case is magically lying on the bed. Obviously they have found it and place it nicely and obviously for us to see. Can’t thank them enough. Was going to head out for dinner, asked a staff about the restaurant. It’s really nearby and we were going to walk there. When we touched down at the restaurant, we needed to wait a bit but the waitress asked if we are from the hotel - it turns out staff from the hotel called the restaurant and told them that they should be expecting us.

The little gesture matters and love these thoughtful acts.

What I like:

We didn’t expect March in Takayama is kind of cold, not enough clothes obviously. And then at the hotel they provided free hanten to wear (thick Japanese style cotton-padded jacket), stylishly saved and strongly recommended anyone who likes the style to wear it.

You can choose if you want to have meals at the hotel or not. We appreciate it as the flexibility is here. Get to try restaurants nearby is great too.

Timing we went (early March) was not TOO busy. I judged it by the quietness when I went to the public bath / onsen, mostly no one there, which I personally like it a lot.

Cutely and cosily decorated room. Spacious enough to open luggages. Well equipped with what we need.

Nice public area for people to rest, even indoor and outdoor area with charcoal makes it very cosy (and it is safe so no worry). Origami experience is provided so if anyone is interested. Free herbal tea after 6pm is lovely for reading there after dinner and onsen.

Aroma-pod with essential oil of traditional Kyoto fragrance. You have to ask but it is free.

Highly recommend, it’s for small cosy and slow travel and such a great experience with...