When traveling from Tokyo to Kanazawa, we urge you to consider a stop in the mountainous Hida region and pay a visit to Cup of Tea Hostel.
Takayama is a bit off the beaten path, still a gem.
A city with a traditional touch you won’t find that many times any more around Japan. Visit the beautifully preserved old town and experience more Japanese culture like the public bathhouse. The kind of experiences travelers are seeking.
We are Hostelgeeks, and we collect the worlds finest hostels; the 5 Star Hostels. For Japan you can find more hostel guides:
- Complete guide to BEST Hostels in Japan + Map
- best hostels in Tokyo, Japan + 27 fun things to do in Tokyo
- cool hostels in Osaka
- best hostels in Kyoto
Besides Japan, we have found wonderful hostels all around Asia, such as
- best hostels in Seoul, South Korea
- best hostels in Taiwan – from Taipei to Kaohsiung
- best hostels in Hong Kong
Find all 5 Star Hostels and hostel guides in Asia here.
Before we start, pack smart…
Remember to pack accordingly for staying in a hostel – yet, do not overpack.
Here’s our full packing list, including Noise-Cancelling ear plugs and your padlocks.
Cup Of Tea Hostel in Takayama in a Review
It is pretty obvious how we will start this review. Let’s put on the kettle for some tea and walk around.
Cup Of Tea Hostel opened its doors in January 2018.
Following a concept of a modern Japanese and Scandinavian mix, cup of tea is a minimal yet cozy hostel. Guests enjoy the simple, minimal decor with many unique ideas put in every detail around the Takayama hostel.
All the art works, the books, and everything between the garden to the room is a collection of the owner who loves interior design and antique items gathered during his several worldwide trips in the past.
You can find quite a few great hotels and hostels in Takayama.
We presume that Cup of Tea stands out the other places to stay in Takayama for two reasons.
1. Privacy-conscious room
They offer pod-style dormitory room with absolute privacy to enjoy a deep sleep in a secluded but spacious room.
Even travelers that usually would not stay in a hostel, enjoy their dorm-experience here. In general, Japan is a fantastic county to stay in hostels. Of course guests do enjoy staying in the traditional Japanese style private room with Tatami floor and Japanese Futon mattress.
2. The Staff
It is a small hostel, and it is a small team.
All staff is fluent in English and happy to make your stay a great one.
Tak, the owner of Cup of Tea Hostel has actually lived in 5 countries already.
He enjoys chatting with the guests, and to share his personal best tops for Takayama. Tatsuki, the other main staff also studied abroad with wide knowledge of not only Takayama but all over Japan.
You are in good hands here!
It is really no coincidence this 5 Star Hostel receive a strong 9.7 score for its staff in Booking.com. On that note, all 5 Star Hostels worldwide really shine by its outstanding staff. This is one reason they are 5 Star rated.
Thanks to Takayama born and raised staff, Cup of Tea offers a variety of unique activities within the picturesque mountainous Hida region.
For example, guests are invited to a local gathering party held once a month. This is with personal friends of Cup of Tea – they’re keen to get to know you!
Inside the hostel are two lounges perfect for relaxing any time of the day.
The spacious dining hall offers the chance to interact with other guests and enjoy enlightening conversations, all whilst taking in the beautiful view of a spectacular Japanese garden.
Locals supporting Locals
Cup of Tea tries hard to collaborate with locals in order for their guests to see the real way of life in Takayama.
And it pays off!
Activity providers, restaurants, cafes, and even a local public bathhouse, enjoy working closely with this popular hostel. Travellers that wish for a local Takayama experience stay at Cup of Tea. No doubt.
So what about that all important recycling?
To minimize unnecessary waste, this hostel instructs their guests to categorize their waste rather than to throw everything together in to one pile. It takes no extra time and is super efficient.
Being green is a policy that this hostel especially cares for and it shows. And we support it 100%!
They’re following a vision of Takayama municipal policy of achieving a circulating society.
What about the location?
Takayama is a charming small town surrounded by the Japan Alps.
It’s possible to enjoy not only walking around the beautifully preserved Old Town, but also hiking/skiing opportunities and a connection with nature within a 1 hour bus trip.
For travellers staying 1-2 nights, the following is on offer:
- Visit Old Town district as well as morning market
- Walk along the Higashiyama path with number of historical temples along the way
- Visit Hida Folk Village to see the original life-style of Hida region
For those staying longer and keen to explore the nature around Takayama, an additional 1 day excursion is highly recommended!
Such excursions include:
- Half-day excursion to Shirakawago (small village registered as a world heritage site that is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old)
- One day excursion to Kamikochi (offering some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery)
Besides this, there is so much more to see in Takayama!
Below we list the 10 best things to do in Hida Takayama.
Remember: ask the staff for suggestions of where to visit. They can advise you depending on what you want to see and how far you want to go.
10 Things to do in Takayama, Gifu
Besides this beautiful tiny hostel, here is a list of great things to do in Takayama, Japan.
As you know by now, you can rent your bike with the accommodation and start exploring.
- Visit Old Town District
- Visit Morning Markets (Jinnya Morning Market & Miyagawa Morning Market)
- Walk through Higashiyama Walking Course
- Take bath in a local public bathhouse across the street from the hostel
- Visit Hida Folk Village
- Visit Shirakawago
- Hike in Kamikochi
- Visit Shin-Hotaka and take a Ropeway ride
- Take Onsen (Hot Spring) in Hirayu
- Take a rental bicycle for a trip to local country side (rice field terrace, etc.)
Summary: Best Hostel in Hida Takayama, Japan
The Cup Of Tea is the best hostel in Hida Takayama, tucked away in the Japanese Alps. Add the city and this accommodation to your bucket list Japan. You will love it!
Safe travels!
