WOW!!! Out of our 10 hotels in Japan, this one was a family favorite! Not only is the home a traditional Japanese home, but it is located in the center of a traditional Japanese garden that is exquisite! Pictures just don't do it justice. This was absolutely a forest bathing experience. (And you are literally able to take an outdoor bath surrounded by lush forest). The home is HUGE and peaceful. The architecture is beautiful and the large windows give the occupants such a serene feeling of being surrounded by nature. We were greeted by an adorable woman who happily showed us around and quite effectively used Google Translate to answer our every question. We were happy to use the laundry facility in the home and were happy to get some restaurant recommendations as well. We had excellent food from a place that was a 20 minute walk down the road. In the morning, we went to the Morning Market by the river and ate more EXCELLENT food (I highly recommend the morning market followed by a walk through the shops of Takayama). Hida village museum is also not far from the house and was enjoyable. Overall, we loved our stay in Takayama and the home was one big part of what brought us so much joy!

At first, the house was a little hard to find as the location wasn't 100% clear on Google Maps. But it turned out not to be a problem. The host was incredibly quick in responding to us and was VERY helpful. And yes--you are out in nature, so insects are inevitable. But thankfully the host had accessible insect spray. If you are deathly afraid of insects, then maybe staying in the middle of a garden might not be the best choice for you.

The friendly hosts met us on arrival and showed us around. The house has comfortable beds with beautiful surrounds, warm heaters, and good facilities. The outdoor bath was especially beautiful overlooking the river. We loved our experience at this traditional Japanese home. It was relaxing, homely and was only a short drive to the town centre.

After experiencing all kind of hotels including Mimarus on our trip to Japan, we looked for a more traditional Japanese home design. We wanted to be close to nature, just us (family of 6) with ability to cook for ourselves. Shohakuen gave us exactly that with just a few minutes away from Takayama center.

The water in shower could be warmer.

We loved our stay in this traditional Japanese home surrounded by a beautiful garden and next to the river. The outdoor onsen bath was a nice surprise and the kids enjoyed using it. It is in a very quiet and peaceful location and still a short drive to the morning market and Hida folk village.

The house was amazing! Looks better than photos online. The garden is breathtaking and the house is extremely clean and spacious, could fit a big group. The host was very helpful and attentive. The location is 5 min drive from downtown Takayama. The setting is picturesque and quiet. You feel you are in a postcard or classic Japan.

Traditional but modern Japanese style home. Lots of space, beautiful countryside location bur convenient to town. Outside onsen tub was a bonus

Location, garden, design

Would be good to have a rack to dry towels and clothes. More kitchen knives needed.

Scenery

Some areas were quite cold

Lovely setting, peaceful quiet location, in a traditional Japanese house. Loved hot tub and shower room, leisure room, and modern toilet/ bidet.

Some rooms less appealing (kitchen areas), and some of extra bedding a little old and musty. Air conditioning noisy in small bedroom but needed all night as very cold weather.

Loved the old house and what used to be amazing gardens.

The smell of mildew gave me an awful headache and the location is only viable if you have a rental car. The innkeepers did their best but my lack of Japanese and their lack of English led to quite a bit of frustration.