Sake, Spa & Slow Moments

Day 5: A Leisurely Day in Takayama – Sake, Spa & Slow Moments

After several action-packed days, Day 5 gave us the chance to slow down and savor the small-town charm of Takayama. Between a traditional breakfast, wandering through the rain, sake tastings, a café break, ramen dinner, and a massage at the ryokan, it was a day that felt both restorative and romantic.

Breakfast at the Ryokan

The morning began with another beautifully presented Japanese breakfast at Hidatei Hanaougi. Dishes included grilled salmon, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), simmered vegetables, miso soup, rice, a crisp salad with corn and tomato, and pickled plum—rounded off with fruit and a creamy yogurt topped with berries. Served with hot green tea, it was equal parts nourishing and elegant.

Every morning here started the same way: with a dip in our private in-suite onsen. Stepping into the warm mineral waters before breakfast felt like the most peaceful way to welcome the day—and set the tone for everything that followed.

Wandering Takayama in the Rain

The charm of Takayama lies in its streets. Cobblestone alleys lined with old wooden houses gave us the feeling of stepping back in time. With no ride-hailing apps like Uber available, we relied on local taxis—but since it was raining, we had to walk around to find a cab company. Oddly enough, it only made the town feel more quaint and romantic, the rain adding an atmospheric touch to an already picturesque day.

Sake Brewery Hopping

We couldn’t resist another round of sake tastings. For about ¥300–500 ($2–$3.50 USD) at each brewery, you’re given a cup to sample as many varieties as you’d like. Each stop revealed something different—smooth, dry, bold, or sweet—and a few places also offered food pairings. The combination of local flavors and cozy tasting rooms made this one of the most memorable activities in Takayama.

Lunch – Sushi in Takayama

For lunch, we visited a local sushi restaurant and enjoyed a spread of sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls, and small seasonal dishes like grilled scallops with seaweed and marinated shellfish. Every bite was fresh and beautifully prepared, showcasing why Japan’s sushi is unmatched. A meal like this typically costs ¥2,500–4,000 ($18–$28 USD) per person.

Coffee & Cheesecake at Takayama Café

In the afternoon, we paused at Takayama Café for a warm coffee and a slice of cheesecake. The café itself was calm and inviting, the perfect place to linger while watching the rain outside. The cheesecake was light, creamy, and topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of fruit sauce—an indulgent yet balanced treat.

Dinner – Cozy Ramen at the Ryokan

That evening, we opted for something simple but satisfying: ramen at a tiny restaurant inside the hotel. With only about 10–12 seats at the bar, it was first-come, first-serve, and the atmosphere was intimate and low-key. A steaming bowl of soy-based ramen with slices of pork, bamboo shoots, nori, and scallions was the perfect comfort food to end a rainy day.

What made the experience even more memorable was the hotel’s sense of tradition. Upon arrival, we were given traditional attire with instructions on how to wear it properly, and it became our outfit for walking around the property, including to dinner. The hotel also followed classic customs—shoes were removed at the entrance, leaving us to walk in socks and yukata robes, which added to the authenticity of the stay.

Evening Onsen & Massage

Just like the morning, the night ended with a dip in our private onsen—this time under the quiet of the evening. Later, I booked an in-room aromatherapy massage, with treatments ranging from ¥5,000 ($35 USD) for 30 minutes to ¥9,000 ($63 USD) for 60 minutes. The combination of the warm mineral bath and the massage left me completely relaxed, and it was one of the most indulgent evenings of the trip.

Day 5 Travel Guide

🏨 Ryokan Hidatei Hanaougi – Breakfast & dinner included in stay
🛁 Private Onsen: Included in the Shakkyo Room, perfect for morning & evening soaks
💆 In-room Aromatherapy Massage: ¥5,000 ($35 USD) for 30 min; ¥9,000 ($63 USD) for 60 min
🍶 Sake Breweries: Tastings ¥300–500 ($2–$3.50 USD) per cup
🍣 Sushi Lunch in Takayama: ¥2,500–4,000 ($18–$28 USD) per person
☕ Takayama Café: Coffee ~¥500 ($3.50 USD); Cheesecake ~¥600 ($4 USD)
🍜 Ramen Bar (at hotel): ~¥1,000–1,200 ($7–$9 USD) per bowl

💰 Estimated daily spend (excluding ryokan): ¥10,000–13,000 per person ($70–$90 USD)

Wander Weekly