K's Villa Hida an

Arriving on foot from JR Takayama station, guests reach K's Villa Hida-an in about three minutes, its entrance set on Tenmanmachi in the old quarter of Takayama. The house is built in traditional Hida style, timber-framed, and has been fully renovated behind that facade. Inside, the layout runs to 141 square metres across a lounge, kitchen and multiple bedrooms, with bedding for up to ten futons. The centrepiece is a cypress bathtub, deep enough for a proper soak, its wood chosen for the way it scents the water. Modern fittings sit alongside the older bones of the house: air conditioning in every room, a stocked kitchen with pots and seasonings ready to use, and free Wi-Fi throughout. It sleeps two to ten, which makes it as workable for a couple as for an extended family or group. There is no car park on site, though paid parking can be arranged nearby. Check-in starts at 4pm and check-out is before 11am. The location favours movement: Takayama's old town, its morning markets and museums such as the Fuji Folk Museum are all within easy reach on foot. It is run by K's House Group, which also operates hostels across Japan.