Overview

Step into the quiet charm of Takao, Kyoto’s hidden mountain retreat. Takao still holds the peaceful atmosphere of the Heian period, offering a natural setting that changes with the seasons. In spring, mountain azaleas bloom across the hills. Summer brings cool breezes to riverside dining decks. In autumn, the trees explode with color, and in winter, snow transforms the view into a silent world of white.

Takao Kanko Hotel welcomes you with warm hospitality and seasonal dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. Here, you can slow down and truly experience the natural rhythm of Kyoto’s mountain life.

Accommodation

All rooms at the ryokan are Japanese-style, with tatami floors, futons, and a calming atmosphere. Each room is unique in layout and size, and most rooms face the river, giving you a view of the lush mountains and the sound of wild birds and frogs echoing through the valley.

Room types include:

• 8-mat Tatami Room (6 rooms) – A standard-size room with bath and toilet, facing the river.
• 10-mat Tatami Room (6 rooms) – A larger space ideal for families, with the same riverside view.
• 14-mat Tatami Room (1 room) – A spacious option for families or groups.
• 24-mat Tatami Room (1 room) – The largest private room in the ryokan, ideal for group stays.
• 6-mat Tatami Room (1 room) – A compact room without a bath, with sunlight streaming through two windows—a peaceful retreat.
• Mountain-side 8-mat Rooms (2 rooms) – Smaller rooms facing the forested hillside, perfect for quiet reflection.

Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, electric pot, yukata, slippers, towels, and a full set of toiletries. You can also borrow items like Go boards and mahjong sets.

Dining

At Takao Kanko Hotel, you enjoy meals that celebrate the seasons and the local flavors of Kyoto.

Spring – Dine on mountain vegetables and bamboo shoots as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and fresh greenery fill the air.

Summer – Eat fresh ayu (sweetfish), grilled eel, and other dishes on a riverside dining platform cooled by mountain air. At night, you might see fireflies and even meet a maiko dancer.

Autumn – Feast on chestnuts, river fish with roe, matsutake mushrooms, and other seasonal delicacies, surrounded by some of Kyoto’s most famous fall colors.

Winter – Warm up with hearty nabe hotpots, including wild boar stew and local turnip dishes, served while you sit at a kotatsu and watch snow fall outside.

During the warmer months, dinner is served on the kawadoko—open-air decks built above the river. This unique dining style lets you enjoy the sound of flowing water and cool air with every meal.

Onsen and Wellness

While the hotel doesn’t have an onsen or sauna, you can unwind in the large communal bath. The bath uses soft underground water, which leaves your skin feeling smooth. Each bathing area includes showers and hair dryers, and you can soak in the bath until late at night or early in the morning.

Guests with Tattoos

You’re free to use the bath facilities at any time. No restrictions apply to tattoos here.

Facilities

Takao Kanko Hotel combines traditional hospitality with quiet, home-like comfort. The facilities include:

• Lobby – A calm space to check in and relax.
• Delivery Service – Ship your bags from Kyoto Station or your city hotel directly to the ryokan.
• Large Hall – A spacious area with a stage, perfect for banquets, school trips, and gatherings.
• Baths – Men’s and women’s public baths with multiple shower stations and soft groundwater.
• Café – Enjoy a drink after exploring Takao’s trails. Open from 10:00 to around 16:00.
• Shop – Browse Kyoto souvenirs like pickles, yatsuhashi sweets, and fried maple leaves.
• Common Lounge – Features sofas and massage chairs.
• Package Shipping – Available from the front desk.

Activities

Takao offers more than just peaceful scenery. You can enjoy hiking trails, visit Jingo-ji Temple nearby, or simply sit back and watch the fireflies in summer. The ryokan also arranges traditional banquet-style events for large groups, including performances by maiko or seasonal activities.

From June to early July, watch Genji fireflies dance above the river right from your seat on the kawadoko. After dark, the staff turns off all lights so you can see them clearly.

Additional Features

• All rooms in Japanese style with river or mountain views
• Traditional Kyoto cuisine served in-room or riverside (seasonal)
• Public bath with natural groundwater
• Free Wi-Fi in the lobby
• Café, souvenir shop, and large event spaces
• Firefly viewing and summer maiko performances
• Group stays and educational trips welcome
• Easy access by bus or taxi from Kyoto City

Whether you come for spring flowers, summer riverside dining, autumn colors, or a snowy retreat, Takao Kanko Hotel invites you to experience Kyoto’s natural beauty in every season. Let the river, forest, and food slow your pace and restore your spirit.