When arriving a the hotel, we were first shocked about the "shared bathroom and toilet" arrangement. This was something that we definitly did not expect for that kind of price. (And I still think, at least a small sink in the room might be a good improvement).

But after staying there for 3 days, I can honestly say: This is an unimportant issue, compared to the wonderful atmosphere and the excellent service in this hotel/hostel.

The most important thing you need to know: This house is run by an owner, who really cares. A very sympathetic nice old lady, who speaks decent English, and who will take care for you. I would say, this was the best service I experienced in 2 weeks in Japan, and that says a lot, because service in this country is generally quite high.

Breakfast was excellent. You get the local specialities right here, right there on your table. Hida beef barbequed on leafs on a small pot, or a lovely hotpot soup, also with beef. For all Europeans or Westerners who are not used to eat salty and warm in the morning: Embrace the possibility. It's a wonderful experience.

I also recommend eating there for dinner or lunch. Prices might seem steep, but they are very high in all of Takayama, and the food the Park City hotel serves is just wonderful. Dining room has a soothing atmosphere, too.

There are 2 "onsens" in the house, which are actually not hot springs, but only small pools with hot water. But they are a very nice idea, and something that gives this hostel a more luxurious atmosphere than lots of business hotels I stayed in.

The rooms were very simple, but actually quite big compared to other hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo. The whole house is clean. The owner keeps a wonderful array of notebooks where guests leave comments, hints and ideas for others. It's a lot of fun just filing through those papers, which are categorized by countries (ever wondered how somebody from French Polynesia or Israel feels in Japan - here's your chance to find out).

The location is a bit on the corner of the city, but Takayama is very, very small, so it does not matter. It is not very well suited for people with heavy suitcases: It's up on a hill. Try to get rooms that look to the city, because on the backside, you just have the rest of the hill.

This is definitly aimed to be a traveller's hostel, but I would still recommend it to everybody, if he can accept shared bathrooms for one or two nights.

We enjoyed the town, people and the food here very much. Our room was fine. You share an ample number of sinks and toilets, which was no problem at all...just different than an en suite situation. Robes provided, tea too...just like everywhere in Japan. There are 2 onsens, first come first served. This arranagement can slow you down if they are both occupied, but it is a minor point. Everything is immaculate. Very nice people. Sukiyaki for breakfast on the 2nd day. Bus boy was a lovely fellow with good English who was heading off to flight school in Australia!

Takayama Park City Hotel has lovely views of the city and distant snow capped mountains. It was charming, very clean with a peaceful ambience. Our hostess was very pleasant and attentive and anticipated our needs with a friendly manner and very good English. We were treated to a traditional Japanese experience with large hot tub "onsen' in the large bathroom, traditional meals beautifully presented and opportunities to experience the wearing of kimono and learning shodo (Japanese calligraphy). The hotel is ideally located within easy walking distance to the main attractions and transport.