We stayed at the Pension Hida no Mori for one night after visiting Shirakawa-go. The popular Gassho farmhouses at Shirakawa were booked out months ahead. After reading the many positive reviews on Tripadvisor we decided on Pension Hida no Mori as it is near Takayama which was our next destination.
Pension Hida no Mori is a small B&B style family run lodge in a residential neighborhood. It is situated in a nondescript cul-de-sac which our GPS had some trouble locating. We managed to locate the pension with the help of a resident in the area.
For those coming by train it is 10 minutes by car from Takayama station. Arrangements can be made for pickup at the station.
We were greeted upon arrival by the friendly hosts Toshi and Keiko. It feels more like a home than a hotel. Just past the main door is a large tastefully decorated living room with a comfortable sitting area, fireplace, books and hot tea. On the right of the reception is a casual and elegant dining room.
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There are 3 twin rooms, 3 triple rooms , and 1 quad room in this pension. We took the quad room on the second level of this 3 storey house. It is basic with a wall mounted flat screen TV, small table, sitting couch and free Wi-Fi. Toilets and wash basins are in the common area. There are separate male and female onsen style private bathrooms. The facilities are spotlessly clean. We can tell that the hosts are very meticulous in keeping this place spick and span.
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After a cold December night few inches of fresh snow turned the forested area around the pension into a winter wonderland. It was nice to be greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning followed by a delightful breakfast cooked up by Toshi who we soon learned is a chef of fine culinary skills having lived in Italy for a few years. It’s no surprise that the only choice for dinner is Italian cuisine.
While we were tucked into our breakfast I noticed Toshi going out with a spade and scraper clearing snow from the driveway and scraping snow off our car. He knew we were checking out soon. This kind of thoughtful service is quite unmatched.
During our stay we were treated like old friends. Our departure were greeted by the whole family with waves of friendly goodbyes. Without exaggeration Pension Hida no Mori represents the epitome of hospitality.
Website: http://www.hidanomori.jp/english/
Pension Hida no mori
3349-1 Shingumachi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture 506-0035
Tel: (+81) 577-34-6575
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