mrwunrfl

I have visited Takayama three times, once was for the spring festival. I consider it optional. Take a look at what it is like, probablt a few youtubes about it, and if that interests you then go. If you think it might be better to visit the town when it is not as busy, then that would be a good decision too.

mcsles

Just in follow up. I emailed the Yamikan ryokan Progol that you and I believe reading your TR that mrwunrfl recommended. They wanted me to book online at travel.rakuten.com and when I explained that I saw no rooms available they emailed back saying the last rooms were booked? I am just confused and not sure what is real. The Matsumoto hotel that Progol stayed in has a chain of hotels. I found an email to request lodging and have heard nothing. On a bright note, on line most rave about Kyoto Hotel Mume. The owner was so kind to send a 4 paragraph email explaining I needed to wait till December to book a room, but he said he would take my name and dates to put me in the books. So kind. Thanks for all your help in advance. Best, MCS

mrwunrfl

>> emailed back saying the last rooms were booked
Am virtually certain that they thought you were inquiring about April this year.

When 5 of 6 places said wait until November that was your cue/clue to give it a rest.

progol

I agree with mrwunrfl, Yarimikan thinks you’re looking for April of this year, not next year. It’s waaay too soon. I just checked my notes - I was told to contact them on May 1 for a reservation for the end of October. And yes, I used Rakuten Travel, too. I booked the hotel in Matsumoto about 6 months before. The only hotel I was able to book about a year out was my hotel in Tokyo, but many hotels I contacted didn’t release rooms till 6 months out. Mume didn’t confirm their rooms until 4 months out.

I really like checking the booking calendars when they’re available - you can see when rooms are released for booking. I’m looking right now to book some places for November 2024 and most places I’m looking at have released their rooms only through August or September. And I’m looking for this year, not next!

mcsles

Thank you I appreciate your help, I will look to fill in day trips in the mean time!