FAV HOTEL WEST in Takayama turned out to be a solid choice for our family of five, though their EAST location has a slight edge if you're choosing between the two. The rooms are surprisingly roomy for Japan and come with handy kitchen setups - always a plus when traveling with kids.

What makes this place interesting is their Herarubonil rooms, featuring artwork by artists with intellectual disabilities. Everything you need is within walking distance, and the Simmons beds were a nice touch after long days of exploring Takayama. It's not trying to be fancy, just practical and comfortable - exactly what you want when traveling with a bigger family in Japan.