NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Saltworks Town
Room Types
2
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Saltworks Town is a dispersed heritage hotel spread across three carefully restored historic buildings in the heart of the Takehara Townscape Conservation Area in Hiroshima Prefecture. With just 10 rooms decorated in white (symbolizing salt and koji) and blue (representing the Seto Inland Sea), the hotel immerses guests in the legacy of Takehara’s salt merchants through Edo-to-Showa era architecture, locally sourced Setouchi cuisine served on bamboo tableware, and the charm of a town known as Little Kyoto of Aki.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Saltworks Town?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
VMG Grand
Elegantly restored rooms across the three historic buildings, decorated in the hotel’s signature white or blue color scheme. Each room reflects the unique architectural character of its building — whether the former bank, restaurant, or brewery.
- Hinoki bathtub
- Historic architectural details preserved
- White or blue color theme
- Modern amenities in heritage setting
- High ceilings and spacious layout
VMG Premium
The most spacious rooms with a private garden, offering the highest level of comfort within the heritage setting. Ideal for guests seeking extra space and an exclusive atmosphere within the conservation area.
- Private garden
- Hinoki bathtub
- Premium furnishings
- Historic architectural details
- Largest room size up to 66 sqm
- White or blue color theme
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
No natural onsen — rooms feature hinoki (Japanese cypress) bathtubs
Private Baths
- In-room hinoki (Japanese cypress) bathtub
Duration: Unlimited (private to each room)
Indoor Baths
- In-room hinoki bathtub in select room types
- In-room baths are private and for guest use at any time
- Enjoy the natural fragrance of the hinoki wood
- This is not an onsen property — bathing is a private, relaxed experience
Dining
Le Un at HOTEI — the main restaurant in the restored Taisho-era ryotei building
Breakfast dining — Japanese breakfast featuring Setouchi seasonal ingredients
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days before arrival
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms along the historic streets
- Pleasant walking weather for town exploration
- Spring seafood season in the Seto Inland Sea
- Golden Week brings more day-trippers to the conservation area
- Book ahead for spring weekends
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Seto Inland Sea summer activities and island hopping
- Summer festivals in the historic district
- Peak oyster and seafood season
- Hot and humid — mornings and evenings are best for walking
- Carry water when exploring
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Autumn foliage framing the historic architecture
- Comfortable temperatures for town exploration
- Autumn harvest ingredients in the cuisine
- Popular season — book well in advance
- Some afternoon rain possible
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Hiroshima oyster peak season for the best oyster bonbons
- Quiet streets for an intimate heritage experience
- Clear winter light enhances the historic architecture
- Cooler temperatures — bring layers for evening walks
- Shorter daylight hours for town exploration
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The KIKKO building’s journey from sake brewery to billiard hall to hotel room tells the story of Japan’s modernization in one structure
- Evening is the best time to explore the conservation area — after tour groups leave, the streets feel like stepping back centuries
The dashi soup stock for dinner is made from fish bones, soy sauce, sake, and salt — all products that made Takehara wealthy
Ask about the connection between the hotel’s white room color theme and the salt and koji that built the town
Must-Try Experiences
- Dinner at Le Un featuring oyster bonbons, Togeshita beef, and dashi-poured rice on bamboo tableware
- Walking the preserved Edo-period streetscape of Takehara at twilight
Relaxing in the VMG Premium room with its private garden
Experience Tips
- Walk the conservation area in the evening when day-trippers have gone for the most atmospheric experience
- Ask staff about the history of your specific building — each has a fascinating story
Try to stay in different buildings if visiting again for a completely different experience
Visit a local sake brewery to connect with Takehara’s brewing heritage
Cultural Notes
- Takehara is called Little Kyoto of Aki for its well-preserved streetscape
- The town’s wealth came from salt production using tidal flats along the Seto Inland Sea
NIPPONIA is a hotel brand by VMG specializing in revitalizing historic buildings across Japan
The bamboo tableware at dinner connects to Takehara’s traditional bamboo craft heritage
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights
Getting There
- JR Kure Line to Takehara Station, then 10-15 minute walk
- Bus from Hiroshima Airport to Takehara (approximately 25 minutes)
- By car via San-yo Expressway
- Ferry connections from Seto Inland Sea islands
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days before arrival
Booking Tips
- Book well ahead as there are only 10 rooms across three buildings
- Request the VMG Premium room with private garden for the most exclusive experience
- Specify preferred building if you have a historical interest (former bank, restaurant, or brewery)
- Dinner at Le Un should be reserved with your room booking
Preparation Tips
- Read about Takehara’s salt production history to enrich your stay
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobblestone conservation area
- Consider arriving by mid-afternoon to explore the town before dinner
- Check ferry schedules if combining with Seto Inland Sea island visits
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
JR Takehara Station
History
Takehara prospered from the Edo period through salt production and sake brewing, creating a merchant class whose wealth is reflected in the stately residences that still line the streets today. The hotel’s three buildings each carry distinct histories: HOTEI was a Taisho-era ryotei (1912-1975), MOSO began as a Meiji-era bank before becoming a ryokan, and KIKKO served as a Meiji-period sake brewery before transforming into a billiard hall and various entertainment venues throughout the 20th century. The Takehara Townscape Conservation Area preserves buildings spanning from the Edo period (1603-1867) to the Showa era (1926-1989).
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