Takayama

Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
21/08/2025
Breathtaking view of snowy mountains and forests in Takayama, Japan.
Rhys Abel, Pexels

Takayama, a city in Japan's mountainous Hida region, offers a traditional Japanese experience with its beautifully preserved Edo-period old town and access to stunning natural landscapes. It provides a quieter, authentic cultural immersion compared to larger urban centers.

Opportunities to socialize with other tourists are primarily found through shared experiences in the old town's shops, morning markets, and communal areas within guesthouses. The nightlife is generally subdued.

Top 7 Things to do in Takayama

Activities in Takayama largely revolve around exploring its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, engaging with local markets and crafts, and delving into historical sites and traditions.

1. Explore Sanmachi Suji (Old Town)

Walking through Sanmachi Suji transports visitors to the Edo period with its meticulously preserved merchant houses, some of which have been operating as shops, cafes, and sake breweries for centuries. It is an ideal place to discover local crafts, sample traditional snacks like Hida beef sushi, or simply soak in the historic atmosphere. Opting for a rickshaw ride provides a unique perspective of these charming streets.

Cost: Exploring the streets is free. Food, souvenirs, and specific shop purchases are extra. A 30-minute rickshaw ride for two typically costs around 7,000 JPY.

Transport: The Old Town, including Sanmachi Suji, is centrally located and easily accessible by walking from Takayama Station.

2. Visit the Takayama Morning Markets

Each morning, Takayama's two main markets, Miyagawa and Jinya-mae, come alive with local vendors. The Miyagawa Market, stretching along the scenic Miyagawa River, offers a vibrant selection of fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade goods. The smaller Jinya-mae Market, located in front of the historic Takayama Jinya, provides a more intimate setting for finding seasonal vegetables and crafts. Both markets offer a glimpse into daily local life.

Cost: Entry to the markets is free, with costs incurred for purchases of produce, snacks, or souvenirs.

Transport: Both the Miyagawa Market and Jinya-mae Market are within walking distance of Takayama Station and the Old Town.

3. Discover Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

This open-air museum showcases over 30 traditional, steep-angled, thatched-roof houses (gassho-zukuri) relocated from various parts of the Hida region. Visitors can step inside these historic homes to learn about rural life and traditional architecture. The village also hosts demonstrations of local crafts, such as Hida lacquerware and weaving, providing interactive cultural experiences.

Cost: Admission is 700 JPY for adults. Craft workshops incur an additional fee, typically ranging from 800 to 3,000 JPY. A combo ticket including a round-trip bus ride and admission is available for 930 JPY.

Transport: From Takayama Station, take the Sarubobo Bus. The ride is approximately 10 minutes and costs 210 JPY one-way, or a 620 JPY day pass can be purchased. Taxis are also available.

4. Explore Takayama Jinya

Takayama Jinya served as a government office during the Edo period, and it is the only remaining building of its kind in Japan. Exploring its well-preserved rooms, including administrative offices, interrogation rooms, and living quarters, offers fascinating insights into the feudal era's governance and daily life. The site also features Japan's largest traditional rice storehouse.

Cost: Admission is 440 JPY for adults.

Transport: Takayama Jinya is located in the city center, a short walk from Takayama Station and the Sanmachi Suji area.

5. Visit Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

For those unable to experience the vibrant Takayama Festival in person, this exhibition hall provides an opportunity to see some of the festival's magnificent, elaborately decorated floats. These multi-story floats, adorned with intricate carvings and marionettes, are rotated throughout the year. English audio guides are provided, explaining their history and significance.

Cost: Admission is 1,000 JPY for adults, which often includes entry to the adjacent Sakurayama Nikkokan, featuring a 1/10 scale replica of Nikko's Toshogu Shrine.

Transport: The exhibition hall is a pleasant walk north of Sanmachi Suji, approximately 10 minutes from the Old Town or a 25-minute walk from Takayama Station.

6. Experience a Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting

Takayama is renowned for its sake, attributed to its clean water and favorable environment. The Old Town is home to several historic sake breweries, many of which are identifiable by the 'sugidama' (cedar branch balls) hanging outside. Many offer tastings, and some provide guided tours where visitors can learn about the traditional brewing process and distinguish between different sake varieties.

Cost: While some breweries offer small samples for a nominal fee or free, dedicated guided tours with multiple tastings typically start from approximately $34 USD (around 5,000 JPY).

Transport: Sake breweries are primarily located within the Sanmachi Suji area of the Old Town, easily accessible on foot.

7. Day Trip to Shirakawa-go

A popular day trip from Takayama, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These distinctive steep-roofed homes, designed to withstand heavy snowfall, create a picturesque village landscape. Visitors can explore the village on foot, visit specific houses that operate as museums, and enjoy panoramic views from observation decks.

Cost: The village itself has no entry fee, but some individual houses open to the public charge a small admission, typically 300-400 JPY per house. A round-trip bus ticket from Takayama to Shirakawa-go costs around 5,600 JPY. Organized bus tours often combine this with other sites and may cost around $94 USD.

Transport: Regular Nohi buses depart from Takayama Nohi Bus Center, with the journey to Shirakawa-go taking approximately 50 minutes. Some bus services require advance reservation.

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