Hida Takayama is a must visit in your Japan itinerary. There’s a lot to see here and honestly we loved our time. This is what to do in Takayama, one of the prettiest places in Japan!
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Table of contents:
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Location of Hida Takayama
Hida Takayama is a city located in Gifu Prefecture, in the countryside of Japan. The region was once known as Hida Province before the current prefecture system was established in Japan. There are a couple of other places called Takayama in Japan and Hida is used to differentiate between the cities.
Tip – You can refer to this town as either Hida Takayama or just Takayama. Most people will just call it Takayama, particularly when in the city or nearby areas.
How many days for Takayama?
We spent 3 days in Hida Takayama and loved it, we could even have stayed for an extra day if we had more time. The town is lovely but there is also a lot to do in the surrounding areas.
Where to stay in Hida Takayama
We stayed at the Hotel Wing International and it was excellent. It has free daily amenities to choose from, separate women’s and men’s onsen and very comfortable rooms. The location is easily accessed from the bust/train station and the old town area.
How to get to Hida Takayama
Japan is so well connected for public transport you can get to Takayama from most of the surrounding big tourist destinations by rail or bus. This bus from Mt Fuji to Takayama is really simple, or this bus from Kyoto to Takayama.
What to do in Hida Takayama
There’s actually quite a lot to do in and from Takayama, this is how we filled three days and what we will do on our next trip.
Explore the old town
Walking the old town, called Sanmachi-dori, is a must. Once a bustling town in the Edo Period (1603-1868) the old town is frozen in a time when samurai walked the roads. Charming wooden buildings line the streets whispering secrets of yesteryear in the stillness of early morning.
During the day these buildings are full of shops full of local crafts, souvenirs and local delicacies. Find charming restaurants such as the Takayama Cafe here which is housed in one of these buildings, complete with indoor garden. You can wander around yourself or do a tour through Takayama to more thoroughly understand its history.
Yoshijima Traditional House
This is a century-old mansion that was once a sake brewery. It has beautiful traditional architecture & an interior courtyard. You can take a tour of Yoshijima Traditional House as well.
Takayama Jinya
The Takayama Jin’ya was once the seat of power in Takayama, this was the government headquarters for the Hida area. (A Jin’ya was a type of administrative headquarters/government compound functioning as the centre for regional rule in the area during the Edo period). It is a surviving Edo period jin’ya which served as the Daikansho (magistrate office) for Hida Province from 1692 to 1871. Protected as a National Historic Site since 1929 it is possible to tour Takayama Jin’ya to learn about this interesting history. It is also the only existing Jin’ya where the main building still remains today. It dates to the 1600s, walking through the rooms you can feel the history, this was a place were decisions were made that changed the lives of those in the area.
Takayama Morning Markets
There are two morning markets, one outside Takayama Jinya has been held here for 300 years. The other, Miyagawa Morning Market, is located along the Miyagawa River, of the old town. Here shops and stalls full of fresh produce, fresh pastries, and souvenirs await you. Both are from 7 am to 12pm making them a fun start to the day. Mike tasted delicious fresh squid balls, croquette stuffed with Hida beef and Tayami (fish shaped dough filled with custard and chocolate) here.
The Nakabashi Bridge
This bridge is a symbol of the city and a popular place for photos. The bright red bridge is surrounded by cherry trees during spring, but just as beautiful year round. You’ll no doubt cross it heading into the old town.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
Set out of the town and surrounded by tall trees the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine is the oldest in Takayama. It’s thought it dates back to the 4th century. Whilst small it is a beautiful and tranquil place.
Takayama Yatai Kaikan
If you’re lucky your trip will line up with one of Takayama’s famous matsuri (spring and autumn festivals). If not visit Takayama Yatai Kaikan to see the festival floats exhibition hall. These huge floats date to 17th century.
Go sake tasting
Takayama is famous for its pure sake making it them perfect place to taste it. In the old streets you’ll see the giant leafy balls hanging from the roof if shops which are called sugidama. You’ll see two across the street from each other. You can take a tour of the 6 sake breweries in Takayama as well!
Funasaka Sake Brewery Experience
Funasaka Sake Brewery has over 30 ???!types of sake to try. You place a 100JPY coin in a machine and turn the handle to receive your sake cup. There are 4 patterns and it’s a lucky dip! Turn around to the money exchange machine and put in some coins or notes in exchange for tokens. We put in 500JPY and got 6 tokens.
Head over to the sake machines, choose one and put in a token, place your cup under the sake spout and press the button for a shot of sake! We had a lot of fun looking at them all and deciding on a favourite.
Insiders tip-scan the QR code on this sign to fill out a survey online about the experience. One submitted take it to the counter, show them your sake cup and you’ll receive an extra token. You need your own sake cup and survey to receive the token.
Sansha Sake Tasting
Walk directly across the street to Sansha, another sake tasting. This one runs on the honour system. You’ll buy a sake cup for 450JPY. Head over to the fridge on the wall to taste 11 types of sake. The tasting notes and places at the front of each bottle. Start at the top and work your way around, tasting each once. Our favourite was this one!
Tip– sake is made of rice and it absorbs into the body faster than beer or wine, please remember this and don’t be a tacky drunk tourist, you’ll think you’re having tiny amounts but it adds up. We were definitely a little tipsy when leaving!
Higashiyama Walking Course
The Higashiyama walking course is a really nice route to stroll through the many temples lying on the edge of town. You’ll walk the many streets and hills going temple to temple before arriving at Shiroyama Park, the former site of Takayama Castle.
The walking course is approximately 5km long and I could take a whole day to complete the entire circuit, spending time looking at all the temples. It’s also a really lovely way to spend a few hours, our favourite spots on this course were:
- The Hokke-ji Temple with its pretty bridge and pond (the bridge is closed off but you can get close!)
- Daio-Ji Temple, pretty buildings and raked zen garden.
- Higashiyama Hakusanjinja Shrine set up a hill in a beautiful forest.
- The hillsides of Shiroyama Park. We visited in Autumn and the trees were stunning colours. We really enjoyed being out in nature and taking in the stunning colourful display.
Hida-no-Sato (Hida Folk Village)
Step back in time at Hida No Sato, here you can wander the pretty lake area and into multiple buildings featuring information about those that once lived here. You’ll see everyday artefacts, gaining a glimpse into the Edo period. Walk the many buildings, farmhouses, workshops and be amazed at the big thatched roofs, built to withstand heavy snowfall.
Its entry fee is 700JPY and you can buy a combined entry/return bus ticket at the bus station for 800JPY. This village is excellent for those who want to see inside buildings, learn the history and stay close to Takayama. It’s located a 15 minute bus ride for central Takayama, but we actually enjoyed a walk out there and back on the cool November morning that we visited. You can also take a tour of Hida No Sato to better understand the history.
Hanami Foot Bath
We stumbled on this free hot spring foot bath in Takayama by accident and it was such a wonderful surprise! We stopped on the chilly morning to soak our feet and loved it! The warm water with steam rising in to the air gave us the much needed moment to relax and stop for a little. (This is the Google Maps location, it is free but is located just outside a hotel but it is not connected to the hotel and they do not provide towels.)
Hida Furukawa
Not far from Takayama is Furukawa, a very sweet town lined with wooden houses and oozing charm. Walk along the canal and soak up the pretty scenes. You’ll find a quieter experience here, with souvenirs and local crafts for sale. Make sure to check out Mishima’s Japanese Candleshop, this area is famous for candle making. Take this day trip to Hida Furukawa to make sure you don’t miss anything!
Shirakawa-go
Our day trip to Shirakawa-go was one of the best days we had in Japan! The beautiful countryside coupled with the interesting grasso-houses was so interesting. It is so easy to get to, check out this Shirakawa-Go tour from Takayama. Make sure you check out our dedicated blog on what to do when you are there! Alternatively if you are heading to Kanazawa you can take this bus and go via Shirakawago!
More things to do in and around Hida Takayama
If you have more time, these are the activities I have on my list for our next visit. There is so much to do in the area that we really want to come back to experience these!
Gero Onsen
This is such a must do for me on our next trip to Takayama! It looks magical and I desperately want to go and enjoy the famous waters of Gero Onsen! This is a true onsen town and long thought to be one of the best places to take the waters. I’m planning to take this day trip from Takayama but if I have extra time I will stay at either Bosenkan or Yunoshimakan.
Shinhotaka Ropeway
This is very cool! There are 2 double decker cable cars that head up into the sky at Shinhotaka Ropeway, going over 2,000 meters into the clouds. It is usually fully operational all days but is weather dependent. You’ll see the majesty of the season from snowy fields to autumnal colours. This is the tour that takes you from Takayama to the Shinhotaka Ropeway!
Kamikochi
Kamikochi is high on my list for our next trip! Between mid-April to mid-November, Kamikochi becomes popular with people enjoying its many hiking trails and breathtaking scenery. It is located within the Chubu Sangaku National Park, and is a sanctuary of nature in all its glory! Truly a beautiful place I can’t wait to explore, this tour from Takayama is the perfect way to see it as it combines both Kamiochi and the Shinhotaka Ropeway, although it books out so make sure to secure your spot early.
Kurobe Gorge Trolley
I have fallen in love with the look of the sweet train ride through the mountains at Kurobe and now am obsessed with going there! Check out the Gorge Trolley train ride here, if you have a car you can drive there to do the train trip or catch public transport. I would definitely stay overnight at Entaijiso which looks so beautiful! Overlooking the lush mountains, includes breakfast and dinner, it looks like an idyllic ryokan experience.
Snow Monkey Tour
I will absolutely be doing the Snow Monkey tour when I am in this area next! I was really sad I missed it, it looks so amazing. This is the tour I am planning to book and will stay in the area. I’m thinking of combining the Kurobe train and snow monkeys into a couple of days on my next itinerary! For the snow monkeys you stay in a cute onsen town nearby, my picks for accommodation are either Yudanaka Tawaraya Ryokan, Hotel Tsubakino or Zen Hostel ( actually quite affordable for a private room!).
Japanese Papermaking in Echizen
This is another activity I really want to do on my next visit! Making Japanese washi paper sounds lovely and while you are there you can check out the town and temples.
What to eat in Takayama
Hida beef is famous in Japan. It’s a variety of wagu beef from the Takayama area, known for being incredibly tender and high-quality. You will find many different forms and they’re all good! You will find everything from the pricey sit down grill your own beef restaurants to street food. Alternatively if your accommodation has a shared kitchen you could buy some from a supermarket and grill your own! You can take a food tour of Takayama and they know all the best spots to eat so it is well worth it. Alternatively this tour is in the evening and includes a meal and drinks. You can also wander around and stumble on a hidden gem!
Trying Hida Beef in Takayama
We tried a Hida beef skewer, a beef croquette and beef noodles. Mike’s favourite by far was the noodles at Yak I Soba. This little hole in the wall is sadly not on google maps and is take away only, the best I can direct you is to head toward the Hida Takayama Retro Museum Yasukawadori and look around, it was on a corner of that intersection. Mike recommends the large serve for 1000JPN, regretting only ordering the small. Consisting of noodles, green vegetables, Hida beef and bonito flakes mixed with soy sauce, topped with picked vegetables which are a Takayama specialty.
Takayama ramen is also rather famous. The noodles are thinner and curly noodles with a lighter chicken-based broth. There is a great soba restaurant which is on the Michelin guide and really reasonably priced. It’s called Ebisu and has been operating for many years. You’ll need to put your name down at the entry to get a table.
This Takayama rice ball and miso soup making class is held at a buddhist temple and is a beautiful blend of culture and culinary skill!
For sweet treats try Gohei-mochi. We saw this everywhere, a flattened rice cake grilled on skewers. They are topped with sweetened soy sauce. There’s also glutinous rice balls grilled with soy sauce usually served 3 on a stick.
My personal (gluten free) favourite was Fukuyama! This charming cafe is tucked away on a quiet street and run by the loveliest people. Set in a pristine old house there are multiple rooms overlooking an indoor garden. I ordered the gluten free rice flour crepe and it was excellent, served with chocolate and whipped cream, even Mike liked it. I would wholeheartedly recommend this cafe!
Takayama was one of the highlights of our trip and we hope you love it as much as we did. Feel free to check out our You Tube vlog of our time there, and send through any questions you have, we are happy to help!
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