Takayama Japan Travel Guide: 16 BEST Things To Do In Takayama

Takayama Japan Travel Guide: 16 BEST Things To Do In Takayama

So you want to know what are the best 
things to do in Takayama, Japan? Great, you’re in the right place. In this video we’re 
gonna discuss the top things to do in Takayama. Number 16: Hida no Sato Open Air Museum
The Hida no Sato Open Air Museum lets visitors experience traditional rural life in 
Japan and serves as a charming alternative to the more well-known Shirakawa-go. This outdoor 
museum features traditional thatched-roof houses called gassho-zukuri, typical of the Hida region.
Walking through the village feels like stepping back in time about 70 years. Since there are no 
residents, you can enter the houses that once belonged to village heads, farmers, and artisans.
The surrounding mountainous scenery enhances the picturesque setting, especially 
as the seasons change. In winter, the gassho-zukuri houses are covered in snow, and 
in summer, you can see the planting and harvesting of rice amid blooming flowers.
Number 15: Takayama Jinya Takayama Jinya offers a remarkable look into 
Japan’s Edo period, serving as a former local government office in Takayama’s Old Town. 
Walking through its halls, it’s easy to imagine the busy atmosphere of officials and 
townspeople that filled the space until 1969. Next to the main building is a significant 
storehouse built in the 1600s. Known as Japan’s largest traditional rice storehouse, 
it now serves as a museum. Inside, visitors can explore belongings and official documents of past 
local leaders, as well as old maps of the Hida Region and historical town plans.
If you visit in the morning, don’t miss the Jinya-mae Morning Markets 
in front of Takayama Jinya. This lively market features stalls and stands offering 
a variety of folk crafts and local produce. Number 14: Try Hida Beef
Hida Beef is a must-try delicacy when visiting Takayama. Known for its 
exceptional quality and flavor, Hida Beef comes from black-haired Japanese cattle raised 
in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. The cattle are raised under strict conditions 
to ensure the highest quality meat, often compared to other famous Japanese 
beef varieties like Kobe and Matsusaka. Hida Beef is prized for its rich marbling, 
tenderness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s best enjoyed as a steak to 
highlight the natural taste of the beef, but other popular ways to eat Hida Beef 
include shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and sushi. Number 13: Higashiyama Walking Course
Take a leisurely self-guided walking tour through the Higashiyama district to 
explore more than a dozen temples and shrines, as well as a former castle site.
History tells us that in the 1500s, the medieval warlord Kanamori Nagachika 
missed his former home in Kyoto. To recreate a piece of Kyoto, he developed a series of 
temples on the eastern part of the town, mirroring Kyoto’s own Higashiyama area.
You’ll begin your walk at Shiroyama Park, located on the site of the former Takayama 
Castle and end in the Sanmachi Suji district, a well-preserved historical area featuring 
Edo-period merchant houses, shops, sake breweries. Number 12: Miyagawa Morning Markets
The vibrant Miyagawa Morning Markets have been around for over 300 years. Located 
by the Miyagawa River, the market is great for an early morning walk. You can see local 
farmers selling fresh fruits and vegetables, including delicious pickled varieties. Other 
stalls sell traditional Japanese crafts, which make nice souvenirs. Food vendors 
offer street food like freshly made mochi, pudding, and takoyaki. You can also wat ch 
the large koi fish swimming in the river and buy fish food for 100 yen to feed them.
Number 11: Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan If you miss the Takayama Festival in spring and 
autumn, you can still visit the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan to see the unique festival floats. 
The museum displays four of these amazing floats, along with information about the 
town and the festival’s history. These floats are several hundred years old and 
show off Takayama’s famous craftsmanship. Next to the Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, and 
included in the admission price, is the Nikkokan. This hall features models of 
buildings from the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, one of the most ornate shrines in Japan.
Number 10: Day Trip to Kamikochi About 2 hours from the Takayama Bus 
Terminal, Kamikochi is a beautiful alpine area in Chubu Sangaku National Park.
Start your trip at Taisho Pond, where you can see the mountains reflected in the calm water.
Then from there, take a walk to Kappa Bridge, a popular photo spot. The bridge offers great 
views of Mount Hotaka and the Azusa River. Nearby, you’ll find small cafes and 
shops selling local food and souvenirs. A one-hour hike from Kappa Bridge takes you to 
Myojin Pond. The hike is easy and goes through peaceful forests and along the river, offering 
many chances to enjoy nature. At Myojin Pond, the calm atmosphere and clear water makes it 
a great spot to relax before your hike down. Number 9: Takayama’s Old Town
Takayama’s Old Town, or Sanmachi Suji, is a well-preserved area that takes visitors 
back to Japan’s Edo period. Located in the center of Takayama, this area was once an 
important place for trade in the Hida region. Walking through the Old Town, you’ll 
see many traditional machiya houses, narrow streets with wooden buildings, and lots of 
quaint shops, sake breweries, and local eateries. The streets of Sanmachi Suji make you feel like 
you’ve entered a past era, where you can see the traditional Japanese carpentry and architecture. 
Many of the buildings now have shops selling local crafts and traditional goods like Japanese sweets.
By the way, check the links in the description for the ultimate guide on 
saving money while you travel, plus recommended tour operators in Takayama.
Number 8: Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine dates back to the 
time of Emperor Nintoku (413-439 AD). Prince Takefurukuma-no-mikoto was sent to defeat the 
monster Ryoumen Sukuna, which had two heads, four arms, and four legs. Before starting 
his mission, the prince enshrined his father, Emperor Ojin, as the deity of this 
shrine and prayed for success. In 1683, Lord Kanamori helped expand the shrine, making it 
an important place for protecting the town. Today, visitors can enjoy the peaceful shrine grounds 
and honor Emperor Ojin and other deities. Number 7: Day trip to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses 
with steep thatched roofs. These houses are unique to rural Japan and give insight 
into old village life. In Ogimachi Village, the largest and best-preserved village in 
Shirakawa-go, you can walk through the streets and learn about the local history and lifestyle. 
After Shirakawa-go, many travelers visit Gokayama, another area with gassho-zukuri houses. Gokayama 
has three beautiful villages—Ainokura, Suganuma, and Taira—set in scenic mountain valleys. 
Each village is charming and less crowded than Shirakawa-go, offering a quieter experience.
Number 6: Hida Furukawa Hida Furukawa is a quieter town compared to 
Takayama, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. You can take a leisurely walk through the town, 
past stone-walled temple grounds and white-walled storehouses. Carp swim in the channels along 
the streets, adding to the town’s peaceful feel. Hida-Furukawa is also known for its sake culture, 
with two old breweries, Watanabe and Kaba, located close to each other. Visiting both breweries 
is a must. You can join tasting sessions or visit their shops full of local products. Sake 
from these breweries is also available in local izakayas, restaurants, and bars.
Number 5: The Shinhotaka Ropeway The Shinhotaka Ropeway offers a stunning 
360-degree view of the Japanese Alps. This adventure takes you up over 6,500 feet 
(2,000 meters) in double-decker cable cars, giving you great views of the Alps and the 
landscapes below. From the upper station, you can see a wide panorama of the Japanese Alps. On clear 
days, distant mountain ranges are visible, often with snow-covered peaks depending on the season. 
At the top, there are observation decks and viewing platforms where you can take in the views, 
take photos, or just enjoy the calm atmosphere. Number 4: Okuhida Onsen
Okuhida Onsen is a paradise for hot spring lovers, with five different onsen towns located 
in the Northern Japan Alps. Among these, Hirayu Onsen is the oldest and largest. It has a long 
history and is known for its healing hot springs, beautiful natural scenery, and traditional 
Japanese inns. The mineral-rich waters are famous for their health benefits. Visitors to Hirayu 
Onsen can enjoy different types of hot springs, including indoor and outdoor baths, each offering 
unique mineral compositions and health benefits. Number 3: Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum
The Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum is a traditional merchant’s house from the Edo period 
that belonged to the prominent Kusakabe family. It was carefully restored by artisan Jisuke Kawajiri 
and has been recognized as a national Important Cultural Property since 1966. This museum 
showcases folk crafts from the Hida region, including everyday objects like boxes and 
straw shoes, heirlooms such as wedding kimonos, jewelry, and cosmetic boxes, as well as historical 
documents. A notable feature is the collection of Mingei artworks, which highlights the beauty and 
value of everyday items made by unknown craftsmen. Number 2: Sarubobo Dolls and Ichii Woodcarvings
When visiting Takayama, you can buy unique and traditional souvenirs to remember your trip. 
Two of the most recommended items are Sarubobo Dolls and Ichii Wood Carvings. Sarubobo Dolls are 
traditional Japanese amulets from the Hida region. They were originally made by grandmothers for 
their grandchildren to bring good luck, health, and protection. Ichii wood carvings are another 
traditional craft from the Hida region. These detailed wood carvings are made from yew trees 
and have been crafted for centuries. The carvings range from small figurines to larger decorative 
pieces, making them a perfect souvenir for those who appreciate fine art and traditional crafts.
Number 1: Takayama Shōwa-kan Museum The Takayama Shōwa-kan Museum displays Japan’s 
retro “Showa” era from 1925 to 1988. For an admission fee of 800 yen for adults, visitors can 
explore the culture and history of this period, experiencing the sights and sounds of mid-20th 
century Japan. The museum features vintage shops, homes, and streetscapes filled with items from 
that era, such as household appliances, toys, clothing, and furniture. There are interactive 
exhibits like old-fashioned candy stores, traditional barber shops, and nostalgic cafés, 
which bring the Showa era to life with beloved characters from popular films and TV shows.
Click here to watch this video.

This Takayama travel guide shares the best things to do in Takayama.

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How to find cheap flights and travel more: https://travelforalmostfree.com/ref=taylorjordan2

Recommended Tours in Takayama:

Takayama Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: https://www.viator.com/tours/Takayama/Takayama-oldtownship-walking-tour-with-local-guide-About-50min/d25943-183058P9?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Takayama-desc

Private Sake Brewery Visit and Tasting Tour in Hida: https://www.viator.com/tours/Takayama/Sake-Brewery-Visit-and-Tasting-Tour-in-Hida/d25943-73612P2?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Takayama-desc

1-Day Rural E-Bike Tour in Hida: https://www.viator.com/tours/Takayama/1-Day-Rural-E-bike-Tour-in-Hida/d25943-73612P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Takayama-desc

Takayama & Shirakawa-go Day Tour with Hida Beef Lunch from Nagoya: https://klook.tp.st/2A6FdV4E
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Welcome to Takayama, Japan, a charming city nestled in the Japanese Alps known for its preserved Edo-period streets, traditional architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. Here’s what you can experience in Takayama:

Explore the Historic Old Town (Sanmachi Suji): Wander through the narrow streets of Takayama’s Old Town, lined with beautifully preserved merchant houses (machiya) dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). Admire the traditional wooden buildings, sake breweries, and shops selling local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs.

Visit Takayama Jinya: Explore the Takayama Jinya, a former government house that served as the local administrative office during the Edo period. Discover the preserved tatami rooms, offices, and administrative halls. Learn about the history and governance of Takayama during feudal times.

Experience Takayama’s Morning Markets: Visit the Miyagawa Morning Market or Jinya-Mae Morning Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs. Sample local specialties such as mitarashi dango (skewered rice dumplings with sweet soy sauce) and Hida beef skewers.

Discover Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato): Explore this open-air museum showcasing traditional thatched-roof houses (gassho-zukuri) from the mountainous Hida region. Walk through the village to learn about rural life in historic Japan and see demonstrations of traditional crafts like weaving and pottery.

Taste Hida Beef: Indulge in Hida beef, a renowned Wagyu beef variety known for its marbling and rich flavor. Try Hida beef sushi, Hida beef skewers (yakitori), or savor a teppanyaki meal where the beef is grilled to perfection in front of you.

Visit Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall: Learn about Takayama’s famous festivals, particularly the Takayama Matsuri held in spring and autumn. Admire the ornate festival floats (yatai) decorated with intricate carvings, textiles, and lacquer work at the exhibition hall.

Relax in Shirakawa-go: Take a day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Explore the village, visit the observation points for stunning views, and learn about the local lifestyle and architecture.

Enjoy Hot Springs (Onsen): Relax in Takayama’s hot springs (onsen) to rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing. Many ryokan (traditional inns) and hotels offer onsen baths with mineral-rich waters surrounded by scenic mountain views.

Explore Takayama Green Hotel Folk Village: Visit this unique hotel that recreates a traditional Japanese village setting with thatched-roof houses, workshops, and gardens. Experience hands-on activities such as weaving, calligraphy, and tea ceremony demonstrations.

Join us as we uncover the cultural heritage, culinary delights, and natural beauty of Takayama, Japan. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel tips and guides. Thank you for watching!

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