Things To Do
in Takayama
Takayama, Japan is a picturesque mountain town known for its well-preserved historic district featuring traditional wooden houses and narrow streets. The town is famous for its annual Takayama Festival, where ornate floats are paraded through the streets. Takayama is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including lush forests and majestic mountains.
Visitors can also enjoy exploring local craft shops, sake breweries, and delicious regional cuisine.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Takayama Jinya, a historic government building. Enjoy the morning tranquility as you wander through the traditional gardens.
Spend the afternoon at the morning market, sampling local delicacies and buying handmade crafts. Visit the Hida Folk Village to explore traditional farmhouses.
End your day with a relaxing soak in an onsen (hot spring) nearby. Enjoy a dinner featuring Hida beef at a local restaurant.
Visit the sacred Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in the morning, a beautiful spot surrounded by nature. Witness the intricate carvings and architecture that date back centuries.
Head to the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall to learn about the famous festival floats. Then, stroll the picturesque Sanmachi Suji district for shopping.
Take a leisurely walk along the river and enjoy the serene evening views. Dine at a traditional izakaya and savor local sake.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery with beautiful mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional wooden houses and historical sites.
- Famous for its local cuisine, including Hida beef and Takayama ramen.
- Home to vibrant festivals such as the Takayama Matsuri, showcasing local craftsmanship.
- Access to nearby attractions like Shirakawa-go and the Japanese Alps.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Can be crowded during festival seasons, leading to a less comfortable experience.
- Some areas may have language barriers for non-Japanese speakers.
- Seasonal weather can be extreme, with cold winters and hot summers.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to more urbanized regions.
Best Activities in Takayama
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning hiking trails in Kamikochi surrounded by the Japanese Alps.
Experience the unique gassho-style houses and picturesque scenery of Shirakawa-go Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover traditional Japanese farmhouses and rural life at the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum.
Tours
Uncover the best of Takayama with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Takayama
Visit one of these nice places.
This observatory offers stunning panoramic views of the historic Gassho-style houses and the surrounding landscape.
The historic government outpost with its beautiful gardens offers great photo opportunities and a glimpse into the region's history.
Visitors can capture the charm of traditional thatched-roof houses and scenic landscapes at this open-air museum.
Food in Takayama
Takayama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Takayama's renowned marbled beef, known for its exceptional flavor, is best enjoyed in dishes like sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, or grilled over charcoal. Look for restaurants like Maruaki or Hidagyu Yamakyu for an authentic Hida beef experience.
Must-Try!
This specialty features a mix of miso, tofu, mushrooms, and green onions grilled on a magnolia leaf. Try it at a local restaurant like Sakana and Takumi, which offers this traditional dish.
A noodle dish topped with wild mountain vegetables, often found in local soba restaurants like Hida Kotte Ushi.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Takayama better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a perfect place to sample local treats like mitarashi dango, skewered rice dumplings in sweet soy glaze, and oyaki, a savory dumpling stuffed with local ingredients.
Stroll through this historic district to find street food stalls offering snacks like goheimochi, skewered rice cakes with miso paste, and grilled rice cakes with sweet soy sauce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to remove shoes before entering a private home or a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Takayama as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
In Takayama, there are many traditional festivals and local customs that should be respected. It is important to be mindful of these events and participate respectfully if attending.
In Takayama, using polite language and bowing when interacting with locals, especially those who are older or in positions of authority, is a sign of respect and courtesy.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Takayama with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Takayama
Ensure a smooth experience
In Takayama, Japan, tipping is generally not practiced. It is not customary to leave a tip at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments. Providing exceptional service is considered an intrinsic part of the job, and customers are not expected to leave additional money as a gratuity.
Payment in Takayama, Japan is predominantly done through cash. While credit cards are accepted at some establishments, cash is the preferred method of payment, particularly at smaller shops, local eateries, and traditional ryokans. It is advisable for visitors to carry sufficient yen for their purchases and transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Takayama.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Takayama is during spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a picturesque and romantic atmosphere. The weather is relatively mild and comfortable for exploring the town and enjoying outdoor activities.
Summer in Takayama brings warm temperatures and occasional rainfall. The town hosts various festivals and events during this season, offering a vibrant cultural experience for visitors. However, be prepared for some humidity and potential crowds.
Autumn is another beautiful time to visit Takayama when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking and enjoying the stunning natural landscapes.
For those who appreciate snowy scenes and winter activities, Takayama is charming during the winter months. The town is less crowded, and visitors can experience the tranquil beauty of Takayama covered in snow.
Takayama at Night
Hiking in Takayama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A highland area known for its scenic views and hiking trails, offering routes ranging from easy walks to challenging ascents.
Also known as the Northern Japan Alps, this mountain range provides breathtaking hiking trails with various levels of difficulty, stunning vistas, and diverse wildlife.
A remote mountainous area famous for its beautiful landscapes, lush forests, and rivers, perfect for a day hike or longer treks.
Offering access to high-altitude trails, this ropeway leads to spectacular views and various hiking options in the surrounding peaks.
An active volcano with hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding area, ideal for experienced hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Takayama through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Takayama by plane.
Located approximately 220 kilometers from Takayama, this airport serves as a primary international gateway to the Chubu region.
Situated about 350 kilometers from Takayama, Kansai International Airport is a major international airport serving the Osaka region.
Narita Airport is located approximately 400 kilometers from Takayama and is one of the main international airports serving the Tokyo area.
Also known as Osaka International Airport, Itami is about 350 kilometers from Takayama and primarily serves domestic flights but has international services as well.
Although mostly serving domestic flights, Komaki Airport is located around 220 kilometers from Takayama and occasionally accommodates international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Takayama is Japanese, primarily consisting of ethnic Japanese.
A small indigenous people of Japan, some members of the Ainu community reside in Takayama and its surroundings.
This group includes various expatriates and non-Japanese individuals living in Takayama, contributing to the cultural diversity.
While not a demographic group in a traditional sense, many domestic and international tourists visit Takayama every year, impacting the local economy and cultural landscape.
The Soul of Takayama
Discover the essence of Takayama through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a widely popular sport in Takayama, with various local clubs and schools participating in regional leagues and tournaments.
Baseball enjoys a strong following in Takayama, with many youth teams and high school competitions being held annually.
Basketball is popular among the youth in Takayama, with numerous sports facilities available for practice and local competitions.
Traditional sports such as Sumo have cultural significance and are celebrated during local festivals.
Given its beautiful mountainous scenery, running and hiking are popular recreational activities, with many local trails available for enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Takayama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Hida beef is a prominent local specialty, many restaurants in Takayama offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Look out for dishes like yuba (tofu skin) and vegetable tempura, widely available in the area.
For gluten-free dining, explore traditional Japanese cuisine like sashimi, rice-based dishes, and fresh vegetable-based meals, commonly found in Takayama's eateries.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Takayama with these cultural adventures.