A carefully preserved old town in the mountains of Hida, Takayama flourishes with traditional customs and a world-renowned festival every spring and autumn. From folk villages to museums, markets, temples and walking tracks, Takayama offers a wide selection of rich cultural experiences.
Things to do in Takayama
Get oriented in Takayama by strolling the Old Town area and its preserved architecture from the Edo Period. Walk down Sannomachi Street to find antique shops, coffeehouses and centuries-old sake breweries. Even when it’s not festival season, you can see elements of its glory in the Matsuri no Mori museum, filled with miniature festival floats and golden-lacquered screens featuring festival highlights.
One of the most culturally significant experiences you can have in Takayama is walking through the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum created from 30 authentic traditional Hida cottages. You’ll find logging huts, various storehouses and a number of thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Stroll along the 3.5-kilometre Higashiyama Walking Course to see the remains of Takayama Castle and a fine collection of ancient temples and shrines. Check out the oldest belfry in the Hida region at Daioji temple. You’ll also pass through the wooded Shiroyama Park, home to more than 1,000 cherry trees.
Morning markets are the centre of life in Takayama, open every day until noon. Miyagawa Market spreads along the Miyagawa River in Old Town, while Jinya-mae Market sets up in front of the historic Takayama Jinya museum. You can browse stands overflowing with fresh produce, handmade pickles, colourful flowers and local craft items.
Getting around Takayama
Most attractions in Takayama are within a 10-minute walk of the rail station and bus centre, including the Old Town area. Buses and taxis are available for getting around, while rickshaws offer rides in Old Town.