Travel : Takayama - Highlights of Japan's picturesque city

 

Takayama is a picturesque city located in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture and vibrant traditional culture, Takayama offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s past. Often referred to as "Little Kyoto," it is famous for its historic district, lively festivals, and proximity to the stunning Japanese Alps. The town is also a gateway to the rural beauty of the Hida region, known for its traditional farmhouses and scenic landscapes.

Best Spots to Visit in Detail

1. Sanmachi Suji (Old Town)

Takayama’s Old Town is a beautifully preserved area with narrow streets lined with wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and craft shops dating back to the Edo period. Walking through the streets of Sanmachi Suji feels like stepping back in time.

Highlight: Many traditional sake breweries offer tastings, making this a great spot to experience the local sake culture.

2. Takayama Jinya

This historical government office building served as the administrative headquarters during the Edo period. Today, it’s a museum where you can explore the original tatami rooms, storehouses, and courtyard.

Highlight: The morning market held outside Takayama Jinya is an excellent place to sample local produce and crafts.

3. Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

This open-air museum showcases traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and buildings moved from the surrounding Hida region. The houses are preserved in their original state, and visitors can explore their interiors to learn about rural life in Japan.

Highlight: The village is particularly beautiful in winter, when the snow-covered thatched roofs create a serene atmosphere.

4. Takayama Festivals (Sanno Matsuri and Hachiman Matsuri)

Takayama hosts two of Japan’s most famous festivals—Sanno Matsuri in spring (April) and Hachiman Matsuri in autumn (October). These festivals feature ornate floats called yatai, which are paraded through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances.

Highlight: The floats are beautifully decorated and illuminated in the evenings, creating a magical atmosphere.

5. Shirakawa-go

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Shirakawa-go is located about an hour’s bus ride from Takayama. It is known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, designed with steep thatched roofs to withstand heavy snow. This rural village is a must-visit for its unique architecture and scenic beauty.

Highlight: Visit in winter when the farmhouses are covered in snow, or in spring for lush green fields and blooming flowers.

6. Higashiyama Walking Course

This walking trail leads visitors through Takayama’s scenic temple district, passing numerous temples and shrines along the way. It’s a peaceful, less crowded area where you can enjoy Takayama’s natural beauty.

Highlight: The trail ends at Shiroyama Park, a lush, green space ideal for a quiet retreat or a picnic.

7. Miyagawa Morning Market

One of Takayama's famous morning markets, it is held along the banks of the Miyagawa River. Local farmers sell fresh produce, homemade pickles, and crafts, making it a great place to sample the region's food and culture.

Highlight: Try the seasonal fruits and local specialties such as hoba miso.

Best Seasons to Visit Takayama

1. Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Takayama, especially in April when the Takayama Spring Festival takes place. Cherry blossoms can be seen throughout the town, adding to its historic charm.

Weather: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

2. Summer (June to August)

Summer in Takayama is a bit cooler than other parts of Japan due to its elevation. The surrounding mountains offer great opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.

Weather: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).

3. Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings cool weather and vibrant autumn foliage. The Takayama Autumn Festival in October is one of the highlights of the season, showcasing the city’s rich traditions.

Weather: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

4. Winter (December to February)

Takayama experiences heavy snowfall in winter, creating a picturesque setting. Visiting Hida Folk Village and Shirakawa-go during the snow season is an unforgettable experience. The town’s illumination events during winter are also worth seeing.

Weather: -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F).

Best Cuisines in Takayama

1. Hida Beef (Hida-gyu)

Takayama is known for its premium Hida beef, a variety of wagyu that’s tender, marbled, and flavorful. It can be enjoyed in various forms, from sukiyaki and shabu-shabu to steaks and grilled dishes.

Where to Try: Ajikura Tengoku and Maruaki are famous restaurants for enjoying Hida beef.

2. Hoba Miso

This is a unique dish where miso paste is grilled on a dried magnolia leaf and mixed with vegetables, tofu, and sometimes Hida beef. The flavor of the grilled miso is rich and smoky.

Where to Try: Traditional restaurants like Hida Takayama Gyoza Sohonzan.

3. Gohei Mochi

A local snack made from pounded rice, skewered and coated with a sweet-salty sauce made from miso, soy sauce, and sugar, then grilled over an open flame.

Where to Try: Local street stalls around the Miyagawa Morning Market or Old Town.

4. Takayama Ramen

Also known as Chuka Soba, this ramen features a simple soy-based broth with curly noodles, topped with green onions, bamboo shoots, and slices of pork.

Where to Try: Menya Shirakawa and Hida Takayama Ramen Takumiya.

5. Sansai Ryori (Mountain Vegetable Cuisine)

Given its location in the mountains, Takayama is famous for dishes made with wild mountain vegetables, known as sansai. These seasonal vegetables are often featured in tempura, soups, and rice dishes.

Where to Try: Heianraku, a restaurant specializing in local, seasonal ingredients.

Airlines and Connectivity

1. Nearest Airport: Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

Takayama does not have its own airport, but the closest international airport is Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya. From Nagoya, you can take the JR Hida Limited Express train, which reaches Takayama in about 2.5 hours.

International Airlines: Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and more operate flights to Centrair Airport.

2. Train Connectivity

Takayama is accessible by train, primarily via the JR Takayama Line. The Hida Limited Express connects Takayama to Nagoya in about 2.5 hours, offering scenic views along the way.

Shinkansen: While Takayama itself is not on the shinkansen line, travelers can take the shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer to the Hida Limited Express.

3. Bus Connectivity

Takayama is also well-served by highway buses from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Nohi Bus: Offers regular services between Takayama and Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, and Nagoya.

Takayama’s combination of historical charm, natural beauty, and culinary delights makes it a must-visit destination in Japan, especially for those seeking a more traditional and serene experience.