Takayama Attractions
Due to its abundant delicate wooden architecture and historical atmosphere, Takayama is known as “Little Kyoto”. Without modern skyscrapers, the cityscape in Takayama is totally different from that in Tokyo and Osaka. For anyone interested in Japanese traditional architecture, Sanmachi Suji, Takayama Jinya, and Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village must be visited. You can not only see traditional residences or farmhouses but also an ancient government office. If you are interested in the religions in Japan, then Hida Kokubunji Temple and Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan are recommended. Last, Takayama also has many museums, including Takayama Showa Kan Museum and Hida Takayama Retro Museum, which would satisfy history buffs. In addition, food lovers would like Takayama as well where special dumplings and Hida beef are very delicious.
Top Attractions in Takayama
1. Sanmachi Suji
As the core area of Furui Machinami Old Street, Sanmachi Suji is always welcomed among visitors. Built in the 17th century, Sanmachi Suji is an ancient district composed of three streets. The residences and shops preserve the classic construction style of the Edo Period (1603 – 1868): dark color, grid windows, and a narrow ditch along the street. In addition, food lovers would not be disappointed as they can taste the top cuisine in Takayama: the grilled Hida beef and Hida beef Suchi. In addition, you can buy some sake or watch how sake is brewed in some breweries. If tired, just take a pulled rickshaw to visit this place.
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2. Takayama Jinya
Takayama Jinya is the only existing ancient government office in Japan, built in the 17th century. It consists of 3 areas: a working area, a living area, and one rice storehouse. In various rooms, including rooms for officials to deal with government issues and investigate criminals, a kitchen, and rooms for officials’ families, you can see many ancient tools like torture instruments to judge criminals, old furniture, decoration paintings, and cooking utensils. Apart from seeing old government architecture, you can also learn local customs in the morning market just outside which is always popular among local residents.
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Buildings in Takayama Jinya
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3. Hida Kokubunji Temple
The 1,200-year-old Hida Kokubunji Temple has two important ancient buildings: the only Pagoda in Takayama and the Bell Tower Gate. The former has been designated as an Important Cultural Treasure by Japan authority. Many Bodhisattva statues, including Guanyin and 6 Jizo Bodhisattva, are worshiped. In addition, in the Temple, the 1,200-year-old ginkgo tree with many romantic stories is a good spot for visitors to take photos in the fall when golden leaves and ancient buildings give a retro sense.|
The Bell Tower Gate in Hida Kokubunji Temple
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4. Takayama Showa Kan Museum
Takayama Showa Kan Museum is a retro museum trying to display Japanese life in the 20th century. Through about 20 life scenes, like a hospital, a toyshop, a classroom, a cinema, a post office, and a hair salon, the Museum aims to take visitors back then. In addition, the items that fill these scenes are all produced in the last century and visitors are allowed to touch them. For example, you can play a round of Super Mario game in the old Family Computer by Subor.
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5. Miyagawa Market
Miyagawa Market has more than 300 years of history and is always gathered by local people in the morning, which makes it a good destination to feel the local customs. The products include fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, crafts, and specialty cuisines like takoyaki.
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6. Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village
Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village displays 30 residences with more than 200 years of history, 4 of which are listed as National Important Folk Cultural Property. Here, you can not only see Gassho-style houses, but also various life items, tools, and crafts used in the past. It will give you an insight into how local people’s lives in the past were. Any season is suitable to come here as you can see Sakura in spring, scattered green trees in summer, orange maple leaves in fall, and heavy snow matched with illumination light in winter. In addition, in the Village, you can watch artisans make crafts or make your own crafts.|
The interor of Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village
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7. Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go about one hour’s train journey from Takayama is also famous for its 59 Gassho-style houses, whose roofs are like praying hands. With about 200 years of history, it is also Japan’s largest village preserving such houses built without using one nail. In 1995, Shirakawa-go was designated as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. You can stand on the observation site to watch the panorama of the Village. Some of these houses are now used as hotels, and you can reserve a room to stay for one night and better feel the glamour of such houses.|
Houses in Shirakawa-go
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Other Tourist Attractions in Takayama
1. Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan
Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan exhibits four magnificent floats which are decorated with colorful ornaments made of different materials such as gold and wood. In addition, the golden Portable Shrine is worth seeing. The Portable Shrine or Mikoshi is the largest and known as the most beautiful one in Japan. These floats are usually used for the parade in Takayama Matsuri Festival held each spring and autumn. Dating back to the end of the 16th century, the festival is regarded as one of the three most beautiful ceremonies. Nowadays during the festival, you can also watch traditional performances as well as the parade of more than 10 richly decorated floats.2. Hida-sannogu Hie Shrine
Hida-sannogu Hie Shrine is the film location of the movie Your Name. There are many maple trees in the Shrine and the late October and early November are the best times to visit the Shrine when all maple leaves turn red.3. Hida Takayama Retro Museum
Hida Takayama Retro Museum displays old items once popular in Japan in the last century. The Museum designs many scenes in daily life such as typical Japanese classrooms and old game rooms in the 1970s. Some old game machines displayed are still in service, so you can play games on them such as Super Mario.4. Higashiyama Walking Course
The 3.5-kilometer-long (2 miles) Higashiyama Walking Course is surrounded by dense forests and lined with about 10 temples and shrines, including Unryu Temple, Myokanzan Eikyoin Temple, Kyusho Temple, and Akiba Shrine, many of which have hundreds of years of history. In addition, the Course travels through many residence areas, so you can learn local people’s lives at a close distance.5. Okuhida Onsen
Okuhida Onsen about 34 km (21 mi) east to Takayama downtown consists of five hot springs which are surrounded by forest covered mountains 3,500 meters (11500 feet) above sea level, so while enjoying the open-air hot spring bathing, you can totally immerse in the natural environment.Itinerary Recommendations
2 Days: Visit Attractions in Central Takayama
Day 1: Takayama Jinya → Sanmachi Suji (2 mins’ walk) → Takayama Showa Kan Museum (4 mins’ walk)Day 2: Miyagawa Market → Hida Kokubunji Temple (3 mins’ walk)
After reaching central Takayama, you can first go to Takayama Jinya to see various rooms of different functions. Then, go to Sanmachi Suji to appreciate ancient wooden buildings. The Hida beef and unique Takayama Sake are delicious, so it is recommended to try them as your lunch. In the afternoon, you can go to Takayama Showa Kan Museum to learn about Japanese life in the last century.
After a night of rest, on the 2nd day, you can first go to the famous Miyagawa Market and have your breakfast here where many local cuisines and snacks are sold. Take a stroll along the Market to feel the local customs. After breakfast, go to Hida Kokubunji Temple where you can feel Buddhist culture. Don’t miss the only Pagoda in Hida and the 1,200-year-old ginkgo tree.
In the afternoon, you can continue your visit to nearby places, like Shirakawa-go or Okuhida Onsen.
3 - 4 Days: Central Takayama plus Shirakawa-go and or Okuhida Onsen
Day 1: Takayama Jinya → Sanmachi Suji (2 mins’ walk) → Takayama Showa Kan Museum (4 mins’ walk)Day 2: Miyagawa Market → Hida Kokubunji Temple (3 mins’ walk) → Shirakawa-go (1 hour train journey from central Takayama)
Day 3: Shirakawa-go → Okuhida Onsen (2 hours bus journey from Shirakawa-go)
Day 4: Okuhida Onsen → Head to next destination
After visiting tourist attractions in central Takayama and Shirakawa-go on the first 2 days, you can spend the morning on third day in Shirakawa-go if you still want to learn more about the distinctive Gassho-style houses and scenic views here. In the afternoon, take a bus to Okuhida Onsen and have a good rest here. On the 4th day, you can still visit Okuhida Onsen first and then plan your next destination.