Takayama

Travel Guide
Sakurayama-Jinja showing street scenes and heritage architecture
Enjoy exploring the fascinating ancient buildings, bustling markets and stunning mountain views of this city located high in the Japanese Alps.

Takayama is a unique city in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture. Although this region is known as Japan’s crossroads, Takayama is located high in the Japanese Alps and the city’s relative isolation has meant that its culture has developed over the past 300 years without much influence from the outside world. Find ancient temples, heritage farmsteads and castles in this mountainous region.

The Hida-Kokubunji Temple is Takayama’s oldest structure. Explore the three-story pagoda and see a 1,200-year-old ginkgo tree. Take a step back in time at Hida Folk Village. This open-air museum consists of nearly 30 farmhouses that span the centuries. The village displays artifacts from various historical periods and features traditional Japanese handicraft demonstrations.

For spectacular views, take a bus to the summit of Mount Norikura. This dormant volcano, the third tallest in Japan, features wide plains and deep crater lakes. The road up the mountain is often closed because of heavy snowfall. For more panoramic views of the Northern Alps, visit Shinhotaka Ropeway. This aerial lift takes you up Mount Hotakadake, one of Japan’s tallest mountains. Pamper yourself at the mountain’s spa resort.

Explore the ruins of Matsukura Castle. The grounds are home to several hundred cherry trees that explode into blossom during spring. Several events, such as the Sengoku Noroshi Festival, are held here during the blooming season. Takayama Jinya is a former government outpost. The main building has been immaculately restored and is now open to the public. Stop by the farmers’ market held outside every morning.

Takayama is renowned for its exceptionally talented carpenters. See their handiwork in palaces and temples in Kyoto and Nara. As you walk through the city, take note of the buildings’ immaculately crafted decorations. Handmade wooden souvenirs, available at the local market, are very popular keepsakes.

You can easily get to Takayama by bus or by train. The city’s train station connects with most of the region’s cities and towns. You can reach Tokyo by train in just over 4 hours.

Where to stay in Takayama

Hida Takayama Onsen which includes a small town or village and a pond

Hida Takayama Onsen

4.5/5(101 area reviews)

Hida Takayama Onsen is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Takayama Yatai Kaikan and Miyagawa Morning Market.

Hida Takayama Onsen
Takayama Showa Kan featuring interior views

Old Town Takayama

River views, historic sites, and restaurants are some highlights of Old Town Takayama. Make a stop by Miyagawa Morning Market or Takayama Traditional Culture and Crafts Square while you're exploring.

Old Town Takayama
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Atagomachi

Though Atagomachi might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Takayama Traditional Culture and Crafts Square and Takayama Yatai Kaikan.

Atagomachi
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Fuyutō

While Fuyutō might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and Takayama Yatai Kaikan.

Fuyutō
Wat Hotel& Spa Hida Takayama
Wat Hotel& Spa Hida Takayama
3.5 out of 5
3-39-1, Hanasato-cho, Takayama, Gifu-ken
The price is ¥9,965 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
¥9,965
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Lovelly view. Great breakfast and excellent cleaning staff. Not very close to dining options."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Wat Hotel& Spa Hida Takayama
TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
3.5 out of 5
4-301, Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu
Fully refundable
The price is ¥18,482 per night from May 30 to May 31
¥18,482
per night
May 30 - May 31
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (345 reviews)
Best pillows all trip.
"Amazing hotel to stay at. Beds and pillows very comfortable. The onsen was delightful and the proximity to the train station made it easy to get to. But also was still very close to other spots. Food at restaurant waa also delicious. Each floor also focuses on a local craft or artesian skill thay ..."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
Residence Hotel Takayama Station
Residence Hotel Takayama Station
3 out of 5
6-105 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
The price is ¥10,144 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
¥10,144
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (381 reviews)
"Nice clean property located very close to train station. Sleeping areas are small though."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Residence Hotel Takayama Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Hotel Takayama Station
Residence Hotel Takayama Station
3 out of 5
6-105 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (381 reviews)
"Nice clean property located very close to train station. Sleeping areas are small though."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Residence Hotel Takayama Station
FAV LUX HIDATAKAYAMA
FAV LUX HIDATAKAYAMA
3 out of 5
6-101 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Teramachi & Shiroyama-kōen and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (53 reviews)
"The room is modern and very new. There are many nearby restaurants and convenience store."

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

FAV LUX HIDATAKAYAMA
FAV HOTEL HIDATAKAYAMA WEST
FAV HOTEL HIDATAKAYAMA WEST
3.5 out of 5
Nishinoisshikimachi 2-169-1, Takayama, Gifu
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
"Highly recommend for those exploring takayama and around."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

FAV HOTEL HIDATAKAYAMA WEST
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Takayama

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
58
" "5 - Excellent 74.35897435897436%
4 - Good
20
" "4 - Good 25.641025641025642%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

Beautiful, beautiful city. I live in the states and I already know it's going to be the city I miss the most in Japan. I love the artisan feel throughout the city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 10, 2020

Takayama is like "Little Kyoto" with a lot of history mixed with modern Japan. Festival time (spring & fall) are excellent times to see the beautiful city.

4/5 - Good

S
Jan 29, 2020

Takayama is great. The best village in the area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 9, 2020

Takayama was everything I wanted Kyoto to be. It was like going back in time with all the historical buildings, and there weren't nearly as many people as any other Japanese city I've been to. Very walkable and absolutely gorgeous.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 27, 2019

Interesting old houses/tourist area; excellent gluten free restaurant

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2019

Precioso lugar, el barrio viejo es hermoso, fuimos al festival de Takayama muy recomendable.

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