Takayama and the surrounding area boast traditional architecture, opulent festivals and a range of the best mountains and onsen in Japan.
Widely considered Gifu’s crown jewel, Takayama is a fantastic destination surrounded by the scenic alpine countryside of the Japan Alps . A destination in itself, Takayama is also an excellent base from which to explore the Japan Alps and the surrounding Hida area.
The heart of Takayama city, the Sanmachi area of preserved buildings, attracts tourists from all over the country. You could spend a whole day wandering these old streets, buying souvenirs from the many craft shops, sampling local tea and digging into local treats like wagyu sushi.
A number of sake breweries are also located in and around the Sanmachi district, and tasting is possible.
Oyado Yoshinoya is located in Sanmachi area of Takayama. A traditional Japanese Inn built in 1947. We sleep on comfortable futons on the floor, under warm duvets.
Close to cafes, restaurants and a supermarket
Stayed two nights and enjoyed the experience of staying in a traditional inn. The owners were very friendly and helpful despite speaking very little English. Appreciated the morning coffee!
Takayama is a popular destination year-round but is paticularly busy for the Takayama Festival in spring and autumn.
On festival days, the streets throng with visitors and locals who come to watch the festival procession and see the ornate floats. Accommodation can be hard to come by, so booking ahead is essential if you want to be in town to catch either festival.
Shirakawa-go lines the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.
Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer”, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.
The 35 minute drive from Takayama passed through 17 Road Tunnels one of which was 3 kilometers long
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