While planning a trip to Shirakawa-go, I came across Takayama as a nearby place full of historic Japanese charm. After seeing pictures of the Sanmachi Traditional Preservation Area and reading about the region’s food and crafts (particularly Hida wagyu beef), I was excited to add Takayama to my Gifu itinerary.

Keep reading to learn more about Takayama and what to do in this area of tradition, culture, and crafts!
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Table of Contents:
How to Get to Takayama
From Shirakawa-go
If you plan to visit Takayama from Shirakawa-go, you can easily make the trip by bus which takes just 50 minutes. Reservations are recommended and can be booked online from the Nohi Bus site here. For the bus timetable and more information, see here. Don’t know where Shirakawa-go is? Check out this post to learn more!

For more information on accessing Takayama from other parts of Japan including Kanazawa, Tokyo, and Osaka, check out this page.
What to Do in Takayama
Takayama is a city located in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. The area has historic sites, preserved buildings, temples, shops, restaurants, and more. Here is a list of some of the things you can do during your stay! Download a free walking map of Takayama to help plan your travels.
Wander the Shops in the Sanmachi Historic District
One of the most well-known areas of Takayama is the Sanmachi Historic District which contains preserved buildings from the period of merchants and trade. Running along the eastern side of the Miyagawa River, the preservation area spans multiple blocks and is a scenic streetscape reminiscent of Edo Japan.

The Sanmachi Historic District is just a 10-15 minute walk from the Takayama Bus Center and JR Station.
Taste Hida Beef Nigiri style
Hida Beef is the local Wagyu beef of the Hida region. If you are looking to taste this succulent meat, how about atop a piece of rice as wagyu sushi? The richness of the beef complements the light rice and toppings such as yuzu and salt enhance the flavor.

Several shops sell Hida beef nigiri in the Sanmachi Historic District, but the place I tried and loved was Kin no Kotteushi. At this stall, three pieces of nigiri are sold for 1,000-1,100 yen. Take your sushi and eat it in the nearby park. You can also eat the serving plate since it is a piece of edible senbei rice cracker!

Try Hida Beef Katsu Style
At Juraku, a corner restaurant in the middle of the Sanmachi Historic District, you can eat fried Hida beef katsu. The lunch set is 3,300 yen and comes with katsu beef, soup, rice, pickles, salad, and a side dish. The crispiness of the meat here is done to perfection. However, note that the dish is quite rich and filling.

If you prefer a lighter meal, I recommend the omotenashi set which is smaller and comes with beef sushi, salad, simmered beef, and skewered beef with leek.

Visit Old Temples and Shrines on a Walking Course
If you are looking for a nice walk around the city or need to burn off the Hida Wagyu meals, you can embark on one of the designated walking courses.

The Higashiyama Walking Course passes through over a dozen temples and shrines and includes a visit to Shiroyama Park. The path is well-marked and is a nice way to explore a quieter side of the city away from the crowds. See here for a map of the walking course.


With many maple trees along the course, it is also a great place to visit during fall!
In addition to the Higashiyama Walking Course, the Kitayama Walking Course takes visitors through Kitayama Park and to the Shimoninomachi-Ojinmachi Traditional Buildings Preservation Area.
Drink Sake at a Sake Theme Park!
In the heart of the Sanmachi district is Funasaka Sake Brewery which runs a “Sake Theme Park”. Inside the store, you can taste a wide range of sake using their special coin system.

First, purchase a sake cup, then exchange money for special coins. Use the coins to try sake from any of the machines around the store. The price of each tasting varies and is listed on each machine. There are cold sakes, hot sakes, fruit sakes, premium sakes, and more!

The concept is neat and is the perfect way to try a variety of different sakes!
Shop for Local Souvenirs
Many shops line the historical district making it a good place to pick up special souvenirs. For those who are into textiles, check out Hida-Sashiko, a store specializing in sashiko Japanese embroidery products. The pieces are handmade and feature simple yet beautiful geometric designs.

Silk figurines are also a local craft product.

At Takumi-kan, you can find a selection of beautifully made wooden home goods.
右衛門横町 is a large store for unique local souvenirs.
And Hida paper art and block prints can be found at 真工藝三町店.

Test Your Skill at Japanese Archery
If you have some spare time, why not try Japanese archery? At Hankyujo Takayama, you can receive a short explanation of how to hold and shoot with a Japanese bow and arrow.

The tutorial only takes a few minutes and costs 700 yen with 10 free shots. It’s a fun and spontaneous activity that can be done between eating and shopping!
Relax at a Traditional Ryokan
For a traditional Japanese ryokan experience, I recommend a stay at Ryokan Asunaro.


From the grand entryway to the cozy Japanese-style rooms, savory meals, and attentive guest service, this is a good place to choose if you are looking for a nice stay in Takayama.



Visit a Morning Market
In the morning, stop by one of Takayama’s morning markets. At these markets, find fresh fruit, rice snacks, juice, pickles, crafts, and other goods.
The market located near the river is called the Miyagawa Morning Market. It is open 7 am-12 pm from April to December and 8 am -12 pm from January to March.
The market by Takayama Shrine is called the Jinya-mae Morning Market and is open 7 am-12 pm April to October and 8 am-12 pm November to March.
Explore Takayama Shrine
Takayama Shrine is a National Historic site that was a branch office of the Edo government from 1692 to 1868. Enter the shrine and explore the interior where you can see the different rooms used by the government, the old rice storehouses, and a Japanese-style garden.

I was surprised at how much bigger the shrine was compared to how it looked from the outside.
*Note shoes need to be taken off before entering the shrine.
Where to Stay in Takayama
I stayed at a ryokan (Japanese-style inn) called Ryokan Asunaro during my visit to Takayama. This ryokan is a 7-minute walk from the bus station and is just across the river from the Sanmachi Historic District of shops and restaurants. If you are looking for a traditional ryokan to stay at while in Takayama, I recommend checking out this place!
Visit Nearby Shirakawa-go
Just a 50-minute bus ride from Takayama is Shirakawa-go, a charming alpine village and registered World Heritage Site. Shirakawa-go is well known for the 100-plus Gassho-zukuri buildings that line the village streets and create a picturesque scene.

You can visit Shirakawa-go on a day trip or go for an overnight stay to get the most out of the enchanting atmosphere. Read more about what to do in Shirakawa-go here or check out the video below.
Final Thoughts
For a place that will transport you through time and fill you with historic charm, Takayama may be just the spot! With a little bit of everything in this small city, from succulent bites to crafts, booze, and nature, a trip to Takayama is suitable to add to any Japan itinerary!
Looking for more interesting places to add to your Japan trip? Check out these posts!
- Solo Hiking the Nakasendo Trail: Complete Guide and Itinerary – Walk the legendary Nakasendo trail and stay at a historic post town.
- Zamami Island – Top 10+ Things to Do During Your Okinawa Trip – Craving a laid-back summer trip instead? Check out Okinawa’s Zamami Island for beaches and snorkeling.
- Kurokawa Onsen Village: Onsen Hopping and Overnight Stay – If a trip full of onsens and ryokans is what you are looking for, you’ll want to visit Kurokawa Onsen!
*The above information is current as of April 2024. Hours and entry fees may change. Please check the most recent holidays and hours of operation of places before visiting.