10 Best Restaurants In Takayama

takayama best restaurants
Daniel
Daniel 
Published
| 4 min read

Japan, the land of the rising sun, is truly a pleasure to visit. It is no secret that Japan is home to beautiful landscapes and cityscapes, fun times and absolutely rich culture rooted deep in their history. Takayama, in the Gifu prefecture, specifically is one of the many cities that are still very much in touch with the history of the country. The Sanmachi Suji historic district is lined with multiple houses from the Edo period. Not only that, there are a plethora of well-maintained historical spots. Another thing about Takayama is that they have absolutely exquisite food. Here’s our list of the best restaurants in Takayama, Japan, that are worth checking out.

1. Heianraku

Japanese Sanuki Udon
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Shene81 used under CC BY 3.0

This is a nice little mom-and-pop style family restaurant. It serves traditional Japanese dishes, with rich and savory flavors. It is an intimate little space that is only able to fit up to 12 people. Customers have the option of sitting at the traditional Japanese tatami tables or at the counter and watch the chef prepare their meals. Aside from the main menu, they also have a variety of vegan options. Have yourself a hearty meal at Heianraku!

Heianraku

Address: 6-7-2 Temmanmachi, Takayama 506-0025, Gifu Prefecure

Website: Heianraku

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 11am - 1pm, 5pm - 8pm (closed on Tue)

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2. Suzuya Restaurant

Griddled wagyu beef
Source: Photo by Flickr user T.Tseng used under CC BY 2.0

The elegant Suzuya restaurant looks like a finely preserved, old Japanese house. The interior is simple and tasteful, complete with captivating Japanese-style screens and Hida wood. Hida beef is well known throughout Takayama, and Suzuya prides itself in their Hida beef. Be amazed at how tender and juicy their Hida beef is cooked in the Hoba miso style and feel the flavors fill your mouth.

Suzuya Restaurant

Address: 24 Hanakawamachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0015, Japan

Website: Suzuya Restaurant

Opening hours: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 8pm (daily)

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3. Ebihachi

Tempura 2 2018-10-16
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user View more used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ebihachi is another small yet inviting family restaurant. It is run by a husband and wife. There are eight seats around the chef’s workspace and another four tables in the small restaurant with a very warm and lively atmosphere.The most expensive set is only around 21 USD and is very filling with large portions. They specialize in tempura that is absolutely tasty, with the light batter and fresh ingredients. The service is very fast, as well. If you want value for money, this is definitely the place.

Ebihachi

Address: 41 Aioimachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0014, Japan

Website: Ebihachi

Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Wed)

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4. Matsuki Sushi

Budapest, Oishi Sushi, kaviáros sushi
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Christo used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Matsuki Sushi has a very nice and warm atmosphere. The chef personally ensures that the ingredients are purchased from the ports of Nagoya, Toyama and Kanazawa on the same day. This ensures the quality and freshness of the sushi to be served. Not only that, their signature dish is Hida beef sushi, which has a sweetness and fragrance that will not disappoint. If you are a sushi lover, this place is a must-visit.

Matsuki Sushi

Address: 1-40 Sawamachi, Takayama 506-0007, Gifu Prefecture

Website: Matsuki Sushi

Opening hours: 11am - 2pm & 5:30pm - 11am (daily)

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5. Sushi -Dining Nob

Wagyu sushi 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Asacyan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Sushi -Dining Nob is another sushi restaurant with absolutely fresh and delicious sushi. They are presented beautifully, with vibrant splashes of color on the plate. They have a wide variety of selections and even include vegan options. There is only one chef handling the orders alone, but customers are guaranteed to be entertained by the artistry and skill of the chef. If you are a sushi fan, be sure to see it for yourself!

Sushi -Dining Nob

Address: 3 Chome-58-2 Honmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0011, Japan

Website: Sushi -Dining Nob

Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm (closed on Wed)

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6. Hidagyu Maruaki

Hida Beef
Source: Photo by Flickr user shinji_w used under CC BY 2.0

Located near the Hida Takayama bus station, this restaurant is a Yakiniku restaurant that prides itself in serving various cuts and versions of the famous Takayama Hida beef. Their set meals are cheap and very affordable and for just about 28 USD, you can enjoy various cuts of nice, juicy grilled Hida beef with rice. Aside from this, you can also have marbled Hida beef grilled to perfection. This place is perfect for meat lovers to experience Takayama’s Hida beef at its finest.

Hidagyu Maruaki

Address: 6 Chome-8 Tenmanmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0025, Japan

Website: Hidagyu Maruaki

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

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7. Ajikura tengoku

Sukiya white hair green onion beef bowl (good spicy sauce)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tokumeigakarinoao... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ajikura tengoku is nestled near the Takayama train station. It is an inviting yakiniku-style restaurant and when you enter, you are greeted with the aroma of mouthwatering meat being grilled. As with most yakiniku restaurants in Takayama, Ajikura tengoku sells the famous Hida beef of the Gifu prefecture. Said to be ‘grade A’ beef, it is best enjoyed yakiniku style. The marbling of the beef traps the juices and flavor inside while it’s cooking and guarantees a captivating experience. When you take a bite of the beef, it is sure to melt in your mouth. The restaurant also serves Korean-style dishes, such as a wide assortment of kimchi and Korean beef soups. Make sure to grab a bite and grill your own little bite of heaven.

Ajikura tengoku

Address: Japan, 〒506-0026 Gifu, Takayama, Hanasatomachi, 4−308

Website: Ajikura tengoku

Opening hours: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm (daily)

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8. Hida Kisetsuryori Sakana

Oita ryukyu
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 大分帰省中 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hida Kisetsuryori Sakana is an elegant and classy restaurant. The chef itself loves the natural surroundings of Hida, therefore mostly uses natural ingredients. He goes up to the mountains himself to source and gather ingredients for the menu, so everything is guaranteed to be fresh. He also purchases fish from the sea of Japan and brings out the sweet flavors of the fish and prepares it beautifully, so it melts in your mouth. The menu is the chef’s omakase and once you take your seat, he will take care of the rest. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy!

Hida Kisetsuryori Sakana

Address: 1126-1 Echigomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0033, Japan

Website: Hida Kisetsuryori Sakana

Opening hours: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm (daily)

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9. Jakson Curry & Coffee

Japanese beef curry Chiang Mai
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Takeaway used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Jakson Curry & Coffee is a small and quiet little restaurant that could hold around 15 people at most. This place is perfect to enjoy a mouthwatering combination of the famous Hida beef, which is said to be better than Kobe beef, and Japanese Curry. The combination of spices and the tender juiciness of the beef will be sure to take your taste buds for a ride. Curry lovers you know where to go if you find yourself in Takayama. Wash down your meal with some freshly brewed coffee.

Jakson Curry & Coffee

Address: 5-5 Temmammachi, Takayama 506-0025, Gifu Prefecture

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 9:30pm (closed on Thu)

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10. Ebis Cafe & Pachinko

Okonomiyaki-yokohama-2009
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nesnad used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Editor’s note: This establishment is permanently closed due to COVID-19

EBIS Cafe & Pachinko is the first of its kind in Japan. It was born in Takayama and is a colorful and very lively cafe. They offer various snacks such as Okonomiyaki, sausages, and more. Aside from this, they have great rice bowls such as the beef rib rice bowl, and you can relax with a nice cup of coffee topped with whip cream. After your meal, have fun playing Pachinko, a Japanese arcade game. This is a unique spot and truly one-of-a-kind.

Ebis Cafe & Pachinko

Address: 6 Chome-1-4 Tenmanmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0025, Japan

Opening hours: 12pm - 10:30pm (daily)

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Enjoy delicious Japanese food in Takayama

History and sightseeing aren’t the only thing Takayama has to offer. It is home to a plethora of excellent restaurants. Find the best spots for the famous Hida beef, enjoy the freshest sushi or kick back and try something new like a good game of Pachinko. Takayama will be sure not to disappoint your taste buds and give you the most memorable gastronomic experience.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the restaurants may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Daniel Singson is a Metro Manila-based freelance travel writer currently taking up his last semester at De La Salle University to obtain his bachelor's degree in Marketing Management. As a retired...Read more

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