It’s always fun exploring Japan’s beautiful countryside since you’re bound to discover some historic villages and cities. The Japanese Alps, in particular, are breathtaking and worth the trip to the Gifu prefecture situated in the mid-west region of Japan. And one of the coolest cities in Gifu is Takayama, which is renowned for its long tradition in carpentry. On top of that, Takayama made it in Lonely Planet Magazine as one of their top ten destinations in Asia for 2017.
This lively city has close to 100,000 inhabitants and features plenty of older homes in the town center. And a morning market is held near the river that adds to the overall vibe of the city, and is a great place for visitors to interact with the locals. There’s also many ancient temples, cultural artifacts, and important museums that are unique to the region. However, one of the most notable aspects about Takayama is the abundant snowfall. If you love wintery conditions or are an avid skier then you’ll be in heaven. With so much to look forward to, we’re sure there’ll be plenty of fun things to do in Takayama.
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1. Shiroyama Park
If you’ve just arrived in Takayama and need a small retreat to relax in, then there’s no better place than Shiroyama Park. The spacious park has a large variety of trees and foliage, and there are several walking trails, which end at the towering Takayama Castle.
Shiroyama Park
Address: 1-1 Shiroyama, Takayama 506-0822, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Website: Shiroyama Park
2. Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
Posted by Franc Go on Friday, 15 January 2016
Ancient Japanese shrines are fascinating and worth visiting, whether you’re interested in their history, architecture, or are just seeking a place of worship. Takayama’s oldest shrine is the Sakurayama Hashimangu, which holds the local Autumn Festival every October, featuring large float lanterns. This shrine is located near the river and is surrounded by large trees that only add to its serene atmosphere.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
Address: 178 Sakuramachi, Takayama 506-0858, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
3. Shinhotaka Ropeway
The Sinhotaka Ropeway is the ideal way to view the Japanese Alps and breathe in that fresh mountain air. And during a clear day, you’ll be able to view the snow covered mountain tops from the observation deck.
Shinhotaka Ropeway
Address: Okuhidaonsengo Kansaka, Shinhodaka, Takayama 506-1421, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Website: Shinhotaka Ropeway (in Japanese)
4. Ciao Ontake Snow Resort
Ski Resort Hida Area 2014 This is to inform you that the local ski resorts will be opened on the following schedule in...
Posted by Visit Hida Takayama (Official), Japan on Sunday, 30 November 2014
With the Japanese Alps in close proximity to Takayama, it makes sense to get out there and do some skiing. The Ciao Ontake Snow Resort is well equipped and has English-speaking staff on hand to make your visit enjoyable and memorable. The region receives so much snow that it’s possible to ski at this resort even during the warmer months of the year.
Ciao Ontake Snow Resort
Address: 1739-1 Takanemachi Hiwada, Takayama 509-3403, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
5. Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village
Posted by Andrew Aoun on Friday, 21 July 2017
Experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle by visiting the Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village or Hida no Sato. This picturesque village features the traditional houses that the region is known for, and the best part is that visitors can get close and personal with them. There’s also plenty of interactive exhibits and museums that will give you greater insight about the village.
Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village
Address: 1-590 Kamiokamotomachi, 506-0055, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Chubu, Japan
Website: Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village
6. Takayama Food and Culture Walking Day Tour
Shopping at Miyagawa morning market in Takayama. Check out our food and culture walking tour! FOOD＆CULTURE WALK （...
Posted by Satoyama Experience on Monday, 14 August 2017
Take in the sights, sounds, and glorious tastes of Takayama with this 2.5-hour tour. Exploring the historic parts of Takayama, and the various stores dealing in miso, sweets, tofu, and sake, is the main highlight of the tour. Moreover, visitors will interact with the local business owners and experience the hustle and bustle of the morning market.
Takayama Food and Culture Walking Day Tour
Address: 1-22-2 Showamachi, iCafe Takayama, Takayama 506-0053, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
7. Hikaru Museum
Posted by Kuboshi_San on Friday, 11 August 2017
The Hikaru Museum is an impressive anthropological and archeological museum that houses artifacts and art works from the past. Visitors will be in awe at all the ancient Mayan, Egyptian, and Japanese items on display. Furthermore, the museum’s architecture gives one the impression that it’s from a different era.
Hikaru Museum
Address: 175 Nakayamamachi, Takayama 506-0051, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Website: Hikaru Museum (in Japanese)
8. Hida Daishonyudo Cave
2/6〜11 期間限定ライトアップ 氷の渓谷 飛騨大鍾乳洞 当館より車で、30分 「飛騨大鍾乳洞」さんで、 期間限定ライトアップを開催します。 鍾乳洞の出口から駐車場へ戻る帰路に 谷の水を凍らせ渓谷が出来ています。 期間■１月１０日～３...
Posted by 奥飛騨温泉郷 ライダーハウス つゆくさ on Thursday, 28 January 2016
There’s a unique limestone cave near Takayama, which can be accessed via a shuttle bus. The Hida Daishonyudo Cave takes around an hour to explore entirely. There’s also an accompanying museum built right next to the cave, which houses a range of some intricately detailed artifacts.
Hida Daishonyudo Cave
Address: 1147 Nyukawacho Hiyomo, Takayama 506-2256, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Website: Hida Daishonyudo Cave
9. Takayama Jinya
The Takayama Jinya is a collective of government buildings that served as the headquarters of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan between the 17th and 19th centuries. The buildings have many rooms that are fun to explore, and free guided tours in English are available at times.
Takayama Jinya
Address: 1-5 Hachikemmachi, Takayama 506-0012, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Website: Takayama Jinya
10. Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall
Posted by Alex González Ygoa on Thursday, 1 January 2015
One of the most notable floats festivals in Japan is held right here in Takayama. So what happens to these immaculately constructed floats once the festival season ends? Well, they’re lovingly displayed together with lifelike statues of people wearing their traditional garments at the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. It’s open throughout the year, and it takes around 30 minutes to view the entire exhibition.
Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
Address: 178 Sakura-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
11. Sanmachi Suji
Takoyama’s historic district is where you’ll find Sanmaji Suji, often referred to as Sanmachi-dori. This rustic part of the town will blow you away with its large variety of miso shops, sake breweries, traditional crafts shops, and classic Japanese sweet shops.
Sanmachi Suji
Address: Kamiichino-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Website: Sanmachi Suji
Nature and culture all in one spot
One of the best things about Takayama is that gorgeous natural environments are in close proximity to important historic buildings. Takayama is also home to a prominent floats festival, and many local small businesses that have much to offer travelers of all kind.
History
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