Takayama City. Situated in Japan, this charming city offers a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage. As you stroll through its historic streets, you’ll be enchanted by the exquisite houses, charming souvenir shops, and cozy cafes with a welcoming ambiance.
Welcome to my blog! Today, let me introduce you to one of the places I love.
One of the highlights of Takayama is its vibrant festivals, featuring elaborate floats and intricate mechanical dolls that showcase the city’s traditions in a captivating spectacle. Additionally, Takayama boasts a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, including ancient ruins and masterful craftsmanship, adding to its allure.
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Tourist Attractions and Activities
Takayama City, known for its well-preserved historic streets, is renowned throughout the country as a castle town that has stood for several hundred years. It has become a popular destination for tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Discovering Takayama's City Center Attractions
Exploring Historic Streets of Takayama
The preserved area of these ancient streets extends along the Miyagawa River, with narrow lanes flanked by beautiful houses and flowing water channels. You’ll encounter houses adorned with delightful flowers, residences transformed into souvenir shops and cozy cafes, sake breweries proudly showcasing large cedar balls that signify the completion of fresh sake, and enticing shops offering delectable treats like Mitarashi dango and Goheimochi rice cakes. Taking a leisurely stroll through these shops can easily fill a good amount of your time. While the old streets can get quite busy during the day, the early morning hours offer a more serene atmosphere with fewer people around. If you want to experience the tranquil charm of the ancient streets, I recommend staying near Takayama Station or in the nearby historic district and venturing out early in the morning.
Takayama's Morning Market
Additionally, on the riverbank just across from the old streets, you can explore the “Asaichi” (morning market) during the early to late morning hours. Here, local farmers gather to sell their freshly harvested vegetables at stalls, adding to the allure of the riverside area.
Hidden Gems Near Takayama's Center
I’d like to clarify that Takayama City has experienced growth in recent years due to municipal mergers, resulting in the incorporation of scattered towns into the city alongside the preserved historic streets in the city center. When planning your visit for tourism or accommodation, it’s important to consider travel time, distance, and transportation options from the city center.
Hirayu and Fukuchi Onsen: Tranquil Hot Spring Escapes
One notable town within Takayama City is the Okuhida Onsen Village, home to Hirayu Onsen and Fukuchi Onsen.
Located approximately an hour northeast of Takayama City by bus or taxi, this area serves as a gateway to mountains towering over 2,000 meters. Centred around the Hirayu Bus Terminal, it offers captivating landscapes reminiscent of traditional Japanese mountain villages.
Takayama is a year-round attraction, drawing visitors with its numerous hot spring inns. The city’s popularity is particularly evident during the spring and autumn festival seasons when tourists from both Japan and abroad flock to experience the captivating festivals and relax in the soothing hot springs. With a wide array of hot spring inns available, visitors can easily find accommodation options that suit their preferences and budget, making Takayama a highly sought-after destination for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and relaxation.
In winter, you can enjoy open-air baths while admiring the stunning views of snow-capped mountains and rivers. In autumn, the region transforms into a captivating destination with vibrant red and yellow hues decorating the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Hidden Gem: Exploring Hida Kokufu's Tranquil Beauty
Hida Kokufu, situated approximately 30 minutes north of Takayama’s city center by taxi, is another noteworthy location within Takayama City.
This town, which served as a setting for the internationally acclaimed anime film “Your Name,” is just two train stops away from Takayama Station.
Cycling tours are available, and the pre-harvest golden rice fields present a picturesque rural landscape that captivates international travelers, particularly during the months of September and October.
Discovering Takayama Festival's Charm
Unraveling the History of Takayama Festival
Takayama City, known for its captivating attractions, is beloved by visitors for its two renowned festivals held in spring and autumn.
The origins of the Takayama Festival date back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These festivals boast extravagant and magnificent floats that rival the splendor of Kyoto’s Gion Festival, believed to have emerged around 1718.
Mechanical Dolls and UNESCO Heritage
The festival’s main highlight is the mesmerizing mechanical dolls that grace the floats, capturing the admiration of spectators worldwide. Numerous floats, designated as significant intangible cultural assets of the country, parade through the streets. This treasured celebration, faithfully passed down through generations by the people of Takayama, has garnered even greater acclaim by being inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage under the title “Yatai Floats in the Takayama Festival.”
The Takayama Festival is a collective term for two distinct festivals held in different parts of the city, each offering its own unique allure. The spring festival takes place in the southern region of the city, divided by Yasukawa Street, where the meticulously preserved historic streets can be found. Organized by the Hie Shrine, it is known as the “Sanno Festival” and is celebrated annually on April 14th and 15th. On the other hand, the Hachiman Festival, also known as the autumn festival, is organized by the Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine and takes place in the northern part of the city, specifically north of Yasukawa Street.This festival is held on October 9th and 10th every year. Festival floats, comprising several floats for each festival, are carefully stored in various district storehouses throughout Takayama’s former castle town. Once a year, on the festival day, these storehouses are opened to unveil the exquisite grandeur of the floats. Regrettably, if it happens to rain on the day of the festival, the floats remain sheltered inside the storehouses. However, if the weather permits, they are paraded through the streets, enhancing the festive ambiance and captivating onlookers.
Both festivals feature captivating karakuri, which are mechanical dolls that perform in the square on both days. The spring festival showcases these remarkable creations on three floats, while the autumn festival highlights them on a single float. The meticulous craftsmanship and astonishing movements of the dolls never cease to evoke awe and applause from the audience.
As night falls, the floats come together adorned with approximately 100 lanterns each, casting a mesmerizing glow that illuminates the darkness. The enchanting sight of the floats, embellished with lanterns, takes on a whole new level of charm, creating an unforgettable experience.
During the spring festival, you will be deeply moved by the procession of hundreds of individuals dressed in traditional Japanese attire. They are accompanied by the melodious tunes of traditional instruments and captivating performances of lion dances, a traditional form of dance.
Seasonal Splendor
Please note that the cherry blossom season’s timing varies each year, but generally, the spring festival coincides with the blooming of cherry blossoms, adding an extra layer of beauty to the floats.
During the autumn festival, the mountains towering over 2,000 meters in Takayama City are adorned with vibrant autumn foliage. During this time, you can easily ascend to the observation deck via the Shinhotaka Ropeway and indulge in the breathtaking natural splendor and vivid autumn colors of the mountains, creating cherished memories.
Festival Planning Made Easy
For a smooth experience, it is advisable to check the dedicated website in advance as the spring and autumn festivals have different schedules and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions.
The official website of Takayama City provides detailed information and schedules.
Though the website is in Japanese, you can use a browser with translation capabilities to explore the Preservation Association’s website and appreciate the stunning appearance of each float.
Exploring Yatai Museum
Furthermore, for those who missed the festival dates, a visit to the Yatai Kaikan (Float Exhibition Hall) is highly recommended. This exhibition hall showcases authentic floats that are rotated three times a year, offering a fantastic opportunity to witness their captivating splendor up close.
Culture, History, and Traditions
In Japan, a country that has been established by the current imperial family for over 2,000 years, you can find ancient ruins that date back more than 13,000 years, predating its foundation. Even in the city of Takayama, archaeological discoveries have revealed stone tools from 10,000 years ago and pottery from 8,000 years ago, providing fascinating insights into a long history of human settlement.
This region exudes a captivating aura, steeped in legends of ancient kingdoms that once flourished here. However, around 377 AD, historical records indicate that this area was assimilated into Japan.
During the period when Nara and Kyoto served as the capital cities, skilled craftsmen were dispatched from this region to contribute to the construction of temples and shrines in those cities. They brought back their expertise, which was then applied to the local buildings. This same craftsmanship also found its way into the intricately designed floats of the Takayama Festival, resulting in the creation of exquisite, elegant, and awe-inspiring works of art.
As time progressed, the development of the castle town in this region began in 1586, attracting numerous merchants and fostering the prosperity of the town. In the Edo period, when this area became a direct territory under the shogunate, an official outpost was established here. That outpost, known as the “jinya,” remains preserved to this day near the historic streets and is open to the public for exploration.
Just a short distance away from the bustling city center of Takayama, you’ll encounter picturesque landscapes that evoke a sense of tranquility. The residents of Takayama hold a deep appreciation for the picturesque landscapes, historic structures, and the vibrant festival culture that make their city truly special. They are dedicated to preserving and safeguarding these treasures with great diligence. I wholeheartedly recommend paying a visit to this extraordinary city and immersing yourself in the authentic essence of ancient Japan. A visit to this city can create wonderful memories of your trip to Japan.
Dining Guide
The Hida region, which encompasses Takayama City, boasts a fascinating culinary culture that is worth exploring during your visit.
Hoba Miso
One of the highlights is Hoba Miso, a dish commonly served for breakfast in many traditional Japanese ryokans and guesthouses.
It involves spreading miso paste onto a magnolia leaf and grilling it. Typically, the dish is presented with an uncooked leaf and a special Japanese charcoal grill called a shichirin. Guests have the opportunity to ignite the fire and personally enjoy the experience of grilling the dish.
If you plan to stay in the Hida region, it’s a good idea to check in advance if your accommodation offers Hoba Miso.
Magnolia trees, from which the leaves are sourced, can be found abundantly throughout the mountainous areas of Japan. The large deciduous leaves of the magnolia tree possess antibacterial properties, which help preserve the food and infuse it with a delightful aroma when used as a wrapping. It is believed that locals involved in forestry in this region started using magnolia leaves as a substitute for plates and began grilling miso on them, giving birth to this unique and flavorsome dish.
Mitarashi dango and Gohei mochi
The mitarashi dango offered in this region features a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from versions found elsewhere.
While traditional mitarashi dango is lightly grilled on skewers and coated with a sweet sauce, the local variation takes a unique approach. Instead of the sweet sauce, it is glazed with soy sauce, resulting in a wonderfully aromatic and savory taste that encompasses the dango. The delicious aroma of mitarashi dango attracts many tourists to the shops. These delicious mitarashi dango are not only affordable but also widely available throughout the city, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy them while exploring. If you’re feeling hungry, I highly recommend trying the larger-sized goheimochi, another beloved local delicacy widely enjoyed in Gifu Prefecture.
Goheimochi consists of crushed rice molded onto skewers and grilled with a sauce made from soy sauce or miso, infusing it with a delightful aroma that permeates the vicinity of the shops, much like mitarashi dango.
Hida Beef
In Japan, different regions that raise Japanese beef have their own quality control systems and assign regional names to their products. In this particular region, it is known as Hida Beef.
Hida Beef is renowned for its generous marbling and beautiful pink color. The fine muscle fibers contribute to its tender texture, allowing you to savor its richness and sweetness without any greasiness or gaminess. Many even find the aftertaste refreshing, making it a delightful option even for those who are not fans of fatty meat.
In Takayama, Hida Beef is served in various delectable forms, such as steak, yakiniku (grilled meat), and shabu-shabu, and it is even used as a sushi topping. If you’re visiting Takayama, don’t miss the opportunity to try this exquisite Hida Beef.
Fugu in Hida
While fugu cuisine is commonly associated with fishing ports, it may come as a surprise that Takayama City, nestled in a mountainous area, is actually a fugu-producing region.
Thanks to the utilization of the local hot springs, they have succeeded in farming fugu. You can experience the flavors of Hida-farmed fugu at “Hakkouen” (Japanese), a restaurant located just two stations away from Takayama Station in the direction of Toyama, approximately a 20-minute drive from the city center.
Red Turnip
Turnips, known as kabu in Japanese, are a popular root vegetable used in various tsukemono (Japanese pickles).
In the Hida region, they pickle red turnips with salt, allowing them to ferment. This process combines the natural sugars in the turnips with the power of lactic acid bacteria, resulting in a unique flavor profile with a subtle hint of sourness.
These flavorful pickled turnips, with their soft and enlarged texture, are readily available and make for a great souvenir option.
Accommodation
Takayama City, nestled in the picturesque mountainous region, is located at a distance from major cities like Gifu City, Nagoya City, and Toyama City.
Hence, it is advisable to look for accommodations in the vicinity of Takayama City. The city places great importance on tourism and offers a diverse range of options, including traditional Japanese ryokans, cozy guesthouses, and a handful of hotels.
However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, especially during festival seasons, some visitors even make reservations up to a year in advance. Therefore, it is recommended to secure your accommodations early.
In the event that you are unable to find lodging within Takayama City, another alternative is to explore accommodations in the Okuhida Onsen Village, situated northeast of the city and accessible from Takayama Station. The Okuhida Onsen Village encompasses multiple areas along the riverside in a naturally abundant land, surrounded by majestic mountains, where you can find traditional Japanese-style hot spring ryokans scattered throughout. This region also serves as a base for climbers venturing to renowned mountains surpassing 2,000 meters. At the entrance of Okuhida Onsen Village, you will find the Hirayu Bus Terminal, and it takes approximately one hour to reach there from Takayama Station by local bus or taxi.
Transportation
There are several convenient ways to travel to Takayama City, ensuring a pleasant and flexible journey for travelers.
By plane
If you’re traveling from a more distant region, it’s advisable to consider using Toyama Airport in Toyama Prefecture as a transit point.
However, please note that this airport is not large, so it’s important to check the flight schedules accordingly.
By train
If you’re coming from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, it’s recommended to head towards Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture, Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture, or Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture.
Nagoya City is serviced by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, while Toyama City is accessible via the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, providing convenient access from Tokyo.
From either route, you can transfer to the JR Hida Line operated by JR Tokai, which will take you to Takayama City in approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from around 3,500 to 6,000 yen.
By bus
For those interested in taking a highway bus from Nagoya City or Kanazawa City to reach Takayama City, you can choose between the Gifu Bus or the Nohi Bus high-speed buses.
Furthermore, Takayama City is vast and filled with numerous tourist attractions. If you wish to visit places like the serene Okuhida Onsen Village area, which is approximately an hour’s drive away, it’s recommended to either rent a car or make use of the local bus service.
By car
If you’re planning to rent a car, you can take advantage of the Hokuriku Expressway and Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway and take the Hida-Kiyomi Interchange exit.
Budget and Transportation Tips
The Takayama Festival is a highly popular event among Japanese locals, and some individuals even book their reservations months in advance. Recently, there has been a rise in overseas tourists as well. Given the limited availability of accommodations in this charming town, it’s wise to secure your preferred lodging as early as possible.
In addition, it’s important to note that the number of trains and buses to Takayama City is limited, and the journey can be quite long. If you plan to rely on these modes of transportation, it’s recommended to make advance reservations to guarantee a seat and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Furthermore, if you have plans to explore the surrounding areas of Takayama City, you can take advantage of discounted ticket sets and affordable one-day bus passes, which are available for purchase.
If you choose to travel to Takayama City by train, it’s advisable to consider the discounted tickets offered by JR. This will not only enhance your travel experience but also help you save on costs.
Weather Guide
Perched high in the majestic mountains, Takayama City captures the essence of natural beauty. Its cool summers and freezing winters add to its allure.
The months of April and October, when the vibrant festivals take place, provide a tranquil ambiance, with refreshing mornings and evenings and abundant sunshine throughout the day. Nevertheless, due to its proximity to towering peaks surpassing 2,000 meters, Takayama City tends to be slightly cooler, around six degrees Celsius lower compared to Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya.
In mid-April, expect daytime temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius, while nights average around 3.5 degrees Celsius. As October approaches, the daytime temperature climbs to approximately 19.5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by nighttime averages of around 9 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, so layering your clothing will help you adapt to the changing temperatures.
During autumn visits to Takayama, it’s not unusual to wake up to a mystical blanket of mist or clouds, even if the weather forecast had predicted clear skies. However, there’s no need for excessive worry. In this mountain basin, such phenomena occasionally occur, only to disperse and reveal a breathtakingly sunny afternoon.
