Takayama Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Takayama Yatai Kaikan
Takayama
Takayama
Takayama
Takayama

Enjoy exploring the fascinating ancient buildings, bustling markets and stunning mountain views of this city located high in the Japanese Alps.

Takayama is a unique city in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture. Although this region is known as Japan’s crossroads, Takayama is located high in the Japanese Alps and the city’s relative isolation has meant that its culture has developed over the past 300 years without much influence from the outside world. Find ancient temples, heritage farmsteads and castles in this mountainous region.

The Hida-Kokubunji Temple is Takayama’s oldest structure. Explore the three-story pagoda and see a 1,200-year-old ginkgo tree. Take a step back in time at Hida Folk Village. This open-air museum consists of nearly 30 farmhouses that span the centuries. The village displays artefacts from various historical periods and features traditional Japanese handicraft demonstrations.

For spectacular views, take a bus to the summit of Mount Norikura. This dormant volcano, the third tallest in Japan, features wide plains and deep crater lakes. The road up the mountain is often closed because of heavy snowfall. For more panoramic views of the Northern Alps, visit Shinhotaka Ropeway. This aerial lift takes you up Mount Hotakadake, one of Japan’s tallest mountains. Pamper yourself at the mountain’s spa resort.

Explore the ruins of Matsukura Castle. The grounds are home to several hundred cherry trees that explode into blossom during spring. Several events, such as the Sengoku Noroshi Festival, are held here during the blooming season. Takayama Jinya is a former government outpost. The main building has been immaculately restored and is now open to the public. Stop by the farmers’ market held outside every morning.

Takayama is renowned for its exceptionally talented carpenters. See their handiwork in palaces and temples in Kyoto and Nara. As you walk through the city, take note of the buildings’ immaculately crafted decorations. Handmade wooden souvenirs, available at the local market, are very popular keepsakes.

You can easily get to Takayama by bus or by train. The city’s train station connects with most of the region’s cities and towns. You can reach Tokyo by train in just over 4 hours.

Where to stay in Takayama

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Hida Takayama Onsen

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Hida Takayama Onsen is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Takayama Yatai Kaikan and Miyagawa Morning Market.

Hida Takayama Onsen
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Old Town Takayama

River views, historical sites and restaurants are some highlights of Old Town Takayama. Make a stop by Takayama Traditional Buildings Preservation Area or Miyagawa Morning Market while you're exploring.

Old Town Takayama
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Fuyutō

While Fuyutō isn't home to many top sights, Takayama Yatai Kaikan and Sakurayama-Jinja are some notable places to visit nearby.

Fuyutō
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Atagomachi

When in Atagomachi, you can plan a visit to Sakurayama-Jinja and Takayama Yatai Kaikan, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Atagomachi
Wat Hotel& Spa Hida Takayama

Wat Hotel& Spa Hida Takayama

3.5 out of 5
3-39-1, Hanasato-cho, Takayama, Gifu-ken
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Loved the free onsen(tattoo friendly) and spa resort feel of the place. Good breakfast but could get quite busy - free welcome drink and lounge wear was a nice bonus. Great location - walkable to train station and main attractions"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Wat Hotel& Spa Hida Takayama
Residence Hotel Takayama Station

Residence Hotel Takayama Station

3 out of 5
6-105 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (728 reviews)
"We chose this hotel because it is an apart-hotel and we wanted the in-room washer and dryer. This was incredibly convenient to have for the halfway point in our trip! I was worried about noise but there is NO issue here. The rooms have MULTIPLE windows blocking any noise from the trains. The beds ..."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Residence Hotel Takayama Station
TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu

TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu

3.5 out of 5
4-301, Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu
The price is AU$269 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$269
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Great room."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Hotel Takayama Station

Residence Hotel Takayama Station

3 out of 5
6-105 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (728 reviews)
"We chose this hotel because it is an apart-hotel and we wanted the in-room washer and dryer. This was incredibly convenient to have for the halfway point in our trip! I was worried about noise but there is NO issue here. The rooms have MULTIPLE windows blocking any noise from the trains. The beds ..."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Residence Hotel Takayama Station
Relax Hotel Takayama Station

Relax Hotel Takayama Station

3 out of 5
5-14-2 Hanasatomachi, 2 F, Ekimaeshintoichi Building, Takayama, Gifu
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"This is a HOSTEL, not hotel. We probably wouldn't have booked here if we would have known before. The front desk is on the first floor, the staff helps with heavy luggage. During our stay, breakfast was changed from buffet style to plates (which had to be chosen the day before)"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Relax Hotel Takayama Station
fav HIDATAKAYAMA

fav HIDATAKAYAMA

3.5 out of 5
Nishinoisshikimachi 2-169-1, Takayama, Gifu
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Takayama. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (198 reviews)
"My favorite stay was at HIDATAKAYAMA! This hotel was amazing — it felt like they really cater to picky travelers. The room was spacious, super clean, and thoughtfully designed, making it incredibly comfortable. Everything you could need was provided, making the whole experience seamless. Highly ..."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

fav HIDATAKAYAMA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Takayama

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
35
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We loved Takayama as it was a much quieter place to visit. Lots of tourists there, but plenty of smaller local places to visit. We enjoyed the morning markets and walking around the older parts of the town. The local people were very friendly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It is a very charming place. Lots of places to go around nearby. A quiet but beautiful town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful historic town surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Well worth visiting.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We thoroughy enjoyed being in Takayama for the autumn festival. We could have easily spent another few days enjoying the town and surrounds.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Charming little town by the mountains. Crisp air, great food and lovely people.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The central area around the preservation area is great. Old buildings housing interesting food, sake and gift shops. Wonderful vibe and some good coffee options

Cities near Takayama

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