Takayama
Nestled in the mountainous Hida region of Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is a charming town with a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Originally a prospering castle town during the Edo period (1603–1868), it thrived as a centre for merchants and artisans, especially known for its refined wooden architecture and traditional crafts. The preservation of its old town district, with beautifully maintained Edo period buildings and narrow streets, offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s past.
Takayama is famous for several things: its vibrant morning markets selling fresh local produce and handcrafted goods, Hida beef renowned for its exceptional marbling and flavour, and the Takayama Festival, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals with elaborately decorated floats parading through the streets twice a year. The town is also a gateway to the Japan Alps, making it a haven for outdoor lovers keen on hiking, skiing, or soaking in hot springs.
Why add Takayama to your Japan holiday? It offers an authentic and laid back contrast to the hustle and bustle of cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. With its combination of historical charm, local culture, mouth watering cuisine, and stunning natural surroundings, Takayama provides a uniquely enriching experience that lingers long after you’ve left. It’s like stepping back in time while still enjoying all the comforts of modern Japan, a true win for any adventurer or foodie.
Fast Tips
-
2025 - Stayed at the Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama for 2 nights.
-
The best way to get to Takayama, Japan, depends on your starting point, but generally, here’s a clear route if you’re coming from Tokyo:
Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagoya
Catch the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station. This journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes on the Nozomi service, the fastest bullet train available.Limited Express Train to Takayama
From Nagoya, transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express train directly to Takayama. This leg takes around 2 hours 20 minutes and offers some stunning mountain views along the way.
Tips:
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it for both trains, but be aware that the pass doesn’t cover the Nozomi trains, so you’ll have to use the slightly slower Hikari or Kodama services instead.
Booking seats in advance during peak travel seasons is highly recommended to avoid standing room situations, especially on the Limited Express to Takayama.
-
When in Takayama, Japan, the top way to get around depends on what you want to see and do. The town itself is compact and super walkable as is how I travelled around.
For trips further afield, like the famous Hida Folk Village or Shirakawa-go, catching a bus is your best bet.
In short: walk around town, catch a bus for day trips, or bike if you want to mix it up.
-
The town is famous for Hida Beef, a melt-in-your-mouth wagyu that’s celebrated for its marbled perfection. You’ll find it served as steaks, sashimi, or grilled on skewers, usually at the local markets or cosy izakayas.
Another local fave is Takayama Ramen, characterised by its rich soy-based broth and thin, curly noodles, often topped with sliced pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots.
Don’t miss out on Miso Hoba Yaki, where miso paste is grilled on a magnolia leaf along with mushrooms and other veggies—a beautiful, smoky, umami bomb served piping hot.
-
As a queer male I felt completely safe here. Japan is known for its safety and incredibly polite population so make sure to be respectful back.
-
2-3 nights is the perfect amount to get everything done in Takayama, but it is a sleepy town and you could easily spend a fair while here enjoying the town and nature surroundings.
-
Takayama has a mix of hotels, traditional ryokans, guesthouses and machiya townhouses that allows you to dive into a more local life. Each fits different personalities so go with your vibe.
-
Check out below in the ‘Sees’ but also the Takayama official website is a great source for ideas.
Eats, Sips & See
EMBER
The best coffee in Takayama, hands down. It was also the best coffee I had in Japan. The space is cosy with wood tones and a wonderful zen garden at the back. They have sweeter bakery style snacks as well but the real show here is the coffee. Sister cafe to Falo Coffee Brewers which is also great.
HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM
If there is anything you do in Hakone it is this. This museum is way more wonderful than you can imagine, and you could lost here for hours quite easily. Situated on the rolling hills, art and museum melds into nature and becomes one and it’s as relaxing as it is fascnitaing.
MATSUKI SUSHI
If you’re a fan of eating raw fish, then this is the spot for you. It gets busy, so a booking is great or get in by 6pm. Reasonably priced and the sashimi melts in your mouth. Great sake and wine list as well as some of the most delicious tempura I have ever had.
HAKONE LOOP
The Hakone Loop is a scenic circuit in Japan’s Hakone region, popular for its stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. It combines a variety of transport modes including a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, a ropeway ride over volcanic valleys, and a scenic bus trip. Little tip, do it backwards starting with pirate ship along Lake Ashi and beat the crowds and line waiting who go the more logical way.
池鯉鮒
Now this restaurant has no english spelling but check out the google maps below to get the location and details because it’s something special. A four seater where a lovely man serves the best Takoyaki I have ever had. He’s from Osaka so a only has a couple dishes, the other being a regional squid and egg dish that was savoury and delicious but the octopus balls are next level.
HAKONE YURYO ONSEN
If you love an onsen like I do, this is the one to pop into. Beautiful and relaxing, nestled into nature as well. Of course follow the rules, be respectful and enjoy the freedom of being naked. Note I have two small tattoos and didn’t have an issue getting in but just incase bring some tape to cover.
*media & images courtesy of publications, establishment websites and social media pages as well as Tripadvisor. I do not claim to own some of the images provided.