Takayama is an ancient city located in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. With its preserved old town, beautiful countryside, and traditional festivals, Takayama is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. Takayama is known for its well-preserved traditional buildings, which date back to the Edo period (1603-1868) when the area was a prosperous castle town. Takayama’s old town is a compact area of streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, many of which have been in use for centuries. The city is also home to numerous shrines and temples, including the Hida-Takayama Shrine and the Shinmei Shrine.
Takayama is also known for its two major festivals, the Sanno Festival and the Hachiman Festival. The Sanno Festival is held twice a year, in April and October, and features colorful floats, traditional dancing, and music. The Hachiman Festival is held in May and includes a procession of decorated floats, as well as the lighting of hundreds of paper lanterns.
Takayama is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of hiking and biking trails, as well as picturesque river valleys and hot springs. The nearby mountains offer skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Takayama is also home to several museums, art galleries, and other attractions, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a unique cultural experience.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Old Town: The most popular area to stay in Takayama, Old Town offers well-preserved buildings, cobblestone streets, and a variety of traditional stores and restaurants.
2. Hida Folk Village: A unique area with traditional thatched-roof houses, this village is a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture and architecture.
3. Sannomachi Street: This historic shopping street is filled with souvenirs, snacks, and restaurants, and is a great place to explore Takayama's culture.
4. Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine: This shrine is located in Old Town and is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
5. Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall: This museum showcases the traditional ornately-decorated floats used in Takayama's famous festival, and is a great place to learn about the city's culture and history.
1. Sanmachi Suji: A collection of three streets lined with traditional merchant homes and shops that evoke the feeling of an Edo-era town.
2. Takayama Festival: One of the three major festivals in Japan, celebrated twice a year in April and October. It features colorful floats, musicians, dancers, and traditional processions.
3. Hida Folk Village: An open-air museum featuring buildings and artifacts from the Edo period.
4. Hida No Sato: A traditional village featuring houses, shops, and restaurants, all constructed in the traditional style of the Hida area.
5. Shirakawago Village: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs.
1. Hida Beef - Hida Beef is a type of Wagyu beef that is raised in the Takayama region. It is known for its intense marbling and rich, buttery flavor.
2. Hida Soba - Hida Soba is a type of buckwheat noodle that is made in Takayama. It is served in a light broth and topped with tempura, vegetables, and other condiments.
3. Kakinoha-zushi - Kakinoha-zushi is a type of sushi made with mackerel and pickled vegetables that is wrapped in a persimmon leaf.
4. Oyaki - Oyaki is a type of dumpling made with buckwheat dough and filled with vegetables, mushrooms, or other fillings.
5. Hida-mochi - Hida-mochi is a type of rice cake that is made with pounded rice and served with a sweet bean paste.