Takayama, or Hida-Takayama, is a picturesque city in Japan’s mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. It is one of the best cities in Japan for its preserved traditional Japanese townscape. When you wander around the castle town, it feels like you’re back in the Edo Period.
In addition to the scenic old town, Takayama is known for its many temples and shrines, unique museums, and delicious Hida beef. Plus, the city hosts one of the top three festivals in Japan. Many visitors visit Takayama during spring and autumn to see giant festival floats, parades and traditional puppet performances.
If you want to travel to places other than Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, consider Takayama. It is a safe city for solo travellers and a popular destination for first-time visitors. In this post, I will show you exactly how to see all the best things to do in Takayama in just two days.
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What you need to know before visiting Takayama
Before starting your Takayama itinerary, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included many tips on how to get around Japan and other travel tips.
Here are a few additional travel tips that you may find helpful for your Takayama trip:
- Takayama can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is during spring (for cherry blossoms and the Takayama Spring Festival) and autumn (for fall foliage and the Takayama Fall Festival).
- Coin luggage lockers are available at the Takayama Bus Terminal.
- Takayama is a safe city for solo female travellers. I spent two weeks in the city, walking around by myself both day and night and felt completely safe.
- Plan your trip to Takayama around these festivals and events:
- Takayama Festival (April 14-15 and October 9-10) – one of Japan’s top three festivals, held in spring and autumn. There are parades with festival floats and karakuri (traditional puppet) performances during the day and night.
How to get to Takayama, Japan
Plane
Toyama Airport (TOY) is the nearest airport to Takayama. Only a few domestic flights (Haneda, Sapporo) and international flights (Dalian, Shanghai) fly to TOY.
However, international travellers may arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) near Nagoya and then take the train or bus to Takayama.
Train
Takayama Station is connected by several train lines, including the Hida Line and Takayama Line, operated by Central Japan Railway. The train station connects Takayama with Hida-Furukawa, Toyama to the north and Nagoya to the south.
Long-distance Bus
Most travellers arrive in Takayama by long-distance bus. The bus network serves many places around Takayama, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, Toyama, Shirakawago, Nagoya and Matsumoto.
How to get around Takayama on your own
The best way to get around Takayama is on foot, as most attractions are within the city centre.
If you are following this itinerary, definitely put on your comfortable walking shoes. Day 1 is spent walking around the city centre, and the itinerary offers the option of taking a local bus to Hida Folk Village and back. Then, Day 2 is a full day of walking as the itinerary takes you around the city and Takayama’s temple town, Higashiyama.
Best Things to Do in Takayama in 2 Days Summary & Attractions Map
Here is a quick summary of my two-day Takayama itinerary:
Day 1: Takayama Old Town & Hida Folk Museum
- Miyagawa Morning Market
- Sanmachi Historic District
- Street food on Sanmachi Street
- Takayama Showa-kan Museum
- Takayama City Centre
- Hida no Sato Open Air Museum
- Hida Beef
Day 2: Takayama and Higashiyama
- Jinya-mae Morning Market
- Takayama Jinya
- Shiroyama Park
- Takayama Castle Ruins
- Dairyuji
- Nishikiyama Shrine
- Soyu Hondo Temple
- Zennoji Temple
- Hokkeji Temple
- Higashiyama Shinmei Shrine
- Sogenji Temple
- Daioji Temple
- Unryu Temple
- Higaoshiyama Hakusan Shrine
- Takayama Yatai Kaikan
- Sakurayama Nikkokan
- Kitayama Park
Below is an interactive map with all the highlights for my Takayama itinerary. To access the attractions, follow the numbered pins and read the description for each attraction. Red pins indicate the must-see attractions on the first day in Takayama, while purple pins indicate activities for day 2.
I also pinned other activities (blue pins), day trip ideas (green pins), places to stay (yellow pins) and restaurants in Takayama (red pins) so you can easily find them.
Takayama 1-Day Itinerary
1. Miyagawa Morning Market
Miyagawa Morning Market is the best place to start your first day in Takayama. The morning outdoor market has about 60 shops and stalls between Kajibashi Bridge and Yayoibashi Bridge along the Miyagawa River in the center of the town.
The outdoor market opens every day from 7am to noon. You can buy vegetables, fruits, flowers, spices, Japanese sweets, local crafts and souvenirs. It is also a good place to grab some food for breakfast and an excellent place for coffee by the river.
Address: Shimosannomachi, Takayama | Hours: 7am-12pm | Admission: free
2. Sanmachi Historic District
Perhaps one of the most popular places to see in Takayama is the Sanmachi Historic District. The area comprises several neighbourhoods filled with traditional houses built during the Edo Period. When you walk around the picturesque streets, you can feel the old-world charm.
Wander around the picturesque streets and enjoy the scenic streetscapes. Pay attention to traditional architectural features, visit museums, try local sakes at sake breweries, and enjoy street food.
Sanmachi Street is one of the nicer streets in the area, with preserved townhouses, cafes, and souvenir shops. Look for unique Takayama souvenirs like Sarubobo, a human-shaped Japanese amulet that is supposed to protect you from bad things.
Address: Kamisannomachi, Takayama | Hours: 9am-5pm | Admission: free
3. Street food around Sanmachi Street
You might be feeling peckish by now. The good news is that there is tons of street food on Sanmachi Street and the surrounding area. There is so much to try! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Hida beef sushi – beef sushi on a giant rice cracker at Hida Kotte Ushi or Sakaguchiya
- Hida beef takoyaki – savoury ball-shaped snack with beef at 飛騨牛 牛多子焼 takoyaki restaurant
- Hida beef kushiyaki – grilled skewered Hida beef at 飛騨牛 牛多子焼 takoyaki restaurant, Jugemu or Hidagyu no komori
- Hida Gyuuman – steamed bun with Hida beef at Hida Gyuman Honpo
- Mitarashi dango – savoury skewered rice balls at Jinya Dango
- Mini taiyaki – Japanese fish-shaped cake at Cha-No-Me Cafe
- Japanese Pudding – various flavours at Takayama Pudding Tei
- Sake soft serve – made with Daiginjo Sake at Harada Sake Brewery
4. Takayama Showa-kan Museum
Takayama Showa-kan Museum is an interactive museum featuring life in Japan during the Showa Period (1926-1989). Inside the museum, a recreated town with nostalgic displays of everyday life is on display. Rooms display scenes from a residential home, a restaurant, an electronic store, a barbershop, a general store, and more.
The upper floor houses children’s games and retro video game consoles. I spent a lot of time looking through all the Nintendo games (I had many of those games as a kid). You can even play Super Mario Brothers on the little retro TV.
Near the exit is a pachinko room with several vintage slot machines and pachinko machines. You don’t need to put in any money to play these games. So have fun!
Address: 6, Shimoichinomachi, Takayama | Hours: 9am-5pm | Admission: ￥1,000
5. Takayama City Centre
Beyond the Sanmachi Historic District, Takayama city centre has many things to see. Wander around National Route 158 and the little streets off the main road.
Also, there are statues of two Japanese folklore characters on the Kajibashi Bridge. Ashinaga-jin is the long-legged giant statue, and Tenaga-jin is the long-armed statue. It is said that they work together as a team to catch fish. How appropriate that they are located in the middle of the bridge.
Wander across Sanmachi Dori and see Ikada Bridge, a pedestrian bridge with red guardrails. The area has many cherry trees, which make it look magical during spring.
As you walk towards the Takayama Bus Terminal (or to the next attraction on the itinerary), you will pass little shops selling snacks and souvenirs.
6. Hida no Sato Open Air Museum
Hida no Sato Open Air Museum or Hida Folk Village is an open-air museum with over 30 Edo-period farmhouses from the mountainous region of Hida. Many of these thatched-roof houses were relocated from their original locations in 1971.
Within the 99,000 sqm property, you can see logging huts, storehouses, and many gassho-zukuri farmhouses (like the ones in Shirakawa-go). Some houses are open to the public. You can see the wood interiors, unique tools and utensils, and pothooks used over the sunken hearth.
How to get to Hida Folk Village: walk 30 minutes or take the Sarubobo bus platform 1 from Takayama Bus Terminal. A ride costs ￥100. You can return to the bus terminal at the same stop.
Address: 1 Chome-590 Kamiokamotomachi, Takayama | Hours: 8:30am-5pm | Admission: ￥700
7. Eat Hida Beef for Dinner
One of the best things to eat in Takayama is Hida Beef. It is a type of wagyu beef from black-haired Japanese cattle raised in Gifu Prefecture. It is known for its intense marble-patterned appearance, which makes the beef super tender.
And there is no shortage of the Hida Beef in the city. Here are several popular ways of eating Hida beef and where to find them in Takayama:
- Hida beef yakiniku – grill Hida beef steak at your table at Aji-no-Yohei or Suzuya
- Hoba Miso – thinly sliced Hida beef with miso grilled on a magnolia leaf at Bandai Kadomise or Suzuya
- Hida beef sukiyaki – thinly sliced beef cooked in a sweet broth in a hot pot at Suzuya
- Hida beef steak soba noodles – or other noodle dishes at Le Midi
Takayama 2-Day Itinerary
1 & 2. Jinya Mae Morning Market & Takayama Jinya
Day two in Takayama starts with Jinya Mae Morning Market, the other Takayama morning market that has existed for 300 years.
Back in the day, farmers sold the leaves of mulberry trees. Today, various stalls sell fresh vegetables, dried food, homemade pickles, and other handicrafts. Like Miyagawa Morning Market, vendors close when everything is sold, so go early!
Next to the morning market is Takayama Jinya. It was formerly a local government office and is now a museum for the public. You can peek inside the complex and see the office space, the living quarters, and the rice storehouse (it is the oldest and largest in Japan).
Jinya Mae Morning Market Address: 1 Chome-5 Hachikenmachi, Takayama | Hours: 7am-12pm | Admission: free
Takayama Jinya Address: 1 Chome-5 Hachikenmachi, Takayama | Hours: 8:45am-4:30pm | Admission: ￥440
3, 4 & 5. Higashiyama Walking Course – Shiroyama Park, Takayama Castle Ruins, Dairyuji
Higashiyama Walking Course is a 3.5km gentle walking trail that passes through Takayama’s temple town, Higashiyama, which is at the city’s east end. The area got its name because the hilly neighbourhood is reminiscent of a district with the same name as Kyoto.
The walking route starts near the Museum of History of Art and continues to Shiroyama Park, a wooded, hilly park with marked trails and city views. If you want a caffeine boost, there is a cute retro coffee shop called Sugi at the edge of the park.
At the top of Shiroyama Park is the former site of Takayama Castle, which was demolished in 1695. Apparently, Takayama Castle Ruins can be found in the area. I didn’t notice anything, but the view of the city was nice.
Several trails go down Shiroyama Park. Follow the one on the east end towards Dairyuji. Walk through the temple grounds and cemetery and walk towards the Enako River.
Address: Shiroyama, Takayama | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
6. Nishikiyama Shrine
The Higashiyama Walking Course continues through the residential neighbourhood of the temple town. The path is well-maintained and passes many 18th-century temples, shrines, and other cultural assets.
After crossing the Enako River, walk up the hill and stairs towards Nishikiyama Shrine. There is a giant torii gate at the first landing, and the shrine is further up the hill. I walked all the way up, turned around, and took a photo. The view of the city is quite nice.
Address: 368 Enakomachi, Takayama | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
7, 8, 9, 10 & 11. Soyu Hondo Temple, Zennoji Temple, Hokkeji Temple, Higashiyama Shinmei Shrine and Sogenji Temple
The next cluster of temples and shrines starts with Soyuji Temple, the biggest temple on the walking course. It was built in 1632.
Zennoji Temple was relocated to its current location in 1835. I read that it is possible to do a zen meditation (reservation in advance).
Next is Hokkeji Temple. The main temple was relocated from Takayama Castle, and it possesses a stone Buddha that is believed to help worshippers recover from illnesses.
Then there is Sogenji Temple, a simple temple with a large bell from the old Takayama Castle. Higashiyama Shinmei Shrine is located up the hill.
Address: 177 Soyujimachi, Takayama | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
12, 13 & 14. Daioji Temple, Unryu Temple and Higaoshiyama Hakusan Shrine
Across the road, you will see a few more temples at the end of the Higashiyama Walking Course.
Daioji Temple has the oldest belfry and two-storied gate with gable roofs in the Hida region. The bell tower dates from 1689 and is classified as an Important Cultural Property. I read online that you can do a calligraphy course here.
Next is Unryu Temple, a family temple best identified by the large belfry gate relocated from Takayama Castle in 1590.
Last is Higaoshiyama Hakusan Shrine, the oldest Shinto shrine in Takayama. First, you’ll have to walk through the giant torii gate; then, you will see the shrine behind the red fence, giant cedar trees, and guardian dog and horse statues.
Address: 1 Chome-74 Wakatatsumachi, Takayama | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
15 & 16. Takayama Yatai Kaikan and Sakurayama Nikkokan
Takayama Yatai Kaikan is a museum displaying the floats for the fall Takayama Festival. There are eleven floats, and they rotate them three times a year, putting four on display each time.
Follow the corridor to see the floats up close (but behind the glass). There is also a room on the upper level where you can watch a short film about the Takayama Festival.
I have to say, the floats are magnificent! You must visit this museum if you have never been to a Japanese festival or seen a float up close.
And with the same entrance ticket, you can visit Sakurayama Nikkokan next door. The other museum has miniature models of the buildings of Toshogu Shrine in Nikko.
Address: 178 Sakuramachi, Takayama | Hours: 9am-5pm | Admission: ￥1,000
17. Kitayama Park
Finally, take a lovely walk towards Kitayama Park and see views of Takayama and the snow-capped mountains of the Northern Japanese Alps. Depending on when you are in Takayama, you may see cherry blossoms in the spring or red and yellow maple leaves in the fall.
The Ayuzaki Castle Ruins are supposed to be on top of Mt. Kitayama. I don’t recall seeing any ruins. I searched online, but not many people saw either.
Either way, you can enjoy the free views from the park. Or grab a drink at Ichii Cafe; they have outdoor seating where you can enjoy a view with a cozy drink. Hopefully, it is a clear day because it is one of the best spots to watch the sunset.
Address: Oshinmachi, Takayama | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
Other Things to Do in Takayama Japan
If you are in Takayama for more than two days, there are other things to do around the city centre and a bit further away. It is possible to switch up the itinerary and see these attractions instead. Here are some suggestions:
- Hidatakayama Town Museum (9am-7pm; free) – learn about the local culture at this free museum.
- Takayama Museum of History and Art (9am-7pm; free) – there are 14 exhibition rooms with different themes, including the Takayama Festival, traditional houses, the city’s history, literature and art.
- Kusakabe Traditional House (9am-4pm; closed Tuesdays;￥1,000) – see one of Takayama’s oldest merchant homes. It is also an important national cultural treasure.
- Yoshijima Traditional House (9am-5pm; ￥500) – another former residence home. The building used to serve as a residence and a sake brewery.
- Miyaji Traditional House (9am-4:30pm Saturdays & Sundays, festival day, national holiday; free) – see a merchant house with a courtyard and storehouse for free.
- Matsumoto Heritage House (9am-4:30pm Saturdays & Sundays, festival day, national holiday; free) – one of the oldest merchant houses that escaped the 1875 fire.
- Hida Takayama Retro Museum (10am-5pm; ￥800) – if you didn’t visit the Takayama Showa-kan Museum, this one is very similar.
- Matsuri no Mori (9am-5pm; ￥1,000) – another museum featuring Takayama festival floats.
Day Trips from Takayama
If you are in Takayama for a few days and want to venture outside the city, consider adding a few excursions which are easy to get to by either bus or train. These are some popular day trip ideas from Takayama:
- Hida-Furukawa – take a 16-minute train ride to this quaint town and see the canals and the unique exhibitions at Hida Crafts Museum and Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall
- Shirakawa-go – take a day trip to Shirakawa-go on your own or join a day tour to see the famous steep thatch-roofed farmhouses in the UNESCO village.
- Kamikochi – if you like hiking, visit the popular mountain resort town of the Northern Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture. It opens from April 17 to November 15.
- Matsumoto – spend a day in Matsumoto, an artsy castle town with one of Japan’s best original castles and the famous Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama.
Where to stay in Takayama as a solo traveller
I stayed in Takayama for over a week at two hotels. The budget hotel was nice, but I really liked the mid-range hotel next to Takayama Station. I’m including the information for both places so you can decide which one you want to stay in.
- Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama ($) – the single room is small but still has a sitting area—within walking distance of the town centre. And the bonus was the public hot spring on the first floor. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
- Tokyo Stay Hida Takayama Musubinoyu ($$) – a very spacious room with a washer machine inside! Such a bonus for long-term travel. There is also a hot spring on the top floor. The hotel is right next to Takayama Station. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
Is Takayama worth visiting as a solo traveller
Most definitely! I can’t believe I have never visited Takayama until now. It has been on my Japan bucket list for the longest time. I finally got out of the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route when I planned a trip to hike the Nakasendo Trail. During this trip, I visited many other places like Nagoya, Matsumoto, and Takayama.
I hope you enjoyed this itinerary and will consider adding Takayama to your next trip to Japan. Let me know in the comments if you have tried this solo itinerary or if you have any suggestions for improving it.
Ready to plan your trip to Takayama? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Takayama accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving in Japan.
* Join tours: check Klook for the best tours around Takayama.
Thank you for reading my solo Takayama itinerary
I have many posts on Japan so you might also like:
Introduction to Japan
- Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
- Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
- Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
- One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima
Chubu region
- Nagoya day trip: What to see in one day
- Nakasendo Trail Guide: 1 to 3-Day Itinerary for hiking on your own
- Best things to do in Matsumoto: 1-day itinerary
- Shirakawa-go Solo Guide: How to get there & Itinerary
- Kanazawa Itinerary: 1 to 2 day Itinerary for Solo Travellers
- Toyama 1-Day Itinerary for Solo Travellers
- Karuizawa Itinerary: 1 or 2 Days
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
