Experience the Magic of Takayama
Scroll to discover the city's most vibrant districts
Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. To differentiate it from other places named Takayama, the city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama. Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. It now ranks as one of the prime candidates among travelers wishing to add a rural element into their itineraries. Takayama gained importance as a source of high quality timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages. The city was consequently put under direct control of the shogun and enjoyed quite a bit of prosperity considering its remote mountain location. The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is considered one of Japan's best festivals.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most treasured historic castles, standing proudly alongside Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle as one of the nation’s premier original fortresses. Often called the “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior, it is admired for its elegant design and exceptional state of preservation. Once the seat of the Matsumoto domain, the castle is considered one of the most complete and architecturally beautiful castles remaining from Japan’s feudal era. Unlike many hilltop fortresses, Matsumoto Castle is a hirajiro, meaning it was built on open plains rather than on elevated terrain. This flatland setting highlights its impressive structure even more. The castle is also unique for having both a secondary donjon and a turret connected directly to its main keep, creating a distinctive and harmonious layout. Together with its iconic black wainscoting, the castle exudes a sense of strength, grace, and timeless grandeur.
Yatai Kaikan Museum
The Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan is a popular exhibition hall that showcases the traditional, hand-carved festival floats used during Takayama’s famous biannual celebrations. Located next to the Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, the hall offers visitors a rare opportunity to see these elaborately decorated floats up close. Many of the floats on display are several hundred years old and are considered outstanding examples of Takayama’s legendary craftsmanship, known for its intricate woodwork, detailed carvings, and stunning artistic designs. The Takayama Festival itself, held twice a year—on April 14 and 15 in spring and October 9 and 10 in autumn—is recognized as one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. During these celebrations, the floats are paraded through the streets, accompanied by music, traditional performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. The Yatai Kaikan allows visitors to appreciate the artistry and history of the festival year-round, making it a must-visit cultural attraction in Takayama
Takayama Sanmachi
Takayama’s old town is one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved historic districts, offering a charming glimpse into life during the Edo Period (1600–1868), when the city prospered as a wealthy merchant center. Walking through these narrow streets feels like stepping back in time, with many traditional wooden buildings, shops, and residences still standing exactly as they were centuries ago. The southern half of the old town is especially famous, with Sannomachi Street being the most picturesque and well-preserved area. Here, visitors can explore historic merchant houses, charming local shops, cozy coffee houses, and traditional sake breweries, many of which have been operating for generations. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and full of character, capturing the true essence of old-world Japan. Whether you stroll leisurely, taste local specialties, or simply admire the architecture, Takayama’s old town offers a timeless experience that remains one of the city’s most beloved attractions
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa is a charming village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, and is widely known for its beautifully preserved traditional settlement, Shirakawa-gō. This small and picturesque village is famous for its unique gasshō-zukuri style houses, characterized by steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The name “gasshō” refers to hands pressed together in prayer, which the roof shape resembles. These historic farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old, offer a fascinating look into traditional Japanese rural life. Together with the nearby Gokayama region in Nanto, Toyama Prefecture, Shirakawa-gō is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural value, architectural uniqueness, and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore preserved homes, scenic viewpoints, and peaceful village paths that reflect a way of life deeply connected to nature and history. Shirakawa remains one of Japan’s most enchanting rural destinations
EXCURSION FROM TAKAYAMA
Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. To differentiate it from other places named Takayama, the city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama. Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. It now ranks as one of the prime candidates among travelers wishing to add a rural element into their itineraries. Takayama gained importance as a source of high quality timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages. The city was consequently put under direct control of the shogun and enjoyed quite a bit of prosperity considering its remote mountain location. The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is considered one of Japan's best festivals
Matsumoto Castler
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most treasured historic castles, standing proudly alongside Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle as one of the nation’s premier original fortresses. Often called the “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior, it is admired for its elegant design and exceptional state of preservation. Once the seat of the Matsumoto domain, the castle is considered one of the most complete and architecturally beautiful castles remaining from Japan’s feudal era
Yatai Kaikan Museum
The Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan is a popular exhibition hall that showcases the traditional, hand-carved festival floats used during Takayama’s famous biannual celebrations. Located next to the Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, the hall offers visitors a rare opportunity to see these elaborately decorated floats up close. Many of the floats on display are several hundred years old and are considered outstanding examples of Takayama’s legendary craftsmanship, known for its intricate woodwork, detailed carvings, and stunning artistic designs. The Takayama Festival itself, held twice a year—on April 14 and 15 in spring and October 9 and 10 in autumn—is recognized as one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. During these celebrations, the floats are paraded through the streets, accompanied by music, traditional performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. The Yatai Kaikan allows visitors to appreciate the artistry and history of the festival year-round, making it a must-visit cultural attraction in Takayama
Takayama Sanmach
Takayama’s old town is one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved historic districts, offering a charming glimpse into life during the Edo Period (1600–1868), when the city prospered as a wealthy merchant center. Walking through these narrow streets feels like stepping back in time, with many traditional wooden buildings, shops, and residences still standing exactly as they were centuries ago. The southern half of the old town is especially famous, with Sannomachi Street being the most picturesque and well-preserved area. Here, visitors can explore historic merchant houses, charming local shops, cozy coffee houses, and traditional sake breweries, many of which have been operating for generations. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and full of character, capturing the true essence of old-world Japan. Whether you stroll leisurely, taste local specialties, or simply admire the architecture, Takayama’s old town offers a timeless experience that remains one of the city’s most beloved attractions
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa is a charming village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, and is widely known for its beautifully preserved traditional settlement, Shirakawa-gō. This small and picturesque village is famous for its unique gasshō-zukuri style houses, characterized by steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The name “gasshō” refers to hands pressed together in prayer, which the roof shape resembles. These historic farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old, offer a fascinating look into traditional Japanese rural life. Together with the nearby Gokayama region in Nanto, Toyama Prefecture, Shirakawa-gō is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural value, architectural uniqueness, and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore preserved homes, scenic viewpoints, and peaceful village paths that reflect a way of life deeply connected to nature and history. Shirakawa remains one of Japan’s most enchanting rural destinations
