The old townscape of Hida Takayama in Takayama City, Japan. Photo by pespiero
Looking to experience authentic Japanese tradition during your visit? While Kyoto offers timeless beauty, consider Takayama in the Hida region of central Honshu—a lesser-known destination where traditional Japan thrives away from overwhelming crowds.
Japan offers countless experiences for travelers: anime and otaku culture, bustling modern cities, and world-class culinary adventures. Yet, for those seeking to immerse themselves in Japan’s traditional atmosphere without the tourist density in Kyoto, Takayama is a perfect alternative.
As a Japanese travel writer who has explored the country extensively, I highly recommend this charming town for its well-preserved historical district, traditional craftsmanship, and authentic cultural experiences—all with fewer visitors than Japan’s more famous traditional destinations.
Little Kyoto
Japan is an island nation with several islands, the largest of which is Honshu. Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya are located on the Pacific side of Honshu. Takayama is in the central part of the big island, nestled at the base of the Hida Mountains (which reach over 3,000 meters in altitude). The central area of Takayama City is a highland region.
The main attraction of Takayama is its townscape. The area known as Sanmachi retains a historical, traditional Japanese atmosphere, with wooden buildings lining the streets. The value of its preservation is so high that it has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
In Japan, areas that maintain traditional townscapes or atmospheres (similar to Kyoto) are often referred to as “Little Kyoto.” Takayama is one such example. For those who want to experience a Kyoto-like atmosphere—traditional Japan—without the massive crowds, Takayama is an ideal travel destination.
Read More: Unlock the Best of Japan—Discover the Perfect Month for Your Visit
Indulge in Skewered Treats and Sake
Of course, Takayama also sees its share of foreign tourists. After the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, the number of international visitors to Takayama saw a decline. However, before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was on the rise, with over 612,000 visitors arriving in Takayama annually by 2019.
A significant portion of foreign visitors (about 55.6%) come from nearby Asian countries, but travelers from Europe, North America, and Oceania make up about 35% of the total number of foreign tourists—an especially high percentage when compared to other tourist spots in Japan.
Takayama is a highly satisfying destination for tourists from Europe, North America, and Oceania who want to enjoy traditional Japanese townscapes. Although COVID-19 caused a significant decline in tourist numbers, there have been signs of recovery in recent years.
In response to the growing number of foreign tourists, Takayama’s city center has seen the opening of cafes and bars catering to foreign visitors, and multilingual services have been introduced at tourist information centers. Guesthouses and homestays catering to foreign visitors have increased, although the rapid rise of unlicensed accommodations has led to stronger regulations.
However, Takayama has not suffered from overtourism like Kyoto. Visitors can stroll through the Sanmachi district, explore the Takayama Jinya (which served as the government office for the Hida region a few hundred years ago), walk along Higashiyama Promenade, and visit the many temples, enjoy the daily morning markets at Miyagawa and Jinya-mae, and indulge in skewered treats, dango (Japanese rice dumplings), sake, and local handicrafts.
Japan Travel Guide
Takayama’s Gourmet Scene
When visiting Japan, most tourists are eager to enjoy delicious cuisine. One of the best-known food offerings in the Hida region is Hida beef, a type of Wagyu beef that is celebrated nationwide. If you have Japanese friends, ask them, “What is Japan’s most famous brand of Wagyu beef?”
While brands like Matsuzaka and Kobe beef will likely top the list, Hida beef should certainly be included in the top five. This premium beef can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as in sushi, seared, grilled, or yakiniku (Japanese BBQ).
In addition, regional dishes like Hoba-miso (miso paste served on a magnolia leaf), soy sauce-based Takayama ramen, soba, and visits to local sake breweries are popular. Takayama alone is home to seven sake breweries, such as:
- Hirase Shuzo, famous for “Kusudama”
- Kawashiri Shuzo, known for “Tenon” and “Hida Masamune”
- Funasaka Shuzo, which brews “Daiginjo Yotsuboshi”
- Harada Shuzo, famous for “Sansha”
These sake breweries offer tasting sessions and have shops where you can purchase their products. Be sure to enjoy Japan’s beautiful sake during your trip.
Book a Takayama Half-Day Private Tour
Surrounding Attractions and Sightseeing
Takayama also offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing in the surrounding areas. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go village is just an hour away by bus. The Northern Japan Alps (Hida Mountain Range) offers great hiking spots like Kamikochi, and the Shinhotaka Ropeway, which is Japan’s only two-story cable car, provides stunning views of the Northern Alps.
Takayama is also known for its grand Takayama Festival, one of Japan’s top three beautiful festivals, held every spring (April 14-15) and autumn (October 9-10). The daytime procession of floats and the enchanting atmosphere at night are remarkable, offering an unforgettable Japanese experience.
Additionally, the surrounding area, in a volcanic zone, is rich in hot spring resorts. Within a 30–40 minute drive from Takayama, you’ll find famous onsen spots like Hirayu Onsen, Shin-Hirayu Onsen, and Okuhida Onsen Village.
Read More: Japanese Onsen Public Hot-Spring Etiquette
How to Get There
The nearest major city to Takayama is Nagoya, so the best way to get there is from Nagoya.
- By JR Train (Limited Express Hida)
- Travel time: About 2 hours
- Route: Take the Limited Express Hida from Nagoya Station on the JR Takayama Line to Takayama Station.
- By Highway Bus
- Travel time: About 2.5 hours
- Service: Highway buses are running from Nagoya Station to Takayama.
- By Rental Car
- Travel time: About 2 hours
Check out 12Go for the best way to organize and book transportation in Japan.
The highway bus is the most affordable option, offering scenic views along the way. When I visited Takayama to reunite with my Scottish friends, who traveled from their country, they also chose the highway bus. They disembarked at Takayama Station, and their journey seemed comfortable and convenient.
Accommodation is abundant, but finding availability can be challenging during peak seasons, such as the festivals above. It’s best to book in advance to secure your stay.
View accommodations options in Takayama
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Author Bio: Masayoshi Sakamoto is a Japanese writer, translator, and editor living in Toyama, Japan. He is the editor-in-chief of a local magazine, Hokuroku, and was the chief editor of a popular digital business magazine based in Tokyo, bizSPA!
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