Takayama is a charming mountain town in the Japanese Alps. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the city is often called “Little Kyoto.” This is due to its well-preserved historic streets, wooden merchant houses, and centuries-old crafts that remain vibrant today. While Kyoto is large and busy, Takayama feels much cozier—a place where you can still truly experience traditional Japan. You can enjoy fresh miso soup at the morning market along the river, taste sake in the old streets, and savor a meal of local Hida beef in the evening. Everything in this town breathes the simplicity, hospitality, and beauty of the Japanese countryside. In this article, I share 8 fun tips for things to do in Takayama.

How do you travel to Takayama?

Most people travel from Kamikochi or Kyoto to Takayama. Below you can read how the journey works.

What to do in Takayama?

Takayama feels different from other Japanese cities; here, time has truly stood still. On every street corner, you discover a beautiful building, a small shop, or something delicious to taste. The city is perfect for exploring on foot, though you can easily take the bus for longer distances.

Learn to make onigiri and miso soup in a Buddhist temple

It will come as no surprise that you can eat deliciously everywhere in Japan. But how fun is it to learn to make a typical Japanese dish yourself? During this Onigiri and Miso Soup Workshop in a Buddhist temple, you learn how local miso soup is prepared and make your own onigiri—rice balls filled with various ingredients. It is not only fun to do but at least as much fun to eat everything afterward.

Explore the old center of Takayama: Sanmachi Suji

The heart of Takayama lies in the Sanmachi Suji district, an atmospheric part of the city that has fully retained its authentic character. The narrow streets are lined with dark wooden merchant houses from the Edo period, featuring ornate facades, sake breweries, and small craft shops. Wander past boutiques filled with handmade pottery, local snacks, and traditional souvenirs. In Sanmachi Suji, you experience the old Japanese charm that has vanished in many other cities.

Those who want to experience the streets of Sanmachi Suji in peace should come early in the morning. Most shops, however, do not open until between 9:30 and 11:00 AM, at which point the streets quickly fill with visitors and tour groups. As sunset approaches, the peace returns, making it a lovely time for an evening stroll.

Hungry? For a delicious breakfast or lunch, go to Falò Coffee Brewers. This coffee spot is known for their great coffee, but they also serve a few light breakfasts like a granola bowl and sourdough bread.

Sake tasting in Takayama

Takayama is known for its excellent sake! A sake tasting is a must on this list of best things to do in Takayama. The pure mountain water and cool mountain climate make this region ideal for sake production. From smooth, light varieties to full-bodied ones with a deep flavor, you can taste it all here. Several traditional sake breweries are located close to each other in the old Sanmachi Suji center.

At Funasaka Sake Brewery, you can use coins to dispense various types of sake from machines while getting a glimpse into the world of brewing. Across the street is Harada Brewery, where you can enjoy a more authentic and artisanal experience. Here you can taste different types of sake, and you can take the glass home as a souvenir afterward.

Walk the 5 km (3.1 miles) Higashiyama Walking Course

A fun way to experience Takayama is by following the Higashiyama Walking Course. This walking route officially begins at the Takayama Museum of History and Art. There are clear signs and maps along the path indicating the route. Along the way, you pass several old temples and shrines, and walk through quiet residential areas and a green forest. The total route is approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) long and takes an average of two hours.

Tip: In the Daiouji Temple you can take a calligraphy lesson.

Taste the local specialty: Hida beef

Takayama and the surrounding region are famous for Hida beef. This is premium wagyu beef that is extremely tender and juicy with a soft, buttery taste. You can taste it everywhere in Takayama and in all sorts of ways. Order it as nigiri sushi, grilled skewers, yakiniku (where you grill small pieces at the table), or in sukiyaki, a Japanese stew.

Tip: Great restaurants to try Hida beef are Hida Beef Baya, Suzuya Restaurant, and Kyōya.

Step back in time at Hida Folk Village

On the outskirts of Takayama lies Hida Folk Village (also known as Hida-no-Sato), an open-air museum that takes you back to Japan several centuries ago. Spread across a green hillside are more than 30 traditional gasshō-zukuri farmhouses from the Hida region, some over 200 years old. They were carefully moved from surrounding villages to preserve them for the future. Inside, you can see how families once lived, and various locations demonstrate old crafts such as wood carving, weaving, or lacquerwork. This makes the place feel not like a museum, but like a lively village. You can easily spend a few hours wandering around here, especially if you are interested in traditional architecture or Japanese rural life.

Stroll through the Miyagawa Morning Markets early in the day

Early birds can wander across the Miyagawa Morning Market along the river. Since the Edo period, local farmers and artisans have gathered here daily to sell their products. The market begins around 7:00 AM and lasts until about 12:00 PM.

View the Takayama Festival floats

The Takayama Festival is considered one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan and takes place twice a year: in spring and autumn. The spring edition (Sanno Matsuri) falls on April 14 and 15 and is held at the Hie Shrine, while the autumn edition (Hachiman Matsuri) is on October 9 and 10 at the Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine. During these days, the changing of the seasons is celebrated, and residents pay honor to the city’s guardian gods for a good harvest. The highlight of the festival is the floats (yatai). These are richly decorated wooden wagons with wood carvings, gold leaf, and silk, which have been pulled through the streets of Takayama since the 17th century. You can admire the floats in fixed squares in Takayama. In the evening, they are lit with dozens of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.

Book your accommodation well in advance if you want to stay during the Takayama Festival.

Tip: Outside of the festival, you can admire the floats in the ‘Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall’.

Tips for good restaurants in Takayama

• Hida Takayama Gyoza Sohonzan – This popular restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and serves the tastiest gyoza.
• EVILTEX Hamburgers & Tex‑Mex – Craving a burger or Mexican cuisine? The creative menu features burritos, tacos, juicy burgers, and various vegetarian burgers.
• Hids’ Cafe & Bar – A top choice for both breakfast and lunch. Paninis, salads, and fish and chips are on the menu.
• Ebihachi – The specialty of this restaurant is tempura, prepared right in front of you.
• Cafe & Gallery Takayama Warajiya – A cozy little cafe with delicious coffee and tasty pudding.
• Heianraku – In this authentic Japanese-Chinese family restaurant, the tastiest dishes are prepared with great care.
• Tofu Cuisine Noguchiya – In this fantastic restaurant, everything revolves around tofu. The menu is full of dishes where tofu is prepared in various ways.

Our favorite places in Takayama

One of the best hotels to stay in Takayama is Hotel Wood Takayama. This stylish design hotel is located right in the old center and features a beautiful mix of traditional and modern styles. You can order drinks in the large lounge and easily meet other travelers. After a day in the city, it is wonderful to relax in the hotel’s small onsen. Mercure Hida Takayama is also an excellent choice. You’ll stay in an above-average spacious room with plenty of comfort, such as a fine bed, a modern bathroom, and handy extras like a small fridge. In the morning, an extensive breakfast buffet with fresh rolls, fruit, spreads, and sweets awaits. The location and the top-floor onsen are also major pluses. Traveling on a smaller budget? Then Chisun Grand Takayama is highly recommended. The hotel is about 300 meters (984 feet) from the station, and bikes are available for rent to explore Takayama. Relaxation is also considered, as there is a steam bath and a jacuzzi.

Hotel Wood Takayama More information

Mercure Hida Takayama More information

Chisun Grand Takayama More information