Are you planning a visit to Takayama for a couple of days and are wondering what to do in Takayama?

This complete Takayama travel guide doesn’t only cover the things to do in Takayama but also the best restaurants in Takayama and the best hotels in Takayama (Japan) for every budget.

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I have visited Takayama three times now and I love this beautiful town very much. There is always more to explore in Takayama and while it is possible to do a Takayama day trip from Nagoya I highly recommend to spend a couple of days here to really get a feeling for the place and to relax into a much slower rhythm completely.


Where is Takayama

Takayama, also called Hida Takayama (Gifu Prefecture) is a small village in the Japanese Alps on Japan’s largest island Honshu.

It is 300 kilometers (190 miles) from Tokyo by car. The closest big city is Nagoya to the south from which you can reach Takayama conveniently either by car, bus or train.

Other destinations of interest close by are the UNESCO world heritage site Shirakawago as well as the Onsen town Gero Onsen, you also shouldn’t miss Gujo Hachiman. All three are excellent places for a day trip from Takayama (you will find more details further down this post).


Best Time to Visit Takayama

Japan has beautiful seasons and so it is very difficult to decide on the best time to visit Takayama.

I have visited Takayama twice in summer and once in early autumn and it was beautiful each time. But the other seasons all have something special as well.


Takayama in Winter

Image via Panoramio by ESU

Takayama like Shirakawago turns into a winter wonderland in the coldest months of the year. The whole town is covered with a thick blanket of snow and it all looks very romantic.

It is a great time to visit Takayama, especially if you combine it with a trip to Shirakawago which is nearby.


Takayama in Spring

Image via Panoramio by gundam2345

The Takayama Spring Festival (Takayama Matsuri) is held each year in spring. It draws huge crowds and is one of the top reasons to visit Takayama.

The festival usually coincides with the blooming of the cherry trees another highlight of Takayama.


Takayama in Summer

It gets hot in Takayama in the summer months but since it lies in the mountains it is considerably cooler than in the coastal cities such as Nagoya or Tokyo.

Everything is lush and green in the summer months and it is the perfect time to enjoy some summer treats (like soft-serve ice cream) while exploring Takayama.


Takayama in Autumn

Takayama is also beautiful in autumn, especially when the surrounding Hida Mountain range turns its colors to reds and yellows. It is the perfect time for some beautiful hikes in the mountains.

Autumn is also the time for the second Takayama Matsuri, the Takayama Autumn Festival which is equally popular to the spring festival and worth a visit.


Things to Do in Takayama

Let’s talk about what you came here for, a list of the most interesting things to do in Takayama. There is plenty to do to fill a day or two in Takayama, and if you want to take it slow, better make it two days.


Visit Old Town Takayama

takayama day trip from nagoya

The central area of Takayama known as the Sanmachi Suji District, or simply Takayama Old Town is probably the main attraction of Takayama. The district consists of three streets lined with the beautiful wooden houses typical for this part of Japan and unchanged since the turn of the last century.

The streets are lined with souvenir and other kinds of shops, restaurants, Sake breweries and cafes and it is hard not to stop at every single place to explore the interesting crafts, foods, and drinks sold here.


Visit Yoshijima Heritage House

Image via Wikimedia Commons by Wiiii

The beautiful wooden houses are one of the highlights of Takayama. If you want to get a look inside one of them, Yoshijima Heritage House is a great choice.

The house was built in 1907 for a family of Sake brewers and moneylenders. You can see how wealthy the family was in the way the home was constructed and in the high quality of the carpentry all around you.

YOSHIJIMA HERITAGE HOUSE
Entry Fee: 500 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: 1-51 Oshinmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0851
Website | Google Maps

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Do a Sake Tasting in Takayama

At many of the Sake breweries in the old town of Takayama, you can do a Sake tasting. The owners will try their best to find a type of Sake you enjoy and they will try to explain to you the differences in more or less understandable English.

What becomes clear quite quickly is that the Sake brewers of Takayama are passionate about their craft and that they will make you drunk in their mission to find a type of Sake you like.

You can identify the Sake breweries very easily when walking by. Just keep a lookout for the gigantic Sugidama (balls made of cedar branches) above the entrances.

The best Sake tasting opportunity in town might just be Harada Sake Brewery. For just 300 yen you purchase a little Sake cup with which you can then proceed to taste around 15 different types of Sake.

The staff at Harada Brewery speaks English and is happy to assist you in finding a Sake you like.

Don’t forget to buy a cheesecake with Sake as a special souvenir from Takayama. The combination might be hard to imagine, but it is actually amazing how well Sake and cheesecake go together.

If you visit Takayama between January and February you have the opportunity to visit one of the Sake factories and learn how Sake is produced.

HARADA SAKE BREWERY
Opening Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Address: 10 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps


Explore the Morning Market in Takayama

Image via Wikimedia Commons by Bgabel

There are two morning markets in Takayama, the Miyagawa Market along the river banks of the Miyagawa River in the center of the city and the Jinya Mae Market in front of the Takayama Jinya old government building.

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These markets are held daily from around 7 a.m. till noon. Locals and tourists alike stroll along the many stalls selling crafts, snacks and produce such as vegetables and flowers.

It is a great place to find souvenirs or just to enjoy the morning atmosphere.

MIYAGAWA MORNING MARKET
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Address: Shimosannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0841
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

MORNING MARKET JINYA MAE
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Address: 1-5 Hachikenmachi, Hachikenmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0012
Website | Google Maps


Learn about History at the Takayama Jinya

Takayama Jinya in Japan

Takayama Jinya used to serve as the administration office of the Hida region under the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled from 1600 to 1868. It is one of the only administrative offices from that time still intact today and loaded with history.

You can walk the compound inside and outside and learn about how the Hida region used to be governed at that time. The buildings are very beautiful and a great photo opportunity if there are not too many guests.

A free English guided tour might be available upon request. Ask at the entrance when you visit. Make sure to visit at least 2 hours before closing time.

TAKAYAMA JINYA
Entry Fee: 440 yen
Opening Hours: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: 1-1-5 Hachikenmachi, Hachikenmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0012
Website | Google Maps


Takayama Showa-kan Museum

Takayama Showa-kan Museum

The Takayama Showa-kan Museum is just one of many fun museums that let you learn about Takayama’s past. This one was created with a lot of love and attention to detail bringing the Showa era (1926 – 1989) back to life.

Focusing on the 1950s this museum is packed with memorabilia like cars and scooters. Shops are designed like the used to look with lots of detail to discover.

It’s a fun place to visit, especially if you happen to be in Takayama on a rainy day.

TAKAYAMA SHOWA-KAN MUSEUM
Entry Fee: 800 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Address: 6 Shimoichinomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0843
Website| Google Maps


Hida Takayama Town Museum

Hida Takayama Town Museum

Housed in a Japanese building once owned by a wealthy family the Hida Takayama Town Museum teaches about the history of the city. The museum is also known as the Takayama Museum of History and Art.

Start by learning about the early city, craftsmanship, the castle and of course the importance of the Takayama Festival held here.

English speaking guides are available for free and will give you lot’s of information on Takayama. Just ask at the entrance.

HIDA TAKAYAMA TOWN MUSEUM
Entry Fee: free
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Address: 75 Kamiichinomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0844
Website| Google Maps


Participate in the Takayama Matsuri

Participate in the Takayama Autumn Festival

The Takayama Matsuri (Takayama Festival) is ranked as one of the top 3 most beautiful festivals in Japan, together with the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Chichibu Matsuri in Chichibu, which is about 90 minutes from Tokyo.

There are two annual Takayama Festivals, the Takayama Spring Festival which is held in April and the Takayama Autumn Festival held in October.

The Takayama Spring Festival, also known as the Sanno Festival is the annual festival of the Hie Shrine in the southern part of Takayama. It is held each year on the 14th and 15th of April.

In autumn of each year, the annual festival of the Sakurayama Hachimangu is held in the northern part of Takayama, the festival is also known as the Hachiman Festival. It is held each year on the 9th and 10th of October.

Both festivals have similar schedules and attractions which include the display of the festival floats, Karakuri doll performances, the Mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, and the evening festival.

The Takayama Festival draws several hundred thousand visitors from Japan and all over the world, especially if the dates fall on a weekend. Therefore it is advisable to book your hotel as early as possible because they are usually fully booked several months in advance.

I did a day trip from Nagoya to visit the Takayama Autumn Festival this year but the last bus leaves at 7 p.m. which doesn’t leave much time to enjoy the evening event which starts at 6 p.m.


Visit the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition

Image via Wikimedia Commons by Daderot

The Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan or Takayama Festival Float Exhibition houses 4 of the 11 floats (called Yatai) from the Takayama Autumn Festival. These floats are a work of art and incredible craftsmanship and each is several hundred years old.

The floats are not the only things exhibited here, you can also marvel at the detailed models of Toshogu Shrine in Nikko which have been hand carved. They are accompanied by short explanations in English and Japanese.

TAKAYAMA MATSURI YATAI KAIKAN
Entry Fee: 900 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: 178 Sakuramachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0858
Website| Google Maps


Make a Wish at Sakurayama Hachimangu

The Takayama Festival Float Exhibition is actually part of the Sakurayama Hachimangu, the most important Shinto shrine in Takayama and the starting point of the Takayama Autumn Festival.

After learning about the festival in the float exhibition make a short stop at the shrine itself to thank the gods and make a wish.

SAKURAYAMA HACHIMANGU
Address: 178 Sakuramachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0858
Website| Google Maps


Take a Walk at the Higashiyama Walkway

Starting just behind Sakurayama Hachimangu the Higashiyama Walkway invites you to take a walk in the eastern mountains of Takayama. The 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) long course leads past multiple small temples and shrines as well as the site of the former Takayama Castle in Shiroyama Park.

It is a pleasant walk to get to know the calmer side of Takayama and a nice change in pace away from the beaten tourist path.


Visit the Hida No Sato Folk Village

About 2 kilometers outside of Takayama is Hida no Sato, or Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village a collection of houses that have been taken from all over Central Japan and reconstructed here to preserve the cultural heritage and amazing craftsmanship.

The thatched roof houses are located around a scenic pond and you can visit many of the houses and learn about the life of the people who used to live in these houses.

There are also little workshops spread out around the village. Where you can watch masters of their crafts and even learn to do simple things yourself. Activities include weaving, wood carving, straw crafts, and ceramics making.

HIDA FOLK VILLAGE
Entry Fee: 700 yen
Opening Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: 1-1-590 Kamiokamotomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0031
Website| Google Maps


Relax at an Onsen in Takayama

While there are some Ryokan in Takayama that offer hot spring baths to their guests in Takayama, if you really want to experience Japanese Onsen in the area it is advisable to do a 1-hour bus ride to nearby Okuhida Onsen. The Okuhida Onsen Valley consists of 6 Onsen town each fed from different hot springs and with a total of hundreds of different baths between them.

Some of these are available to day tourists for a fee of between 500 and 2000 yen. For a truly relaxing experience, it is, of course, better to spend the night, have delicious Japanese dinner and fall into a deep sleep in a futon bed at one of the many Ryokan in the area.

While Onsen is generally gender-separated there are some facilities in Okuhida Onsen that offer mixed-gender baths, usually providing something to cover up your body while in the bath.


Join a Takayama Walking Tour

While you can explore Takayama by yourself without a problem if you want to get some extra information it’s great to have an English speaking guide with you.

For this reason, you might want to join a Takayama Walking Tour. In two hours you will visit the morning market, town center as well as a Sake brewery with your knowledgeable guide.

Book your Takayama walking tour on klook.com!


Best Restaurants in Takayama

Every traveler has to eat and Takayama food is quite delicious. When you come to Takayama you probably want to try some of the famous beef of the region, called Hida Beef. It is not as famous as Kobe Beef, but just as delicious.

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Another local specialty is Takayama Ramen. A soy sauce-based type of ramen with a very simple and refreshing taste. Takayama Ramen might be a good idea for lunch.


Hida Takayama Ateya

hida beef in takayama japan

If you want to try Hida Beef prepared in different variations, Hida Takayama Ateya is the place to go. This cozy Izakaya which only seats about 10 people serves some of the most delicious Hida Beef dishes in town.

Try the Hida Beefsteak, one of the best ways to enjoy the flavorful beef. While you are here sample some of the best sake in town. And if you don’t know what to order, don’t worry, the owner will help you out.

HIDA TAKAYAMA ATEYA
Opening Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sat + Sun also 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Address: 6 Asahimachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0017
Website| Google Maps


Sakaguchiya

Hida Beef Sushi at Sakaguchiya in Takayama

When visiting Takayama don’t forget to try Hida Beef Sushi. My first choice was Sakaguchiya.

The little shop is run by a single lady who will take your order and proceed to prepare your beef Sushi.

Two pieces of Sushi cost between 600 and 1000 yen (6 to 10 US dollars) and are served on a Senbei (a rice cracker) as a plate. (Talk about zero waste)

Just across the street is another shop selling Hida Beef Sushi called Hida Kote Ushi, and it is much more popular (I couldn’t find a reason for this). There is always a long line in front of the shop, and since I hate standing in line I opted for the Sushi at Sakaguchiya.

Maybe you want to try both and compare the taste. Let me know what you found more delicious.

Don’t worry about placing your order at either Sakaguchiya or Hida Kote Ushi. They have little plates in Japanese, English, and Chinese which include a picture and an alphabetic letter to make it easier to order.

SAKAGUCHIYA
Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., closed Tuesdays
Address: 90 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846
Website| Google Maps


Center 4 Hamburgers

If you are looking for something a little bit different try a Hida Beef burger at the Center 4 Hamburgers.

This quaint little shop sells delicious burgers of different variations, the Hida Beef burger is just one of them, and they are all amazing especially for lunch after a long stroll in Takayama.

The restaurant itself is worth a visit as it feels more like eating at a museum or a vintage shop than a restaurant, stuffed with all kinds of big and small items.

CENTER 4 HAMBURGERS
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., closed Wednesdays
Address: 94 Kamiichinomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0844
Website| Google Maps

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Sukeharu

Hida Beef Korokke at Sukeharu in Takayama

Sukeharu sells delicious Hida Beef Korokke as well as price-winning Hida Beef Minchikatsu. They fry to order so you are guaranteed a delicious and very hot snack whenever you feel like it.

Sukeharu also has a restaurant area where you can order a lunch set made from delicious Hida Beef.

SUKEHARU
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., closed Tuesdays
Address: 19 Kamiichinomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0844
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps


Jingoro Ramen

Takayama Ramen in Takayama

Takayama Ramen is a local specialty. With a soup made of chicken-bone broth and soy sauce, it is a very light flavor. It fits very well with the noodles, meat, bamboo shoots, and finely cut spring onions.

There are multiple popular restaurants serving Takayama Ramen in Takayama. I visited Jingoro Ramen, but there are many other options as well.

Jingoro Ramen has an English menu to make ordering easier.

JINGORO RAMEN
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., closed Mondays and Sundays
Address: 65 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846
Google Maps

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Try 6 delicious snacks and dive deep into the history and culture of Osu.
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Best Hotels in Takayama

There are many Takayama hotel options for every budget, from luxury hotels or Takayama Ryokan to a cheap dormitory bed or a whole holiday home, Takayama has great options for you.

In the following I will introduce to you different Takayama accommodation.


Utatei Takayama


When I last went to Takayama I stayed at Utatei Takayama, a beautiful holiday home. The old building has recently been renovated and it has a lot of old Japanese charm with all the modern amenities you could want including air conditioning, a small kitchen, and a modern bathroom.

Utatei Takayama is just a short walk from the center of the town and especially cheap when you travel in a group since this property can sleep more than 6 people comfortably.

Book your stay at Utatei Takayama today on booking.com or have a look at the same property on Agoda!


K’s House Takayama


For an amazing budget option in Takayama stay at K’s House. If you are two people you can either spend the night in a double bed in a dormitory or in your private double or twin room with private bathroom. Both options are one of the most budget-friendly in Takayama.

The hostel has great ratings from previous guests. Many of them complimented the great location close to Takayama Station, great facilities and helpful staff.

Book your stay at K’s House on booking.com or book your hostel on Agoda today!


Country Hotel Takayama


If you are looking for a mid-range hotel near Takayama Station check out Country Hotel Takayama. It is located just a 1-minute walk from Takayama Station. The rooms in the Country Hotel Takayama are simple but have all the amenities you might need for your stay including air-conditioning, a kettle, and a fridge. There are smoking and non-smoking rooms available.

Book your stay at Country Hotel Takayama on booking.com or check availability on Agoda!


Takayama Ouan Hotel


For a real luxurious stay in Takayama including a large public bath with sauna, open-air bath, and private family bath consider a stay at Takayama Ouan Hotel. The beautifully furnished Japanese style rooms come with tatami mats and western beds.

You can have breakfast and dinner at the Japanese restaurant on site serving local dishes in a beautiful setting.

Book your unforgettable stay at Takayama Ouan Hotel today on booking.com or book on Agoda.


Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan


For the ultimate unforgettable experience in Takayama consider booking a night at the most luxurious hotels in the area: Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan. This 5-star hotel is pure luxury.

The Japanese style rooms come with a seating area where you will be served tea upon arrival. You can choose to have your authentic Japanese multi-course dinner either in the dining hall or in the comfort of your own room. The private bathrooms have a bathtub but you can also enjoy the public bath of the hotel. In my opinion the best Ryokan in Takayama

Book your luxury stay at Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan on booking.com or check out Agoda for your stay!


Day Trips from Takayama

Even though Takayama is a smallish town and you can maybe fill a day or two with activities in the city, there are surprisingly many day trips from Takayama that are very interesting.

The most famous one is probably Shirakawago, a world heritage site. Another option if you want to relax in a nice Onsen is Gero Onsen. Other options include Okuhida Onsen with I mentioned above, Kamikochi a great place for nature and hiking, or Furukawa a smaller and less touristy version of Takayama.


Shirakawago Day Trip from Takayama

shirakawago in summer day trip from nagoya

Shirakawago is a picturesque village with thatched roof houses only 30 kilometers from Takayama. The village is a UNESCO world heritage site and a fun day trip from Takayama. For all the details about Shirakawago check out my day trip to Shirakawago post.

To get from Shirakawago to Takayama city you can easily take a bus there. The Nohi Bus leaves in front of Takayama Station and in 50 minutes you will already be in Shirakawago. The one-way trip costs 2470 yen (25 US dollars) and a round-trip 4420 yen (45 US dollars).

You can also take a Shirakawago tour from Takayama. This half-day tour starts and ends in Takayama. You will visit Shirakawago by bus and have 2 hours in the village. The cost is basically the same as the Nohi Bus round trip from Takayama with the difference that here you have a knowledgeable English speaking tour guide who will happily tell you all about Shirakawago’s history.

Book your amazing tour to Shirakawago from Takayama on klook.com!


Gero Onsen Day Trip from Takayama

Gero Onsen Town Center

If you are looking for an amazing Onsen experience there is another option from the one I mentioned above. A visit to Gero Onsen. The town has a more than a 1000-year history and the hot spring waters are said to have beautifying and healing properties.

There are 3 public baths in Gero Onsen you can visit as a day visitor or you can alternatively purchase a Yomeguri Tegata pass for 1300 yen and enjoy 3 visits to Onsen facilities of the more than 20 participating Ryokan in town.

For an unforgettable day trip experience from Takayama, you can book ‘Gero Onsen Experience and Hide Beef Lunch‘ via klook.com. This amazing package combines a relaxing visit to one of the Onsen facilities in town at Suimeikan Inn in Gero Onsen, with a delicious 5-course lunch including Hida Beef. Transport to Gero Onsen from Takayama is not included but it is surprisingly easy to get there.

Book your unforgettable Gero Onsen day trip on klook.com!

This famous Onsen town is less than 50 kilometers (30 miles) away from Takayama and easily reachable by Nohi Bus or JR Hida train. The bus leaves from Takayama Station hourly and takes roughly one and a half hours and the fare is quite cheap at 1040 yen (10 US dollars).

Alternatively, the limited express train takes just 45 minutes but costs 2240 yen while the local train takes an hour and costs only 970 yen (10 US dollars) which is even a little cheaper than the bus. If you have a Japan Rail Pass the train journey will be completely for free.

Flor more information on Gero Onsen, click here.

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!


Shirakawago, Kanazawa and Lake Biwa Day Trip from Takayama

If you are heading to Osaka or Kyoto next, you might want to check out this cool day trip option that will take you first to Shirakawago, Kanazawa’s most famous landscape garden Kenrokuen and Lake Biwa before dropping you off in Kyoto or Osaka at night. For people who are short on time but want to see as much as possible of Japan, this is a great option. Much more fun that spending the day just sitting in a bus or trains.

You can book this trip from Takayama to Osaka or Kyoto on klook.com.


Mount Fuji or Kawaguchiko Day Trip from Takayama

If you are heading to Tokyo from Takayama you can combine your trip with a stop in either Kawaguchiko or at Mount Fuji to see the famous mountain up close. This is an amazing opportunity for travelers who don’t have the time to visit Mount Fuji on their own.

Book your trip from Takayama to Tokyo via Mount Fuji on klook.com!

By the way, there is also a trip that goes in the other direction from Tokyo to Takayama with a stop at Mount Fuji in between. If you are looking for a way to visit Takayama from Tokyo this might be an option for you. Book it here!


How to Get from Nagoya to Takayama

No matter where you are in Japan (maybe with the exception of Kanazawa) chances are you have to first get to Nagoya to get to Takayama. To get to Nagoya from Tokyo you have many options, you will be in Nagoya in only a couple of hours by using the Shinkansen. This trip will be free if you have purchased a Japan Rail Pass for your trip to Japan.

If you are farther away for example in Hokkaido or maybe Kyushu, you can also fly to Nagoya’s central airport which has many cheap connections within the country. From Nagoya Airport there are different options to get to Nagoya Station.

From Nagoya, you have multiple options to get to Takayama. You can either take the JR train from Nagoya to Takayama, a bus from Nagoya to Takayama or you can even participate in a day tour from Nagoya to Takayama.

Ready to Book your Trip to Nagoya?

Find the cheapest flights on skyscanner.com, book amazing hotels in Nagoya on booking.com and reserve discounted tours and other activities on klook.com!

The best way to get around Japan is a Japan Rail Pass, book your Japan Rail Pass now on jrailpass.com.


Nagoya to Takayama Train

If you are a Japan Rail Pass holder the train to Takayama from Nagoya is also free for you. JR Hida express trains leave Nagoya every hour and are in Takayama in only 150 minutes.

If you don’t own a JR Pass the one-way journey will cost you around 6000 yen (60 US dollars). It is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Takayama.


Nagoya to Takayama Bus

A much cheaper and not that much longer option to go to Takayama from Nagoya is a highway bus. They are operated by three different companies: JR, Meitetsu and Nohi Bus. The trip takes a bit over 2 and a half hours and costs 3100 yen one-way (30 US dollars) or 5400 yen round trip (54 US dollars).

If you want to you can conveniently book your bus online using 12Go.asia. Check it out here:

Powered by 12Go Asia system


Takayama Tour from Nagoya

If you have just one day and want to experience Takayama from Nagoya you can do that on a Takayama tour from Nagoya. Usually, these tours visit Takayama and Shirakawago by bus before returning to Nagoya at night.

Here are 3 different tours you might be interested in. You can book them all on klook.com.


Day in Shirakawa Village and Takayama

The ‘Day in Shirakawa Village and Takayama‘ is a great day trip to visit Shirakawago and Takayama in one day from Nagoya. Perfect if you really only have very little time but want to explore Shirakawago as well as Takayama.

You leave from the bus terminal close to Nagoya station, head to Takayama where you will explore the old district and have lunch. From there the bus heads to Shirakawago where you will have 80 minutes to explore before heading back to Nagoya. An English speaking guide will be there throughout the tour.

Book this highly rated tour to Takayama now on klook.com!


Takayama and Shirakawago Day Trip from Nagoya

At the ‘Takayama and Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Nagoya‘ you will also visit both Takayama and Shirakawago. The bus leaves from the Nagoya VIP Lounge close to Nagoya Station or Kanayama Station.

You will first visit Takayama and have lunch there before heading to Shirakawago. You will have the opportunity to try some delicious Hida Beef Sushi during your tour.

Book the ‘Takayama and Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Nagoya’ on klook.com!

The best way to experience Nagoya is on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour.
8 foods and snacks in 3.5 hours with in-depth info will make this one unforgettable experience.
Check out the details!


The Historic Villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama and Takayama Jinya Day Trip

If you are looking for a private tour you should consider ‘The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama and Takayama Jinya Day Trip‘. This tour isn’t much more expensive than the other two tours I mentioned above but you will be picked up from your hotel in a minivan for your trip.

Head to Shirakawago and Gokayama first and then make your way to Takayama where you will visit the Takayama Jinya a 400-year-old government building. Lunch is not included in this tour.

Book your private tour to Takayama today on klook.com!


Takayama Map

On this Takayama tourist map, you can find all the activities and places mentioned in this Takayama travel guide. I also marked the different Takayama restaurants and accommodation in Takayama I mentioned.

If you zoom out of the map you can see where Takayama is located in relation to Shirakawago, Gero Onsen and Nagoya.


Final Thoughts about Takayama

Now that you know about the amazing things to do in Takayama, where to eat in Takayama and also where to stay in Takayama you should be all set for your trip. You can find other detailed guides for destinations around Nagoya here for example for Gujo Hachiman, Nishio or Inuyama.

If you want to find out more about Nagoya, visit the Nagoya Travel Guide, read the post about things to do in Nagoya, find out about the best hotels in Nagoya, and explore Nagoya Meshi by reading my Nagoya Food Guide.

In case you still have questions about Takayama or Nagoya please let me know in the comments!


Save this post to your ‘Travel in Japan’ Pinterest board so you can reread it anytime. You could also create a dedicated ‘Takayama’ Pinterest board!

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