Discover the Charms of Ancient Japan: Ultimate Takayama Itinerary

Dear traveler, we may get commissions from your reservations made through links in this article, at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the site running and free for all. Thank you!

Last Updated on May 13, 2024

Takayama is a beautiful town nestled in the Japanese Alps. Often overlooked, it’s actually just 4 hours away from Tokyo – and the contrast between these two cities couldn’t be greater. You’ll find ancient streets, bustling street markets, and incredible shrines with only a few visitors. And, of course, you can’t miss the opportunity to try some sake! Want to discover what to do in Takayama? Keep reading and check out our itinerary!

If you time your visit right, you can actually experience one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan, known as Takayama Matsuri. It’s held twice a year in Spring and Autumn. We missed it by just a few days – but check the dates before traveling to Takayama and you might be lucky! The pictures we saw looked amazing.

However, if your visit doesn’t match the festival dates, here is a list of things you can do, creating your own Takayama itinerary

The morning markets of Takayama are lively and colorful places where locals sell their goods. You can find fresh food, crafts, and more. It’s a great way to experience Japanese culture and try some tasty snacks.

Exploring the old town is a must on every Takayama itinerary – it’s simply beautiful and dates back to the feudal period. It served as a bustling merchant town, renowned for its high-quality timber and skilled craftsmen. The well-preserved streets lined with traditional wooden houses, known as machiya, offer a glimpse into the town’s prosperous past. Many of these buildings have been converted into shops, sake breweries, and museums, preserving the rich cultural heritage of Takayama.

It’s quieter compared to bustling areas like Tokyo or Kyoto. If you want to experience it almost alone, take a stroll before breakfast. You’ll see local kids heading to school, shop owners opening their stores, and people starting their day.

Have you seen the movie “Your Name”? If not, go see it now! But for those who have, did you know that Hie Shrine in Takayama served as inspiration for Mitsuha’s family shrine?

Takayama is renowned for its sake breweries, some of which have been operating for centuries. Most breweries offer tasting opportunities where, for a small fee, visitors can sample various sakes, including seasonal varieties. At the end of the tasting, you even get to keep a cute sake glass as a souvenir!

Less than 1 hour away from Takayama is Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which have steep thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer. Some of the houses are more than 250 years old!

Kamikochi is home to what might be one of the most beautiful landscapes in Japan. Unfortunately, when we visited, the hiking season hadn’t started yet, so we had to skip this destination. However, it’s definitely on our list of places to visit when we return to Japan. Known for its stunning mountain views, pristine rivers, and lush forests, Kamikochi is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The Nakasendo trail was originally used during the Edo period (1603-1868) as a vital route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stretching approximately 534 kilometers (332 miles). Today, visitors can hike sections of the trail, including the picturesque Magome – Tsumago section. This scenic stretch takes you through two well-preserved post towns from the Edo period, where you can explore historic landmarks, visit tea houses, and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of rural Japan. The approximately 8 kilometer hike between Magome and Tsumago is relatively easy, making it accessible to hikers of all levels.

We visited Takayama from Nagano, and it took us around 3h by car. However, you can get there from different cities in Japan using a combination of train or bus. For updated information on how to get there and around, you can check this site.

This is a itinerary suggestion, feel free to add or remove stops according to your traveling style.

• Start the day by exploring the morning markets. You can grab some traditional Japanese snacks and some coffee!
• Take the chance and explore a bit of the oldtown before the crowds! You’ll need to get back here to try some more snacks and sake.
• Walk 10-15 mins and explore the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and temple.
• If you want to find a bit more about Takayama’s history, check the City Museum, around 15 mins from the temple.
• If you have time and strength, near the museum starts the Higashiyama Walking Course. Otherwise, get back to the oldtown for lunch and some sake!
• After lunch, explore the streets and shops of Takayama’s old town.
• Walk around 25 mins and visit the Hie Shrine!
• Enjoy some relaxing time in a bar or your hotel
• For dinner, some restaurants might ask you to make a reservation beforehand

For day 2 you have a few options:

• Explore Kamikochi.
• Explore Shirakawa-go 1h away from Takayama.
• If you have a bit more time and a car you can hike a stretch of the Nakasendo Trail.
• If you’re looking for fun and different activities, you might enjoy doing a full day or half day e bike tour around Hida (40 mins by train, from Takayama).