Tom There are so many things to do in Hida Takayama (高山)! During our 12 days of travels to Japan, we made a trip from Mount Fuji to Hida Takayama via a 5 hours bus ride. In this post, we’ll show you all the MUST-DO things in Takayama as well as the foods and drinks to try in Hida Takayama (高山)!
Book with Agoda Here: Popular Hotels in Takayama
Book with Klook Here: Popular Activities in Tokyo
1. Hida Takayama Beef (飛驒牛）
No trip to Takayama can complete without eating the famous wagyu – Hida Takayama Beef (飛驒牛). In fact, there are many travellers who make a trip to Takayama JUST to try out this famous Japanese beef that is melt-in-your-mouth awesome! The Hida Takayama Beef (Hidagyu) is classified as an A5 premium grade beef because of its amazing marbling texture as well as the abundance of this precious wagyu meat in a cut. Just look at the marbling (above) of the sukiyaki we had! Being a town famous for its wagyu, you can find Hida Beef at almost every restaurant in Takayama. In addition, there are many ways to enjoy Hida Takayama Beef. You can have it the traditional way – hida beef over hoba (magnolia) leaf or the hida beef sukiyaki. Other forms include the hida beef bun (not worth it), hidagyu yakiniku and even the hida beef sushi! :O Find out more in our post of “Everything You Need To Know about Takayama Hidagyu Beef“.
2. Takayama Morning Markets – Jinya-Mae Takayama Morning Market (陣屋前朝市) and Miyagawa Takayama Morning Market (宫川朝市)
Takayama Morning Markets are also a huge draw for tourists as they operate DAILY from 7am to 12pm. The 2 famous morning markets in Takayama are Jinya-Mae Morning Market (陣屋前朝市) and Miyagawa Morning Market (宫川朝市). Jinya-Mae Morning Market is essentially a farmer’s market where you can get the freshest produce each day sold by local Ajumma. Due to its location next to “brick and mortar” shops at Takayama Old Town, Miyagawa Morning Market offers more than just local produce. You can find souvenirs, street foods and also many shops along the way. If you only have time to visit one morning market in Takayama, make it Miyagawa Morning Market. Wake up early for it! Find out what we did at these Takayama Morning Markets…
3. Takayama Old Town – Edo Period Preservation Area
Another major attraction of Takayama are the Edo-period streets in Takayama Old Town. Known as preservation areas, they are the most well preserved Edo-period structures in Japan. Walking along these streets does bring you back to an era gone by. Although many of these shops have turned into cafes, shops and restaurants, you can still enjoy that old town vibe – if you’re early enough 😉
Book with Agoda Here: Popular Hotels in Takayama
Book with Klook Here: Popular Activities in Tokyo
4. Torii Gate Miyamae Bridge Takayama
The Torii Gate at Miyamae Bridge is another attraction of Takayama. Towering over the Miyagawa River, the Torii Gate at Miyamae Bridge is not only a landmark of Takayama, it also leads to the famous floating exhibition and shrine in Takayama. A picturesque spot not to be missed while you’re in Takayama.
5. Other Takayama Experiences
Besides the things to do in Takayama described above, there are also other attractions and experiences in Takayama that you might like to try out. High on this list is the Sake tasting at Takayama old town. For only 200 yen. 200 yen! You’ll be able to try 12. TWELVE! Different sakes that can be tasted at such a low price. The only catch? You can only try each type of sake once. Hence, remember to savour the high grade daiginjo sake last. Next on this list is the traditional miso stores. There, we bought some hida miso as souvenirs for friends and family back home. For more shopping options, cross over the tracks at Takayama Station and you’ll be greeted with shopping malls such as Surugaya Asumo and Boss Supermarket. As for the Takayama Castle Ruin, give it a miss – unless you do not mind a huge disappointment upon arrival 🙁
6. Foods to eat in Takayama
Other than Takayama Hidagyu, hida ramen is also a famous local staple characterised by its thin yellow and chewy texture. We also managed to savour a soba set at the Takayama preservtion area. Lastly, we tried out some desserts at a local cafe including matcha cake, squarish egg and the baumkuchen!
Where to Stay in Takayama
During our visit to Takayama, we stayed at Country Hotel Takayama because of its location. Located just across the Takayama JR Bus Station, it is almost impossible to miss this tall hotel with Family Mart at its first level.
For an added upgrade, you can consider the Best Western Hotel Takayama for its spa facility or visit the Takayama Ouan Hotel for an authentic ryokan experience, complete with a rooftop onsen!
If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!
Book with Agoda Here: Popular Hotels in Takayama
Book with Klook Here: Popular Activities in Tokyo
We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the top 6 things to do in Takayama! Enjoy your next trip to Hida Takayama and let us know your thoughts in our comments section below!
Related Post
If you have just completed a post from our 12 days of travels in Japan. Find out more about this trip to Japan in the following posts below.
15 Travel Experiences and Things to do in Tokyo Japan!
Top 9 Things to do in Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko Area!
Top 5 Things to do in Hida Takayama (高山)!
Top 6 Things to do in Nagoya (and food to eat)!
12 Days of Japan Travels: Tokyo Jimbocho and Imperial Palace Gardens Day 1
12 Days of Japan Travels: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Shinjuku Pablo and Shibuya Day 2
12 Days of Japan Travels: Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Sanrokuen and Fujizakura Inn Reviews Day 3
12 Days of Japan Travels: Lake Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center & Sightseeing Bus Tour Day 4
Konansou Mount Fuji Hotel Review (湖南庄) : In-Room Onsen and Meals with views of Mount Fuji!
12 Days of Japan Travels: Takayama Morning Markets Jinya-Mae, Miyagawa and Takayama Hidagyu Day 6
12 Days of Japan Travels: Takayama Hidagyu (Hida Beef) and Bus Ride to Nagoya Day 7
Takayama Hidagyu Beef: All You Need To Know!
12 Days of Japan Travels: Eating our way through Nagoya Day 8
12 Days of Japan Travels: Visit Nagoya Castle and Overnight Bus Ride from Nagoya to Tokyo Day 9
12 Days of Japan Travels: Ichiran Ramen & Kamiya Pub Reviews Day 10
12 days of Japan Travels: Tsukiji Fish Market, Ippudo Ramen & Akihabara Tokyo Day 11
12 days of Japan Travels: Ueno Zoo, Ameyoko Shopping Street & Giga Butadon Day 12
Click here for recommended tours and trips in Tokyo!
