Takayama Station: Explore Old Town, Markets & Hida Folk Village

Arriving at Takayama Station

Takayama Station, nestled in the heart of the Hida region in Gifu Prefecture, serves as the gateway to this charming town often referred to as "Hida-Takayama." Stepping off the train, you'll be greeted by a blend of modern convenience and traditional aesthetics. The station itself offers a range of facilities, including a tourist information center, shops, and restaurants, making it a comfortable starting point for your Hida adventure.

Navigating Takayama Station: Facilities, Amenities, and Transport Options

Takayama Station is a well-equipped transportation hub with clear signage (in both Japanese and English) and helpful staff. You'll find a variety of amenities, including:

Tourist Information Center: Provides maps, brochures, and assistance with local attractions, accommodation and transportation. They also offer guidance on the best time to visit Takayama for autumn leaves or spring cherry blossoms.
Coin Lockers: Securely store your luggage while you explore the town. Various sizes are available.
Shops: Purchase souvenirs, snacks, local crafts, and Hida beef products.
Restaurants: Enjoy a quick meal or a relaxing coffee break. Several restaurants inside the station serve local specialties.
Waiting Rooms: Comfortable spaces to relax before your onward journey.
Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms, including accessible facilities.
ATM: Located near the ticket gates, dispensing Japanese Yen.
Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the station.

Transportation Options from Takayama Station

Takayama Station offers excellent connections to various destinations within and beyond the Hida region.

JR Lines: The station is served by JR Central lines, including the Limited Express Hida, which connects Takayama to major cities like Nagoya and Toyama. Consider using the Japan Rail Pass for cost-effective travel.
Nohi Bus: The Nohi Bus terminal, adjacent to the station, provides access to destinations like Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Kamikochi, and major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. You can find the official Nohi Bus website here: https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/
Local Buses: Explore Takayama and its surrounding areas, like the Hida Folk Village, with convenient local bus services.
Taxis: Readily available for a more private and direct mode of transport. You'll find a taxi stand just outside the station's main exit.
Rental Cars: Rent a car to explore the Hida region at your own pace. Several rental car companies have offices near the station.

Stepping Back in Time: Takayama's Old Town

A short, pleasant 10-15 minute walk from Takayama Station lies the captivating Old Town, a beautifully preserved district that transports you back to the Edo period.

Sanmachi Suji District: The Heart of Old Town

The Sanmachi Suji district is the heart of Takayama's Old Town, consisting of three main streets (Ichinomachi, Ninomachi, and Sannomachi) lined with traditional merchant houses, many dating back to the Edo period. These houses, with their dark wood facades, latticed windows, and distinctive white plaster walls, offer a glimpse into the town's rich history. Today, these houses have been transformed into shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, traditional snacks, and sake breweries. You can sample local sake and learn about the brewing process.

Takayama Jinya: A Glimpse into Edo-Era Governance

Takayama Jinya, once the local government office during the Edo period, is now a fascinating museum. Explore the well-preserved rooms, including offices, conference rooms, kitchens, and even a courtroom, and learn about the town's history and governance during this era. The complex also includes a traditional rice storehouse, one of the largest in Japan.

Historical Architecture: Beyond Sanmachi Suji and Takayama Jinya

Beyond Sanmachi Suji and Takayama Jinya, the Old Town is dotted with other historical gems.

Kusakabe Folk Museum: Showcases the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family during the Edo period.
Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall (Yatai Kaikan): Admire the intricate floats used in the renowned Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn.
Hachiman-gu Shrine: A beautiful Shinto shrine located at the northern end of the Old Town.

Morning Markets: A Feast for the Senses

Takayama is renowned for its vibrant morning markets, held daily in two locations. These are great places to find vegetarian food near Takayama Station.

Miyagawa Morning Market: Riverside Shopping

Held along the picturesque Miyagawa River, this market is a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling fresh produce, local crafts, flowers, and delicious street food. Stroll along the riverbank and browse the colorful stalls, soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Jinya-mae Morning Market: History and Local Produce

Located in front of Takayama Jinya, this smaller market offers a similar array of goods, including fresh produce, pickles, snacks, and souvenirs. It's a great place to pick up some unique gifts and sample local delicacies.

Hida Folk Village: A Glimpse into Rural Life

A short 10 minute bus ride from Takayama Station (easily accessible from the Nohi Bus terminal) takes you to the Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato), an open-air museum showcasing traditional houses from the Hida region.

Traditional Gassho-Style Houses

These gassho-style houses, with their steep thatched roofs, were designed to withstand heavy snowfall and are a testament to the ingenuity of the Hida people. Explore the interiors of these beautifully preserved houses, each offering a glimpse into the daily life of the Hida people in the past. Admire the intricate woodwork, traditional tools, and household items on display.

Craft Demonstrations

Witness skilled artisans demonstrating traditional crafts, such as wood carving, weaving, straw crafts, and pottery. You can even participate in some workshops and learn these crafts firsthand. Check the Hida Folk Village website for schedules and availability of the craft you would like to try.

Beyond the Village: Exploring Hida's Countryside

Takayama Station serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Hida region.

Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is famous for its picturesque gassho-style farmhouses. Take a bus from Takayama Station (about a 50-minute ride) and immerse yourself in the beauty of this historic village. Learn how to get from Takayama Station to Shirakawa-go on the Nohi Bus website.

Okuhida Onsen: Relaxation in the Mountains

Escape to the mountains and relax in the soothing hot springs of Okuhida Onsen. This mountain resort area offers a variety of onsen experiences, from traditional ryokans to modern spa facilities. Several onsen towns, like Shin-Hotaka Onsen, are accessible by bus from Takayama Station. Look for a Ryokan with a private onsen near Takayama station for the ultimate relaxation. If you are interested in experiencing more onsens, check out this guide about Japanese Onsen Hot Springs.

Kamikochi: Hiking in the Japanese Alps

Hike through the stunning alpine scenery of Kamikochi, a popular mountain resort in the Japanese Alps. Buses from Takayama Station provide access to this natural wonderland, known for its hiking trails, pristine rivers, and breathtaking mountain views.

Where to Stay and Eat near Takayama Station

Takayama offers a wide range of accommodation and dining options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious ryokans, many conveniently located near the station.

Hotels near Takayama Station

Country Hotel Takayama: Affordable and conveniently located directly in front of the station. (Price Range: ¥4,000 - ¥8,000 per night)
Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama: Offers comfortable rooms and free bikes for exploring the town. (Price Range: ¥6,000 - ¥12,000 per night)
Chisun Grand Takayama: Spacious rooms and a convenient location near the station. (Price Range: ¥7,000 - ¥14,000 per night)

If you are looking for accommodation options in other parts of Japan, here is a helpful guide on Where to Stay in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka.

Ryokans near Takayama Station (Traditional Japanese Inns)

Hida Hanasatonoyu Takayama Ouan: Luxurious ryokan with spacious rooms, hot spring baths, and a beautiful garden. (Around a 15-minute walk from the station, Price Range: ¥20,000 - ¥40,000 per night)
Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan: Authentic ryokan with Japanese-style rooms, indulgent hot spring baths, and exquisite Kaiseki dinners. (Located in the Old Town, about a 15-minute walk from the station, Price Range: ¥25,000 - ¥50,000 per night)

Dining near Takayama Station

Maruaki: Specializes in Hida-gyu beef, offering a variety of dishes including sukiyaki, shabu shabu, and steak. (Price Range: ¥3,000 - ¥8,000 per person)
Menya Shirakawa: A popular ramen restaurant with delicious shoyu ramen. (Price Range: ¥800 - ¥1,200 per person)
Heianraku: Serves home-style Chinese and Japanese cuisine with vegetarian-friendly options. (Price Range: ¥1,000 - ¥2,500 per person)
Suzuya: Known for its traditional Japanese dishes, including Hoba Miso, a local specialty where miso paste is cooked on a magnolia leaf. (Price Range: ¥1,500 - ¥4,000 per person)
Kyoya: Offers a wide range of local cuisine, from Hida beef to fresh seafood, in a traditional setting. (Price Range: ¥2,000 - ¥6,000 per person)

If you find yourself in other areas of Japan, here is a Tokyo Local Food Guide: Authentic Dishes to help you find the best places to eat.

Essential Tips for Visiting Takayama

Transportation: Utilize the Japan Rail Pass for cost-effective travel on JR lines. Purchase bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season. Consider renting a car if you plan to explore the wider Hida region extensively. For more information about getting around in Japan, check out this guide about Japan Airport Transfers.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to November) offer pleasant weather and stunning scenery. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. The Takayama Festival in spring (April 14-15) and autumn (October 9-10) are also popular times to visit but expect larger crowds. To see the best places in Japan during the Spring, check out this guide to Kyoto Cherry Blossoms.
Local Customs: Remove your shoes before entering temples, shrines, traditional houses, and some restaurants. Be mindful of noise levels in quiet areas. Carry cash as some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
Language: While English signage is common in tourist areas, learning a few basic Japanese phrases will enhance your experience.
Stay Connected: Consider purchasing a pocket WiFi device or a local SIM card for convenient internet access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best way to get from Takayama Station to Shirakawa-go?

A: The most convenient way is to take the Nohi Bus from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, located adjacent to Takayama Station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

Q: How much time should I spend in Takayama?

A: We recommend at least 2-3 days to explore Takayama's Old Town, morning markets, and the Hida Folk Village. If you plan to visit nearby attractions like Shirakawa-go or Kamikochi, add extra days accordingly.

Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available in Takayama?

A: Yes, while traditional Japanese cuisine often features meat and fish, many restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options, especially in tourist areas. Look for dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu steak, or soba noodles. Heianraku, mentioned above, is known for its vegetarian-friendly options.

Q: Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance?

A: It is highly recommended, especially during peak season (spring and autumn) and during the Takayama Festival.

Q: What are some souvenirs to buy in Takayama?

A: Popular souvenirs include local sake, Sarubobo dolls (a local amulet), wood carvings, pottery, and Hida beef products.