Takayama

An attractive open-air museum assembled from real buildings that effectively recreates an entire traditional mountain village. Artisans continue to work in many buildings; you can buy their crafts and even try your own hand at a number of…

3.2 km SW of Takayama Station

A beautiful, sprawling building completed in 1999 inspired by the Nayan complex at Tikal in Guatemala. The collection is good, but sparse. There is a good exhibition of Japanese art, a small collection of European art (a Renoir, a Van…

5-1 Tenman-machi

Literally "Festival Forest," Matsuri no Mori displays floats and other key items from the Takayama Festival. Similar to the Takayama Float Museum but larger. Also contains large taiko drums and hosts performances.

Sakura-machi 53-1

Museum displays mechanical dolls which get mounted onto the Takayama festival floats. The museum also shows over 200 lion dance masks from around Japan.

1-52 Ojin-machi

The Kusakabe house is a restored old merchant's home built in 1879. The home is filled with artifacts and crafts from that time period.

Admission is included in the ticket to the Takayama Festival Float Museum. The hall displays one-tenth-scale replicas of 28 buildings from Nikko's Toshogu shrine, created by craftsmen in intricate detail.

A 3.5-km-long hiking trail through Takayama's temples and shrines, past some of its more rural neighborhoods, and through Shiroyama Park, the former site of Takayama Castle.

1 Kiriumachi

A long, simple park along the Miyagawa River which peaceful views of the water. A great spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring as the park is lined with over 100 cherry trees.

Local vendors set up stands along the Miyagawa River each morning to sell their wares, ranging from crafts and handmade items to produce, flowers, and snacks.

3-110 Oshin-machi

Traditional Japanese restaurant specializing in Hida beef. They are especially known for their sukiyaki, which is hot pot cooked beef dipped into raw egg and eaten. A pricey splurge but totally worth it! Group plans available.

1-95 Hachiken-machi

One of the best dessert shops in town, this tiny crepe and wine store has amazing treats and the owners are super friendly! It's still open later in the evening when many of the surrounding shops are closed.

6-8 Tenman-machi

Traditional Japanese restaurant with reasonably priced Hida beef. English menu available, friendly staff, grill and hot pot options.

35 Kami-Ninomachi

A great stop for lunch or a quick snack, this small shop in the middle of Sannomachi is most well known for its beef buns. They also serve small lunch type food, such as sakura pudding, tea, and beer.

on the road that runs to the south of Takayama City Memorial Hall, on the right side (look for the green sign with the yellow seated Buddha; 12 min)

An excellent restaurant in Takayama built out of an old warehouse, Agura serves Western-style pizza and a variety of other Japanese and vegetarian friendly fare. A good place to go if you need "something for everyone".

6-19 Hanasato-machi

A casual restaurant specializing in yakisoba, a dish made from fried soba noodles. English menu available.

Hanaoka-cho 2-60

Western and Japanese style rooms available with meal plans in this modern hotel which is a 15-minute walk from most tourist locations. Free Wi-Fi connection available in public spaces as well as six dining options, hot spring facilities…

6-9 Hanasato-machi

A romantic ryokan close to Takayama Station and within walking distance of Old Town. Hotel features indoor/outdoor onsen, private full bathrooms, free yukata rental, free Wi-Fi, and an English-speaking staff.

2-180 Nishi-noisshiki-machi

Japanese and western style rooms and breakfast buffet. Amenities include a large bath, fitness center, karaoke room, free parking and WiFi. A 10-min walk to downtown. Bicycles available to rent.

6-6 Hanasato-cho

Western-style hotel with free Wi-Fi, business center, room service, restaurant, and spa. Close to Takayama Station.

83 Tenshoji-machi

A temple-affiliated youth hostel on the eastern outskirts of the city, a 20-minute walk from the station.

exit station, turn right, walk until 2nd light; turn left, walk until 3rd light

Clean and spacious rooms. No meals, but there is a kitchen. The owner speaks very good English.