Takayama is one of the most underrated cities in Japan.
It’s home to incredibly friendly locals and the most delicious regional specialties like Hida Beef and Takayama Ramen. Plus, there’s a scenic walking route that leads you through a series of breathtaking temples and shrines.
What more could you ask for?
Since Takayama is not directly connected to major tourist hubs like Kyoto and Tokyo, I almost skipped it.
But I’m so glad I didn’t.
I spent 3 days exploring the city and have picked out the best Takayama itinerary for 1 day (or more). It includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Takayama.
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How to get to Takayama
There is no direct train from Tokyo or Osaka to Takayama, so getting here is a bit more complicated.
I rented a car in Kanazawa and drove to Takayama, which was only a 2-hour drive away.
By train
From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya (2 hours). From there, you’ll transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express Train to Takayama. The total journey takes 4.5 hours.
From Kyoto or Osaka, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya (45 minutes) and do the same transfer as above, taking the JR Hida Limited Express Train to Takayama. This total journey takes 3.5 hours.
By bus
It’s a 6-hour bus ride from Tokyo to Takayama and a 5-hour bus from Osaka.
By tour
If you only have 1 day in Takayama, you may be better off booking an organized tour. It takes the hassle out of planning, with transportation and sightseeing all arranged for you.
The best day trips to Takayama depart from either Kanazawa or Nagoya.
I loved Kanazawa, and this day trip to Takayama includes a stop at the UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go.
If you’re in Nagoya, here’s an excellent tour to Takayama that also includes Shirakawa-go.
How to get around
Takayama is a walkable city with all the major attractions just a short distance from one another.
Where to stay in Takayama
If you’re doing a day trip to Takayama, you can skip this part. But I recommend spending one or two nights in the city so that you have a full day to explore.
Near Old Town
The area around Takayama Old Town boasts peaceful residential streets where many locals live.
While it can get busy during the day, the streets are quiet at night. This is because most shops in Old Town close at 5 pm, so if you’re looking for more activity at night, you’ll need to head to nearby Aioimachi.
I stayed at this hotel in Kamininomachi, a 5-minute walk from Takayama Old Town. The location could not be better!
Near the station (Aioimachi)
Across the river from Old Town and a short walk from where I stayed in Kamininomachi lies Aioimachi.
It’s a vibrant neighborhood and is considered the main hub of Takayama.
While not as quiet and local-feeling as Old Town, it is a great choice if you want to stay near shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also closer to the train station.
This gorgeous Japanese Style Townhouse is located in the heart of Takayama and is a great place to stay if you want to be in the hustle and bustle.
You can search for more places to stay in Takayama here.
1 Day Takayama itinerary
With only 1 day in Takayama, I suggest getting an early start to the day.
There’s a lot to do, but fortunately, everything is within easy walking distance, so there’s no need for trains or taxis to get around.
You can also change the order of the itinerary below based on where you’re staying or coming from.
Miyagawa Morning Markets
Time needed: 30 minutes
Just a stone’s throw away from Takayama Old Town is the Miyagawa Morning Market (Location here). It’s a small street market set along the Miyagawa River and is open daily from 7 am to noon (8 am in winter).
We enjoyed a stroll past the various stalls and picked up some delicious local honey and miso. You can also purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, and fresh produce.
The Miyagawa Morning Market is one of two markets in Takayama. The second one is Jinya-mae Morning Market, located in front of Takayama Jinya. It’s smaller but also worth a quick look if you have time.
Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji)
Time needed: 1 hour 30 minutes
Takayama Old Town (located here), also known as Sanmachi Suji, is a beautifully preserved area that is a must-visit on any Takayama itinerary.
The streets are lined with traditional wooden houses, many of which have been transformed into shops and eateries.
While there are many streets to roam around, it’s the city’s biggest attraction and does get busy during the afternoon.
Here are a few things you can’t miss in Takayama Old Town.
- Eat Takayama Ramen: Takayama is famous for its delicious Takayama Ramen, a light, soy-based broth with thin noodles. We had an excellent meal at Sanmachi in Old Town, and I highly recommend stopping here.
- Eat Hida Beef: Hida beef is yet another Takayama specialty. It’s premium wagyu, so expect a higher price tag. There are many restaurants and takeaway shops that sell Hida beef, which you can sample as sushi, steak, or skewers.
- Try Sake tastings: Takayama Old Town is home to several sake breweries, many of which offer tastings for a small fee. This is the one we went to.
Takayama Old Town
Higashiyama Walking Course
Time needed: 1 hour
Only a 10-minute walk from Takayama Old Town lies the Higashiyama Walking Course.
It’s a 3km trail that leads through Teramachi – Takayama’s Temple Town – and passes several beautiful temples and shrines along the way.
While Takayama Old Town was busy during my visit, I was surprised to find that only a few people visited the Higashiyama Walking Course. It was one of the best things I did in Takayama, so don’t make the same mistake many people do and skip it.
I suggest starting here. It’s an easy walk, and you can do small sections of the trail depending on your time and energy level.
On your way back, stop off at Jiro Caffeteria for a coffee or matcha. It’s conveniently located along your route to the next destination, so no detour is needed.
Takayama Jinya
Time needed: 30 minutes
Takayama Jinya (Government House) is a historic government building dating back to the Edo Period.
You can explore the rooms and storehouses, including the beautiful tatami-floored audience room and the impressive gardens.
To get to Takayama Jinya from the Higashiyama Walking Course, you’ll need to walk back to Takayama Old Town and then cross over the iconic Nakabashi Bridge.
Asahimachi Area
Time needed: 1 hour
Finally, to end off your day in Takayama, head to the Asahimachi area, passing the shops and restaurants of Aiomachi along the way.
On the border of Asahimachi and Aiomachi (around here), you’ll find narrow streets lined with Izakayas, which are tapas-style bars. It’s a vibrant area and a great place to enjoy a meal and drink.
Note that most Izakayas open at 6 pm, so try to coordinate your visit for then.
Other things to add to your Takayama itinerary
I’ve already covered all the main attractions that should be included in your Takayama 1-day itinerary.
If you have extra time, you might want to explore some of the options below. However, since most of them aren’t within walking distance, fitting them into a day trip may be a bit ambitious.
We were exploring Japan by car, and so we stopped at a few of these attractions along the way.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
Tucked away amongst the trees lies Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.
It’s an important Shinto shrine, and while it is small in size, it’s especially beautiful during the autumn festival.
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a world heritage site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which have steep thatched roofs. This design helps shed heavy snow in winter and has become an iconic symbol of rural Japan.
Hida Folk Village
The Hida Folk Village, or Hida no Sato, is an open-air museum showcasing traditional farmhouses and folk architecture from the Hida region.
You can explore the thatched-roof houses, watch artisans at work, and learn about rural life in historical Japan.
The Hida Folk Village is a 15-minute bus ride from Takayama Station.
Kamikōchi
Kamikochi is a stunningly beautiful alpine valley in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, that offers fantastic hiking opportunities.
Unfortunately, the area was closed during my visit, but it reopens seasonally from mid-April to mid-November.
Is Takayama worth it
Yes! I adored Takayama, and it was one of the highlights of my entire trip to Japan.
It caught me by surprise as I wasn’t expecting it to be so beautiful. The Old Town and the Higashiyama Walking Course are truly stunning, and the city is perfectly manageable to explore in just one day.
After Takayama, I headed to Matsumoto, which is famous for its incredible castle. Matsumoto is easily accessible from Tokyo, so I suggest adding it to your itinerary if you have the time.
