25 THINGS TO DO AROUND TAKAYAMA & WHERE TO STAY

Starting with the old town, visitors to Takayama are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do, see and eat!

EXPLORE TAKAYAMA'S HISTORIC OLD TOWN

Takayama's old town is one of Japan's best preserved Edo Period streetscapes and host of two famous annual 'matsuri' (festivals).

Best Tours and Itineraries in Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Discover Takayama's beauty and heritage through our expertly crafted tours, ensuring unforgettable experiences.

RIDE THE SHINHOTAKA ROPEWAY

Open all year round, the Shinhotaka Ropeway is one of the most famous and scenic in Japan.

LIMITED EXPRESS 'HIDA'

The Hida Line connects Takayama to Toyama in the north and Nagoya in the south and is an enjoyable experience in of itself.

Plan Your Visit

(General)

Summer in Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Journey Through Lush Landscapes and Timeless Heritage in Japan’s Heartland Takayama a…

(General)

Takayama: Gateway to Scenic Walks

Takayama is often celebrated for its traditional charm and rich cultural heritage, bu…

(General)

Cherry Blossoms in Takayama: When and Where to Enjoy the 2025 Season

Cherry blossoms, known as ‘sakura,’ are an iconic symbol of Japan, celebrated for the…

(General)

The Takayama Travel Guide

Located in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a town that weaves together history, cultur…

(General)

Journey Off the Beaten Path in Takayama

Venture Beyond the Usual and Uncover the Secret Side of Hida While Takayama is famed …

(General)

Embrace the Serenity of Winter in Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Experience Japan’s Snow-Covered Treasures in the Heart of the Japanese Alps When wint…

(General)

Experience the Magic of Autumn in Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Discover Japan’s Hidden Gems Amidst a Kaleidoscope of Autumn Colors As summer gives w…

(General)

Best Tours and Itineraries in Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama provides a serene retreat from th…

(General / Things to do)

25 Things to Do Around Takayama & Where to Stay

Located deep within the mountains of Central Japan, Takayama is famous for the excell…

(General / Things to do)

15 Things to Do in Shirakawa-go & Where To Stay

The villages making-up Shirakawa-go and Gokyama rank among some of the most popular d…

(General)

Best Places to Stay in Takayama

One of the most popular destinations in Central Japan, Takayama offers visitors a wid…

(General)

Best Places to Stay In & Around Shirakawa-go

The villages making-up Shirakawa-go and Gokyama rank among some of the most popular d…

Tours

(Multi-day Tour)

2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto

Spots:
NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaMatsumoto
Pick-up:
Nagano City
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥88,000
View Details
Best Selling

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Spots:
TakayamaShirakawago
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
TakayamaKanazawa
¥20,800 / 22,800
View Details

(Private Tour)

[START FROM TAKAYAMA] Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour

Spots:
TakayamaShirakawago
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
TakayamaKanazawa
¥159,000 ~ / group
View Details

(Private Tour)

[START FROM NAGOYA] Takayama & Shirakawa-go Private Tour

Spots:
TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
Pick-up:
Nagoya
Drop-off:
Nagoya
¥255,100 ~ / group
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Hida's Hidden Gems - Hida Folk Village, Limestone Caves and the Shinhotaka Ropeway

Spots:
TakayamaShinhotaka
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥28,800
View Details
Popular

(Day Tour)

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village

Spots:
KanazawaShirakawago
Pick-up:
Kanazawa
Drop-off:
TakayamaKanazawa
¥23,800 / 25,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go

Spots:
TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
Pick-up:
Nagoya
Drop-off:
Nagoya
¥24,900
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour in Takayama: Immerse in Takayama's Rich History and Temples

Spots:
Takayama
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥18,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Unveiling the Charm of Gero Onsen

Spots:
TakayamaGero
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥19,800
View Details

(Private Tour)

[START FROM TAKAYAMA] Private Shinhotaka Ropeway & Kamikochi Tour

Spots:
TakayamaKamikochiShinhotaka
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥167,500 ~ / group
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore the Hida Locations of 'Your Name'

Spots:
Takayama
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥17,800
View Details

(Multi-day Tour)

(Green Season) 4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour

Spots:
NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaKanazawaMatsumotoKamikochiShirakawago
Pick-up:
Nagano City
Drop-off:
Kanazawa
¥99,000
View Details

(Private Tour)

[START FROM KANAZAWA] Private Shirakawa-go & Takayama Tour

Spots:
TakayamaKanazawaShirakawago
Pick-up:
Kanazawa
Drop-off:
TakayamaKanazawa
¥210,500 ~ / group
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Gujo Hachiman -History, Traditions and Crafts

Spots:
TakayamaGujo
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥24,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

(Seasonal) 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Alpine Splendor - Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi

Spots:
NaganoTakayamaMatsumotoKamikochiShinhotaka
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Nagano CityTakayamaMatsumoto
¥27,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Delve into Hida-Furukawa's Cultural Treasures

Spots:
Takayama
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥17,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour in Takayama: Foodie Adventure, Showa Era, & the Old Town

Spots:
Takayama
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥19,800
View Details

Access

(Destination info)

How to Get to Takayama

Boasting one of Japan's best preserved Edo Period (1603-1868) town centres, Takayama …

(Destination info)

How to Get to Shirakawa-go

Most visitors to the villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama will use public transport …

(Charter)

HAKUBA → TAKAYAMA

(Charter)

NAGANO STN → TAKAYAMA

(Access)

Hirayu Bus Terminal: Your Gateway to the Japanese Alps

The Hirayu Bus Terminal is a key transportation hub nestled in the heart of the Japan…

(Access)

Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal

The Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal serves as the main transportation hub for this iconic U…

(Access)

Takayama Bus Terminal (Takayama Nohi Bus Center)

The Takayama Bus Terminal, also known as the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, serves as the …

(Access)

From Takayama: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

Takayama is one of the most popular destinations in Central Japan and a stop on many …

(Access)

Limited Express Hida (Nagoya--Takayama--Toyama)

Running from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station - with some services continuing direc…

(Access)

Limited Express Hida Timetable

The Limited Express Hida operates from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station with some s…

(Access)

Local Bus From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen / Kamikochi

The Nohi Bus Company is the main bus operator in Takayama City, connecting visitors t…

(Access)

Express Bus From Takayama to Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa

The Nohi Bus Company is the go-to bus operator in Takayama City, connecting visitors …

(Access)

Express Bus Timetable From Takayama to Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa

The Nohi Bus Company operates express bus services between Takayama and several major…

(Access)

Local Bus Timetable From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen / Kamikochi

The Nohi Bus Company operates express bus services between Takayama and several major…

(Access)

Takayama Station

Takayama is a small but modern and busy station servicing the historic old town of Ta…
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Charters

Private Charters

HAKUBA → TAKAYAMA

Duration:
3-4 Hours
Spots:
Takayama, Hakuba
View Details
Private Charters

NAGANO STN → TAKAYAMA

Duration:
3-4 Hours
Spots:
Nagano, Takayama
View Details
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Activities

(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Takayama Historic Old Town

Hidden in the scenic mountains of Central Japan, Takayama offers a timeless journey t…
(Top Attractions)

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Shirakawa-go, the largest of the three famed gassho-zukuri farmhouse villages and des…
(Nature & Adventure / Summer Activities / Top Attractions)

Shinhotaka Ropeway - A Journey Beyond the Clouds

The Shinhotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ) is an engineering marvel and a beacon of adventure…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan: Showcasing the Grandeur of Takayama's Festival Floats

Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan is a must-visit museum for anyone interested in the ric…
(Local Food & Drink / Shopping)

Takayama Morning Markets: A Vibrant Start to Your Day

Takayama Morning Markets, known locally as Asaichi, are a must-visit attraction for a…
(Arts & Culture)

Takayama Jinya: The Historical Jewel of Takayama

Takayama Jinya stands as a testament to Japan's feudal past, symbolizing the governan…
(Arts & Culture)

Matsuri no Mori (Festival Forest) Museum

Matsuri no Mori, or Festival Forest, is a captivating museum that immerses visitors i…
(Arts & Culture)

Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village)

Hida no Sato, an enchanting open-air museum in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is a portal…
(Nature & Adventure / Onsen)

Okuhida Onsen: Tranquility in the Japanese Alps

Nestled in the Northern Japan Alps, Okuhida Onsen is a collective term for five charm…
(Nature & Adventure / Onsen)

Hirayu Onsen: A Historical Hot Spring Haven

Nestled in the scenic Okuhida region of Gifu Prefecture, Hirayu Onsen is the oldest a…
(Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture)

Hida-Furukawa: A Hidden Gem of Gifu Prefecture

Hida-Furukawa is a charming town nestled in the scenic hills of northern Gifu Prefect…
(Onsen)

Gero Onsen: A Tranquil Hot Spring Haven

Gero Onsen, nestled between Nagoya and Takayama, revered for its healing waters since…
(Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Summer Activities / Top Attractions)

Gujo Hachiman

Gujo Hachiman, a gem nestled in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, renowned for its crystal-cle…
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Takayama City Area

Takayama & Shirakawago
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Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Area

Takayama & Shirakawago
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Okuhida Onsen Area

Takayama & Shirakawago
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Hirayu Onsen Area

Takayama & Shirakawago
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Gujo Hachiman Area

Takayama & Shirakawago
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Gero Onsen Area

Takayama & Shirakawago
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Events

(Arts & Culture)

Takayama Festival: A Spectacle of Tradition and Elegance

The Takayama Festival, known locally as Takayama Matsuri, is one of Japan's most cele…
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