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

Dive into the heart of Takayama’s culinary scene with our 1-Day Foodie Tour, meticulously crafted for gourmands and culture enthusiasts alike. This tour is designed to offer you an authentic taste of Takayama, combining the city’s rich history with its delectable cuisine. Led by an experienced local guide, this journey will take you through the charming streets of the old town, where you’ll sample a variety of local specialties and learn about the traditions behind each dish.

Nestled in the scenic mountains of central Japan, Takayama is renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and exquisite local cuisine, including specialties like Hida Beef, Takayama Ramen, and Gohei Mochi. From the bustling morning markets to the quaint food stalls in the old town, this tour promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, our Takayama Foodie Tour offers a unique way to experience the flavors and culture of this historic town.

Highlights

• Miyagawa Morning Market Delicacies: Start your day at the vibrant morning market, sampling unique local treats and exploring a variety of stalls with local produce and handmade goods.

• Takayama’s Old Town Culinary Journey: Enjoy the rich history and culture of the area as you wander through the historic streets of Takayama’s Old Town, savoring iconic street foods such as Hida Beef Stick, Bun, Sushi, and Gohei Mochi.

• Cultural Exploration: Step back in time at the Takayama Showa-Kan, a museum that offers a nostalgic look at Japan’s Showa era.

• Sake Tasting Experience: Conclude your tour with a tasting session of Takayama’s finest sake, guided by an expert who will introduce you to the art of sake brewing.

Description

This tour will start at Takayama Station at 10:00 AM. Your guide will greet you there and provide a brief overview of the day’s activities. From the station, you will head directly to the vibrant Morning Market, where you’ll begin your culinary adventure by sampling some local treats. Bustling with activity, the market also offers a variety of local produce and handmade goods.

After enjoying the market, you will stroll through the picturesque streets of Takayama’s Old Town. This area is famous for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture, with narrow lanes lined by traditional wooden buildings, merchant houses, and sake breweries. As you explore, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the local history and culture, bringing to life the town’s rich heritage and centuries-old traditions.

In Takayama’s Old Town, you will have the opportunity to try some of its renowned and delightful street food. You’ll taste a selection of local favorites, including the locally famed Wagyu Beef in the form of Hida Beef Stick, Bun, and Sushi. Additionally, you’ll get to enjoy Gohei Mochi, a local delicacy made from pounded rice, shaped onto a stick, and grilled with a savory-sweet miso sauce, making for a truly immersive culinary experience.

At around 11:45 AM, you will take a break for lunch at a popular local restaurant, where you’ll savor a bowl of Takayama Ramen. This iconic dish is a staple of the region and a must-try for any visitor. Takayama Ramen features thin, curly noodles served in a soy sauce-based broth that is both savory and slightly sweet. The soup is often infused with chicken or pork, creating a rich and flavorful experience. Topped with slices of tender chashu (roast) pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots, each bowl is a harmonious blend of taste and tradition.

Following lunch, you will visit the Takayama Showa-Kan, a museum dedicated to the Showa era. Step back in time and experience the nostalgia of Japan from 1926 to 1989. The exhibits offer a detailed look at everyday life during this period, featuring a wide range of displays from household items and school supplies to vintage toys and cultural memorabilia. You’ll see meticulously recreated scenes of old Japanese living rooms, kitchens, and shops, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of the era’s lifestyle and culture.

After exploring the museum, you’ll indulge in a delightful pudding dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Japanese purin, a creamy custard similar to flan, is known for its rich texture and sweet caramel sauce. This famous store offers creative variations, infusing local flavors and artistic presentations, making each spoonful a delightful surprise.

The final stop on your tour is a sake tasting session at 02:10 PM. You will learn about the traditional brewing methods and savor the distinct flavors of Takayama’s sake. Your guide will explain the significance of sake in Japanese culture, making this a perfect conclusion to your culinary journey.

After the tasting, you are free to continue exploring on your own or accompany the guide back to Takayama Station, where they will ensure you have all the information you need for the rest of your stay.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

1 / TAKAYAMA STATION @ 10:00 A.M.

The meetup point is outside of the ticket gates at JR Takayama Station. Once you have left the gates, look to your left to see a walkway and a carving depicting an ornate wagon. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 10:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. There is also a waiting room with benches nearby for guests who have arrived early and would like to sit down; however, please make sure that you have left the waiting room and are in place at the meetup point at 10:00.

NOTES

Included

• Lunch
• Specific Street Food
• Enterance to the Takayama Showa Museum

Excluded

• Accommodation
• Street foods not specifically stated by the guide.

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.

• In winter the temperatures may drop below freezing, and even during the daytime temperatures may not exceed 1-2 ℃ on some days. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and cold conditions. There may also be snow and ice on the road/sidewalk, and so you should take care to not slip by preparing the correct shoes for such conditions.