Looking for something special to remember your time in Takayama? This beautifully preserved mountain town is known not only for its historic streets and traditional inns but also for its rich culture of craftsmanship and regional flavours. From hand-carved woodenware to bottles of locally brewed sake, Takayama is full of unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of the Hida region.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or searching for the perfect gift, this guide introduces the best souvenirs Takayama has to offer — plus where to find them, what they mean, and how you can take a piece of local tradition home with you.
Where to Shop for Souvenirs in Takayama
Takayama is a walkable town, and many of the best souvenir shops are clustered in and around the Old Town, especially along Sanmachi Street. Here, traditional wooden buildings house shops selling everything from handcrafted goods to regional snacks and locally made sake. This area is the most atmospheric place to browse — and a great spot to find high-quality, authentic items.
For a more local experience, don’t miss the Morning Markets at Miyagawa River and Jinya-mae. Open daily, these markets offer handmade crafts, seasonal produce, and small food souvenirs directly from local farmers and artisans. It’s the perfect place to pick up something unique while chatting with the people who made it.
You’ll also find souvenir shops inside Takayama Station and the Nohi Bus Terminal, ideal for grabbing last-minute gifts or regional treats before you leave town.
Traditional Crafts & Handmade Goods
Takayama and the wider Hida region have a long-standing reputation for skilled craftsmanship, especially in woodwork, lacquerware, and traditional textiles. Many of these items are still made using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations — making them some of the most meaningful souvenirs you can take home.
Here are a few of the most popular traditional crafts to look for:
- Ichii Itto-bori (Yew Wood Carvings): Beautifully detailed figures and ornaments carved from the Hida region’s prized yew wood. Small animal carvings and traditional masks are especially popular.
- Hida Shunkei Lacquerware: A warm, amber-toned lacquerware made from Japanese cypress. Known for its understated elegance and used for trays, cups, and bento boxes.
- Sarubobo Dolls: These handmade red cloth dolls have a long history in Takayama. Originally made by grandmothers for their grandchildren, they are now sold in all sizes and colours, each with different meanings (love, health, wealth, etc.).
- Hida Sashiko Textiles: A style of traditional hand-stitched embroidery used to create beautiful, durable cloth goods such as coasters, bags, noren curtains, and clothing. These textiles are prized for their elegant patterns, indigo-dyed fabrics, and handmade quality — making them a popular gift with cultural depth.
Many shops in the Old Town sell these items, and some even let you watch the artisans at work. For a deeper experience, consider joining a hands-on craft workshop or tour — a great way to understand the history behind what you’re buying.
Local Food Products & Sake
Takayama is as much about flavour as it is about scenery — and many visitors leave with a suitcase full of edible souvenirs. The town is known for its high-quality Hida beef, miso, sake, and traditional sweets, many of which are available in beautifully packaged, travel-friendly forms.
Here are some of the best local food and drink items to take home:
- Hoba Miso (Magnolia Leaf Miso): A regional favourite made from miso mixed with mushrooms, green onions, and spices. It’s often grilled on a magnolia leaf and sold in ready-to-use sets.
- Takayama Ramen Packs: Local ramen shops often sell packaged noodles and soup bases so you can recreate the flavour at home.
- Senbei & Traditional Sweets: Rice crackers, genkotsu ame (soybean flour candy), and seasonal wagashi make easy-to-carry snacks or gifts.
- Locally Brewed Sake: Takayama is home to several sake breweries, many offering small bottles perfect for souvenirs. Look for junmai and daiginjo varieties, often brewed with the area’s pristine mountain water.
Many of these products can be found in the morning markets, specialty stores in the Old Town, and even during sake tasting tours. Sampling before buying is common — so don’t be shy about trying something new while you browse.
Popular Takayama Souvenirs
Beyond artisan crafts and food specialties, Takayama is full of charming and region-specific souvenirs that make for great gifts — or reminders of your trip. Here are a few favourites that you’ll spot all over town:
- Mini Sarubobo Charms: These tiny versions of the iconic Takayama doll are sold as keychains, phone straps, and lucky charms. Different colours represent wishes for love, health, safety, and wealth.
- Takayama-themed Goods: Look for tote bags, chopsticks, magnets, and postcards featuring the town’s old streets, festival floats, or alpine scenery — often made by local artists or designers.
- Seasonal Items: Depending on when you visit, you’ll find seasonal gifts like sakura-themed sweets in spring, maple-leaf treats in autumn, or snowflake motifs in winter packaging.
- Sake Cups and Sets: After a tasting, it’s common to buy a small ceramic sake cup or mini bottle as a souvenir. Many are handmade and come boxed for gifting.
- Handmade Accessories: Browse for indigo-dyed pouches, hand-stitched coin purses, or earrings made from local materials like lacquer or wood.
These items are widely available throughout the Old Town, morning markets, and smaller specialty shops — often affordably priced and easy to pack.
Tours with Craft & Souvenir Opportunities
Takayama and the surrounding Hida region are home to centuries-old crafting traditions — and there’s no better way to appreciate them than by trying them for yourself. These tours take you beyond the souvenir shop and into the hands-on world of local artisans, where you can make something unique and meaningful to take home.
1-Day Tour in Takayama: Immerse in Takayama’s Rich History and Temples
Discover Takayama’s traditional heart through its temples, history, and hands-on crafts. At the end of the tour, guests can try their hand at various crafts — from keychains and glasswork to pressed flower art.
Highlights:
- Visit Takayama’s most historic temple and shrine
- Explore the Old Town’s hidden stories
- Create your own craft souvenir in a local workshop
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Delve into Hida-Furukawa’s Cultural Treasures
Step into the slower pace of Hida-Furukawa, where you’ll try your hand at kumihimo (Japanese braid-making) — a meditative and colourful traditional art.
Highlights:
- Make your own kumihimo braid with a local artisan
- Enjoy the serene charm of Hida-Furukawa’s canals and heritage streets
- Visit the Hida Craftsman Culture Hall
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Gujo Hachiman – History, Traditions and Crafts
Travel from Takayama to Gujo Hachiman to learn about its castle town charm — and try your hand at making Japanese display food samples, a fun and uniquely local experience.
Highlights:
- Experience crafting realistic food models
- Explore Gujo’s waterways and historic streets
- Visit Gujo Hachiman Castle for sweeping town views
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Sarubobo dolls popular souvenirs?
Sarubobo dolls, meaning “baby monkey,” are traditional amulets believed to bring good luck and protection. Each colour represents a different type of good fortune, making them a meaningful and memorable gift.
Where can I find authentic Hida crafts?
Traditional crafts such as yew wood carvings, lacquerware, and Hida sashiko textiles are available at local markets, museums, and specialty shops throughout Takayama.
Are there local food souvenirs from Takayama?
Yes—Takayama is known for food-based souvenirs like Hida beef jerky or salami, Takayama Ramen snacks, miso-based condiments, and beautifully crafted seasonal sweets.
Can I enjoy souvenir workshops?
Yes. Several shops offer hands-on experiences where you can create your own Sarubobo doll, paint ceramics, or even grill your own rice crackers.
Where are the best places to shop for souvenirs?
Great spots include the Miyagawa Morning Market, Sanmachi Suji’s traditional shopfronts, and various craft stores and sake breweries around the Old Town.