Toyama City, though less famous than some of its neighbors, is a unique destination that beautifully blends natural scenery with modern culture. It is celebrated for its stunning vistas of the Tateyama Mountain Range, exceptional seafood from Toyama Bay, and a deep-rooted history in glassmaking and traditional medicine. This combination offers visitors a chance to experience the city's rich traditions and vibrant contemporary spirit.
If you'd like to read more about Toyama, you might be interested in our guides, "25 Things to Do Around Toyama," "Best Onsen Hot Springs in Toyama," "Best Souvenirs from Toyama," "Best Shrines and Temples in Toyama" and "Famous Foods in Toyama."
Takayama is a city located in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, renowned for its beautifully preserved old town. With its traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and sake breweries, it offers visitors a journey back in time to the Edo period.
Where is Takayama?
Takayama is a city located in the northern part of the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, serving as an excellent base for exploring the Northern Japan Alps. From there, visitors can easily access other renowned destinations, including the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, as well as the scenic mountain resort of Kamikochi.
Directions to Takayama from Toyama by Car
Feel free to click on this map and use Google Maps to get precise directions to the Takayama.
If you've rented a car and are looking to get to Takayama directly from Toyama, the route is relatively simple and takes around 2 hours. There are two different routes that take about the same time. One uses a toll road and passes by the UNESCO sites of Gokayama and Shirakawago. The other route takes you on the local route and through beautiful mountains with nice roadside stations.
For those renting a car for the first time in Japan, please prepare yourself for any differences in traffic laws compared to your home country. Remember that Japan drives on the left side of the road. Non-residents must have an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Japan.
Accessing Takayama via Toyama
Takayama is quite easily accessible from Toyama, so the city is a convenient hub to spend a few days in Japan exploring the immediate area, then setting off towards Nagano via the Alpine Route or the Kurobe Gorge. If you have decided against renting a car, there are a variety of other options available to you. We've listed the options below:
--By Public Transport
Takayama is directly accessible by train from Toyama Station.
There are local trains that require a transfer and the Hida Limited Express train that runs from Toyama all the way to Nagoya.
The local trains transfer at Inotani with most but not all having a transfer to another train shortly after arriving that then goes to Takayama. Be careful because the trains leaving at 21:54 and 23:23 from Toyama will leave you stranded at Inotani station which is basically in the middle of nowhere.
The times below are local times with the limited express being underlines and the times with strike throughs having no direct transfer within 30 minutes.
From Toyama to Takayama:
05:38, 07:58, 08:03, 09:54, 10:10, 13:08, 14:12, 17:14, 17:36, 18:30, 19:50, 21:54, 23:23
From Takayama back to Toyama:
05:30, 07:40, 09:39, 11:03, 12:01, 12:20, 13:17, 15:17, 16:02, 17:18, 17:50, 19:50, 20:55
The local train costs 1,690 yen and the limited express requires a second ticket and in total costs 2,890 yen, one way.
There are also buses from Toyama to Takayama Station that leave at 9:00, 10:10 and 12:00. The buses from Takayama to Toyama depart at 8:10, 13:10 and 14:30.
The one way cost is 3,800 yen.
Shirakawago is a good transfer spot if you are traveling to some other place in central Japan. There are buses that connect Shirakawago and Takayama, Kanazawa, Takaoka and even Nagoya. The buses after 16:00 to Kanazawa are usually sold out days in advance, especially in the busy season, so make preparations ahead of time! Check out our "How to get to Shirakawago..." from Kanazawa and Takayama pages too!
--By Private Tour or Charter Bus
Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Toyama area, and other regional destinations. We can also arrange for both custom tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
With door-to-door service, we can pick you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighboring regions.
For more information, please check our standard charter rates or contact us for a custom trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Japan and help you discover even more!
Takayama General Information
Takayama is celebrated for its beautifully preserved historic center, where traditional wooden houses and narrow streets evoke the atmosphere of the Edo period. Visitors can explore the charming Sanmachi Suji district, visit the historic Takayama Jinya government office, or browse the vibrant stalls of the morning markets. The city is also famous for its biannual festivals, where elaborate floats are paraded through the streets, with some of the magnificent creations on display year-round at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
Beyond the city's borders, Takayama serves as a perfect starting point for several rewarding day trips. The most famous is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, known for their unique gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses. Another popular excursion is to the scenic mountain resort of Kamikochi, a stunning alpine valley with pristine rivers and breathtaking hiking trails. Visitors can also take a trip on the Shinhotaka Ropeway, which offers panoramic views from above the clouds.
If you are interested more in what you can see and do in and around Takayama check out our "25 Things to Do Around Takayama" page.
Tours and Charters Around Toyama
We are proud to offer a number of tours in the Toyama area, as well as charter services to bring you wherever it is you would like to go, including to destinations such as Kanazawa, Takayama, and Nagano. Please read on below for more information about our tours operating from Toyama.
On this walking tour, you will see the best of Toyama in one day, all on foot! First walk around the city and see the beautiful Tateyama Mountain Range from the top of city hall, visit a traditional medicine store, admire glass works at the Toyama Glass Museum before having some lunch. In the afternoon you'll get a chance to explore the famous traditional streetscapes of Ecchu Yatsuo! This tour is all you need to see the best of Toyama!
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
- Spots:
- KanazawaKurobe Gorge
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
This a walking/scenic train tour that will take you through the deepest v-shaped gorge in Japan. There are so many excellent views that you will be shown by your guide as you walk the Yamabiko Walking Trail. After eating lunch by yourself in the village, hop on the train to to see the beautiful gorge with translation of the announcements, deepening your knowledge of the area and the train itself. Join us for a relaxing tour through beautiful nature!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Takayama worth visiting?
Takayama is definitely worth visiting for those who appreciate history, traditional architecture, and a more relaxed pace than Japan's major cities. Its beautifully preserved old town and proximity to other natural and cultural sites make it a standout destination.
I want to go to Takayama, but public transport seems difficult. What can I do?
We have running to Takayama directly from Kanazawa. Leave it all to us, and we'll make sure you get the best sights of the region so you can get the most out of your trip!
When is the best time of the year to visit Takayama?
The most popular times to visit Takayama are during the spring and autumn for the spectacular biannual festivals and pleasant weather. The Takayama Spring Festival (Sanno Matsuri) is held on April 14th and 15th, while the Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) takes place on October 9th and 10th. For those who want to avoid the festival crowds, the period between May and June offers lush greenery and comfortable temperatures, while late October and November are ideal for viewing the beautiful autumn foliage.
