Takayama Historic Old Town

Explore, Eat & Stay: Discover the 'Sannomachi'

Key features

Historic Town
Traditional Architecture
Photography
Beautiful Streetscape
Japanese Cuisine
Hida Beef
Ramen
Traditional Crafts
Sake
Restaurants
Shopping
Guesthouses

Public Transport

Takayama Station	10 min on foot
Toyama Station	90 by train
Matsumoto Station	2.5 hours by bus

Nearby Attractions

Shirakawa-go	60 min drive
Kamikochi	60 min drive
Kanazawa	120 min drive

Explore, Eat & Stay: Discover the 'Sannomachi'

Key features

Historic Town
Traditional Architecture
Photography
Beautiful Streetscape
Japanese Cuisine
Hida Beef
Ramen
Traditional Crafts
Sake
Restaurants
Shopping
Guesthouses

Located deep within the mountains of Central Japan, Takayama is famous for the excellent preservation its Edo Period (1603-1868) historical center, known as the ‘Sannomachi’. Once under the direct control of the shogunate, Takayama was an important and prosperous merchant town known for the skill of its carpenters and other artisans. The mastery of those artisans can still be seen today in the many Edo Period buildings that make-up the Sannomachi. The distinctive black facades of the buildings that line the narrow streets are full of historical homes, museums and galleries, restaurants, sake breweries craft shops, and traditional guesthouses, making the old town one of the region’s most popular destinations.

Takayama is equally well-known for its biannual ‘matsuri’ (festivals) during which the intricately crafted, gilded floats are displayed and then pulled through the old town at night – another stunning display of Takayama's history and the skill of its artisans. The festivals are regarded as amoung the most beautiful in Japan, held in spring and in autumn. When visiting outside of those dates, several of the autumn floats can still be viewed at the festival museum, Takayama Yatai Kaikan.

No matter what time of year you visit, Takayama is a great food destination most famous for the region’s outstanding Hida beef. Numerous restaurants and street vendors base their entire menus around the prized beef, including Takayama’s famous Hida beef sushi. In addition, Takayama’s ramen is famous throughout Japan while the town’s many sake breweries, miso breweries and snack vendors will keep you well fed but always wanting more.

Show detailed description Show less

Recommended Highlights from Snow Monkey Resorts

Explore Takayama’s Old Town

With many buildings dating from Japan’s heralded Edo Period, Takayama boasts some of the most historic streetscapes in the country.

Enjoy the Food of Takayama

Savour the region’s renowned Hida beef, ramen, miso, sake and more!

The Festivals of Takayama

Taking place each spring and autumn, the festivals of Takayama are some of the most famous in Japan.

Tours & Charters to Takayama

As Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator, we have the local know-how to help you get the most out of your time in Central Japan.

News / Info

How to Get to Takayama

Takayama takes a little planning to get to but is worth the effort to get there.

From Takayama: Visit Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Granted World Heritage status in 1995, the three villages that make-up Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are some of the most beautiful in Japan.

From Takayama: Visit Kamikochi & Okuhida Onsen

Approximately 1 hour from Takayama, Kamikochi and nearby Okuhida Onsen are quickly becoming must-visit destinations while in Central Japan.

Destinations & Attractions Nearby Takayama

Take the time to explore the region with these 25 things to do in and around Takayama.

Nearby Recommendations

Kamikochi

Experience one of Japan's most remarkable natural landscapes

Considered the jewel of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is easily accessible from Takayama.

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Explore the World Heritage villages

Under an hour from Takayama and easliy accessible by bus, the villages of Shirakwa-go and Gokayama offer a glimpse of a more balanced and beautiful li…

Matsumoto Castle

One of Japan's last remaining original castles

Easily accessible from Takayama, Matsumoto Castle is registered National Treasure and one of the region's most popular destinations.

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Known as the 'Roof of Japan', is one of the country's most iconic landscapes

Open from mid-April to late-November, its most famous feature is the grand Snow Walls in spring and outstanding hiking in summer.

Walk the Nakasendo Trail

Walk the historic road through the beautiful Kiso Valley

One of five major routes linking Kyoto to Tokyo in the Edo Period, the Nakasendo retains its historic character in its beautiful post towns.

Hakuba

Nagano's most international ski resorts

Well-established as one of Japan's premier winter sports destination, Hakuba is emerging as a mecca for green season sports enthusiasts.

Daio Wasabi Farm

Wander the scenic farm and sample the surprisingly subtle flavour of real wasabi.

As one of the largest wasabi farms in Japan, Daio is equally renowned as the setting for Kurosawa Akira's film 'Dreams'

Zenko-ji Temple

The spiritual heart of Nagano

Established in 642, Zenko-ji is one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist temples and welcomes visitors of any faith or background.