Takayama is a picturesque city in Gifu Prefecture known for its historic old town and well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. The city also serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go, making it an ideal base for exploring other destinations in the region.
I visited Takayama during a winter trip to Nagoya, and it was a lovely time to explore the city and its historic ambiance. It’s definitely one of the best day trips from Nagoya, but also a great option for an overnight stay to fully enjoy the old town at a slower pace.
Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or staying overnight, this guide covers what to do in Takayama and is perfect for a one-day itinerary.
Table of Contents
How to get to Takayama from Nagoya
The best ways to get to Takayama from Nagoya are by bus or train. Both options take more than two hours, with the bus being the more affordable choice. However, the Limited Express train is the better way to travel for comfort and convenience.
During our trip, we opted for the Limited Express train for a more comfortable two-hour journey to Takayama. From Nagoya Station, we purchased the ticket at the JR ticket office on the day of travel. I simply told the staff that we were heading to Takayama.
Once you arrive at Takayama Station, most of the main attractions in the city are within walking distance. The overall journey from Nagoya to Takayama was smooth and relaxing, with scenic views along the way.
Quick Overview
Nagoya Station → Purchase tickets at the JR ticket office → Ask station staff for the correct platform number or follow the station signs → Check your ticket for the assigned car number → Board the Limited Express train bound for Takayama → Find your seat number and enjoy the ride ☻
Start your Takayama trip with the best flight deals
Browse and compare flight options on Trip.com to find convenient routes for your Japan trip.
What to Do in Takayama
Explore Sanmachi Suji Old Street
Sanmachi Suji Old Street, often referred to as Takayama’s “Little Kyoto,” is lined with wooden buildings and houses that retain their traditional charm. Exploring the area feels like stepping back into the Edo period. It gives off a calm and nostalgic vibe that makes it easy to fall in love with this part of Takayama.
It was snowing when we visited, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Walking along the old street while the snow was falling was an experience in itself. Sanmachi Suji is filled with shops selling souvenirs, local snacks, and restaurants, making it easy to spend hours simply wandering from one store to another.
Even though it’s a popular tourist spot, it didn’t seem crowded at all. We were able to take photos and explore the area freely, without feeling overwhelmed by other visitors. It’s also worth noting that most shops close around 5 p.m., so it’s best to visit earlier in the day.
Visit Takayama Jinya
Takayama Jinya is a historic landmark in the old town that served as a government office during the Edo period. The structure remains well-preserved today and is worth adding to your itinerary.
It’s only a 10-minute walk from Takayama Station, making it easy to visit before or after exploring Sanmachi Suji. As it was snowing during our visit, simply viewing Takayama Jinya from outside was already a memorable experience.
If you’re planning to visit Takayama Jinya, make sure to check the opening hours in advance, especially if you’re visiting on a day trip.
Opening hours:
• March to October: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• November to February: 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Walk Along Miyagawa River
Walking along the Miyagawa River and enjoying the scenery is another must-do in Takayama. It may not be as grand as other natural landscapes in Japan, but it’s a simple and pleasant activity to enjoy while exploring the old town.
If you’re staying overnight in the city, you can also experience the morning market along the Miyagawa River. Here, you’ll find local stalls selling fruits, Japanese sweets, souvenirs, and more.
Opening hours:
• April to November: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• December to March: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Enjoy Hida Beef
You can’t visit Takayama or any part of Gifu Prefecture without trying Hida beef at least once. Hida beef is considered one of the finest wagyu varieties in Japan, known for its high-quality marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. You can enjoy Hida beef on a skewer, as a steak, in rice bowls such as donburi, and in a variety of other dishes.
While exploring Sanmachi Suji Old Street, we came across a local restaurant serving Hida beef dishes and tried their mouth-watering Hida beef skewer. The restaurant’s name was in Japanese, but you’ll find plenty of options not only along the old street but throughout Takayama.
Discover Takayama’s Hidden Gems
Part of the experience of visiting Takayama is taking time to wander beyond the main tourist streets and discover hidden gems around the city. Whether it’s quaint cafés or photo-worthy streets, Takayama is a perfect place to get lost in the quiet corners of the old town.
As we explored the area, we chanced upon this cozy café that also served Hida beef meals. It felt like enjoying comfort food at home while watching the snow fall by the window. It was one of those simple moments that made our trip more memorable.
Planning to stay in Takayama?
You can browse hotel options and compare prices using Agoda and Trip.com to find the best stay for your trip.
Where to Stay in Takayama
Although most of the main attractions in Takayama can be explored in one day, staying at least one night is recommended so you can enjoy this charming old town without feeling rushed. If you’re staying for a night or a few days, there are plenty of hotel options near Takayama Station, just a short walk from Sanmachi Suji Old Street, Miyagawa River, and Takayama Jinya.
During our one-night stay in Takayama, we chose Hotel Kuretakeso Takayama Ekimae. I booked it on Agoda, but you can also compare rates and options on Trip.com to find the best deal for your visit. The hotel is just a few steps from the train station and the bus center, with all the notable spots within walking distance.
Upon our arrival at the hotel, the staff allowed us to check in an hour earlier, which helped us settle into our room right away. Our hotel room had a minimalist design and was clean and modern. The layout was simple yet inviting, creating a comfortable space for our overnight stay.
The hotel provides the usual toiletries and amenities, as well as complimentary pajamas for guests. It also features a restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, and massage chairs that are perfect for relaxing after exploring the town. Another highlight of Hotel Kuretakeso Takayama Ekimae is its onsen, which offers a soothing way to end the day.
Overall, this is a great place to stay in the heart of Takayama. Whether you choose this hotel or another, staying near Takayama Station will make getting around the city and nearby destinations much more convenient.
I hope this itinerary inspires you to plan your visit to Takayama and discover its historic streets, local flavors, and hidden corners.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Before your trip, consider getting travel insurance for added peace of mind. You can check flexible coverage options through SafetyWing.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
If you enjoyed this post and want to support my blog, you can buy me a coffee on Ko-fi. Your support means a lot and helps me keep creating more content like this.
Related Japan Travel Guide
→ Tokyo Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
→ What to Do in Asakusa for a Day
→ Things to Do in Yokohama for a Day
Simply Sha 
Leave a comment