Takayama 高山市, Gifu Prefecture

Takayama (Japanese: 高山市), or in full Hida-Takayama, is a city in Gifu Prefecture, in Central Honshu, Japan. The city has a population approaching 100,000. While it traces its beginnings back to the Jomon period, present-day Takayama was founded in 1936. Since medieval times, it has been a renowned source for good timber. The people of Takayama excelled in carpentry and were employed in the construction of the Kyoto Imperial Palace as well as some of the finest temples in Kyoto and Nara.

On 1 February, 2005, Takayama underwent a massive expansion, absorbing nine surrounding towns and villages from Ono District and Yoshiki District. The newly expanded Takayama covers an area of 2,177 sq km. It is the largest city in Japan in terms of area.

The name Takayama means "tall mountain". It is a common place name, for there are at least two other towns in Japan by that name (one in Gunma Prefecture and another in Nagano Prefecture). To differentiate it from the other two, it is often called Hida-Takayama.

Today visitors come to Takayama to experience its quaint Edo-period streets lined with dainty shops and eateries. The city is famous for two annual Takayama festivals, Sanno Matsuri on 14-15 April and Yahata Matsuri on 9-10 October. Both involve the parade nof floats and portable shrines through the main streets of the city.

Sake shop in Takayama


Gate of Betsuin Temple, Takayama


Takayama, Japan

Planning your trip to Takayama

The Takayama railway station is on the JR Takayama Line. From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya. Then transfer to the Wide View Hida Limited Express train that runs to Takayama. If you hold the Japan Rail Pass, you can take the Hikari train which takes 4 1/2 hours. Otherwise you can also take the Nozomi train for ¥14,800.

An alternative to trains is to take the bus. You can catch one at the Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Takayama. It takes 5 1/2 hours and costs ¥6500.

Planning your travel within Takayama

Once you got to Takayama, it is easy to explore it on foot. Some youth hotels also rent out bicycles for ¥600 a day.

Hida Folk Village in Takayama

Places of Interest in Takayama

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