basic information

Takayama's old town has been beautifully preserved, with many buildings and whole streets of houses dating from the Edo Period (1600-1868), when the city thrived as a wealthy town of merchants.

The southern half of the old town, especially the Sannomachi Street, survives in a particularly pretty state with many old homes, shops, coffee houses and sake breweries, some of which have been in business for centuries.

A few old private homes in the old town have been converted into museums and are accessible to the public. They exhibit local crafts and arts and provide a glimpse behind the facade into the former living quarters of the local merchants.

A pleasant alternative to exploring Takayama's old town on foot is getting pulled through the streets on a rickshaw. A 30 minute tour for two persons costs around 6000 Yen. Shorter and longer courses are also available.

Southern Area:

	Takayama Jinya (more details) A beautiful traditional Japanese style building, the Takayama Jinya used to serve as Takayama's government office during the Edo Period, when the city stood under direct control of the shogun due to its valuable timber resources.
Daily 8:45 to 17:00 (to 16:30 from November through February). Admission: 420 Yen.

	Old Sake Breweries Sake is one of Takayama's local specialties. Several old sake breweries can be found in Takayama's old town, recognized by sugidama (balls made of cedar branches) hung over their entrances. Small samples of sake can be purchased at some breweries.
Shops in the old town are typically open from around 9:00 to around 17:00.

	Fujii Art Gallery The Fujii Art Gallery (Fujii Bijutsu Mingeikan), also known as Fujii Folk Craft Museum, is housed in an old building with a beautiful gate along Sannomachi Street. The small museum exhibits various household items and art objects.
Daily 9:00 to 17:00. Admission: 700 Yen.

	Hida Minzoku Kokokan Also known as the Hida Archeology Museum, the Minzoku Kokokan is one of the old buildings along Sannomachi Street. Its architecture, including an old well in the courtyard, have barely changed since the Edo Period.
Daily 8:30 to 17:30 (9:00 to 16:30 from November through March). Admission: 500 Yen.

	Hirata Kinenkan The Hirata Kinenkan (Hirata Folk Art Museum) is a former merchant home open to the public. The former residence of a candle maker, the Hirata Kinenkan exhibits various household items and historical documents.
9:00 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:30 from December through February). Closed on Mondays and from december 29-31. Admission: 300 Yen.

	Museum of Local History The Museum of Local History (Takayamashi Kyodokan) is an interesting museum about the history and culture of Takayama City. It is housed in an old building in the southern part of the old town.
Daily 8:30 to 17:00, except on Mondays. Admission: 300 Yen.

Northern Area:

	Hachiman Shrine Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine (Sakurayama Hachimangu) stands in the northeastern area of Takayama's old town. The shrine's festival, the celebrated Takayama Autumn Festival, is held annually on October 9-10.
Free admission.

	Takayama Yatai Kaikan (more details) Located just next to Hachiman Shrine, the Takayama Yatai Kaikan (festival float exhibition hall) exhibits four of the Autumn Festival's eleven festival floats. Audio sets with English explanations are available.
Daily 8:30 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:30 from December through February). Admission: 820 Yen.

	Shishi Kaikan Also located in the precincts of Hachiman Shrine, the Shishi Kaikan (Lion Dance Ceremony Exhibition Hall) displays lion masks and other festival related items, including mechanical dolls (karakuri ningyo) which get mounted onto festival floats.
Daily 8:30 to 17:30 (9:00 to 17:00 from mid October to mid April). Admission: 600 Yen.

	Kusakabe Heritage House The Kusakabe Heritage House (Kusakabe Mingeikan) is one of the oldest of several common homes in Takayama, that are open to the public. Its former residents, the Kusakabe family, used to be successful merchants, active in the money lending business.
Daily 9:00 to 16:30 (to 16:00, closed Tuesdays from December through February). Admission: 500 Yen.

	Yoshijima Heritage House Standing right next to the Kusakabe Heritage House (see above), the Yoshijima Heritage House (Yoshijima-ke) is the former residence of the Yoshijima family, and is also open to the public. The building used to serve as a residence and sake brewery.
Daily 9:00 to 17:00 (to 16:30, closed Tuesdays from December through February). Admission: 500 Yen.

	Takayama Morning Markets (more details) Two morning markets (asaichi) are held in Takayama on a daily basis, one in front of the Takayama Jinya and one along Miyagawa River. Most stands sell local crafts and farm products such as vegetables, pickles and flowers.
Daily from around 6:00 (7:00 in winter) to noon.

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how to get there

Takayama's old town can be reached in a 10 minute walk from the station.

How to get to and around Takayama

1st of 7 most visited sights in Takayama.
104th of 430 most visited sights nationwide.

hotels & ryokan

Minshuku Sosuke With 170 year history, we remain authentic atmosphere. Sit by the fire place in our tatami lounge and slip back in time. Minshuku Kuwataniya A small inn with a full of quiet atmosphere and Japanese tradition. Onsen baths available. 6 min from Takayama Station. Hida Gassho-en A 200 year old house style inn, moved from World Heritage Gokayama. 10 min from Takayama Station by car. Free pick-up.

tours and packages

Takayama Tours Various English tours of Takayama and surroundings.