Takayama city is a central city
of Hida area, and
is located about 100 km north-northeast of Gifu city. It is about 550
meters above sea level.
It has the old town since the 17th century, so it is called "Little
Kyoto in Hida". The town name is often introduced as "Hida-Takayama".
There was a town in this area in ancient times.
In the 7-8th centuries, many Buddhist temple were built in Takayama.
Around 1600, Takayama Castle were built, and the town also was
constructed in a systematic manner.
At the end of the 17th century, the lord of the castle were moved. Then
here became a government-ruled town. Takayama Castle was demolished and
an office of Edo Government were set up instead.
Therefore, Takayama became the town of common people rather than
samurai.
So rich marchants made the gorgeous cultures such as Takayama Festival.
But they had posessed a moderation, so many sedate houses were built.
The old town has been kept until now without large natural disasters
and war damage.
Miya River flows through the city from north to south.
The historic town is on the east side.
To the west of the river, there is the new town and JR Takayama
station.
The historic town is about 500 meters from north to south and about 200
meters from east to west in width.
And three main streets run parallel from north to south.
The names of the districts along the streets are Ichinomachi (1st
town), Ninomachi (2nd town) and Sannomachi (3rd town).
And the name of southern half part has a prefix "Kami", and the
name of northern half part has a prefix "Shimo".
The whole town is called "Sancho" (menas "Tree towns").
The district with the most historic buildings is Kami-Sannomachi.
Most of the houses in Sancho are marchant's ones.
And there are several sake breweries in this area. From mid-January to
early March, one of them opens its own brewery to the visitors in
turns. Of course, we can enjoy the tasting of new sake.
There are hills to the northeast and southeast of the town. Takayama
castle was on the southeast hill.
And about a dozen Buddhist temples line between the hills. They were
built to the
east of the main area like Higashiyama in Kyoto.
So it is called "Higashiyama Teramachi".
On the street along Miya River to the west of Shimo-Sannomachi,
Miyagawa Morning Market is opened in the morning every day.
Many stalls sell vegitables, fruits, pickles, flowers or folk crafts.
And Jin'ya Morning Market is opened around the gate of Takayama Jin'ya.
To tour around the historic area, walking or rental bicycle is enough.
Taking a sightseeing rickshaw is also a good idea. But it is expensive
a little. (5,000-7,500 yen per 30 minutes (2 or 3 seats))
Route bus runs about once per an hour. It is available to visit
surrounding area of Takayama.
Hida Takayama : Takayama city
official website (To enter the page of other languages, see this page.)
Nohi
Bus official website : A bus company opearating many routes
around Takayama
From Nagoya, By JR limited express "Hida", about 2 hour and 15-35 minutes.
Run on Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway,
and exit at Hida-Kiyomi Exit. About 140 km from central Nagoya.
From there, about 20 km to Takayama.
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
![]() Photo byTakayama City |
![]() Photo byTakayama City |
![]() Photo by Nihon-rettou okinijiman |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
![]() Photo byTakayama City |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
![]() Photo by Railstation.net |
![]() Photo byTakayama City |
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![]() Photo byTakayama City |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
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![]() Photo byTakayama City |
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![]() Photo byTakayama City |
![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
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![]() Photo by Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation |
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![]() Photo byTakayama City |
![]() Photo byTakayama City |
Gifu city
Gero onsen
Takayama
Oku-Hida onsen
Shirakawa-go
Gujo-Hachiman
Usuzumi-zakura cherry
Mount Ibuki
Yoro Falls
Tsumago, Magome