Takayama is a city located in the central part of Japan’s Gifu Prefecture. It is a popular tourist destination due to its well-preserved historic buildings and traditional way of life. Takayama is also known for its beautiful scenery, including the nearby Japan Alps and Hida River.
There are many things to do in Takayama, from exploring the city’s historic streets and buildings to enjoying its natural scenery. Here are just some of the things that you can do during your visit to Takayama.
Walk Through the Historic Streets of Old Town
One of the best things to do in Takayama explores its historic streets. The city’s old town is filled with traditional wooden buildings dating back to the Edo Period. Many of these buildings now house shops and restaurants, making it a great place to wander and explore.
The first of the top three things to do in Takayama is to explore the old town. Takayama used to be a prosperous town because of its location on the trade route between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). The old town has well-preserved buildings from the Edo period, and it’s a great place to learn about traditional Japanese architecture.
One of the most famous buildings in the old town is the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum with over 30 traditional houses from around the Hida region. You can see how people lived in this area over 300 years ago, and there are also demonstrations of traditional crafts such as woodworking and papermaking.
Another highlight of the old town is the Takayama Festival, which is held twice a year in spring and autumn. The festival is known for its beautiful floats decorated with flowers and lanterns. The festival is a great opportunity to see traditional Japanese culture in action.
Visit the Takayama Festival Floats Museum
The Takayama Festival is one of Japan’s most famous and popular festivals. The festival features a parade of ornate floats, known as yatai in Japanese. The Takayama Festival Floats Museum is a must-vis anyone interested in this unique aspect of Japanese culture. The museum houses several of the festival’s floats and other festival-related artifacts.
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See the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park is located just outside of Takayama, in the nearby town of Nagano. The park is home to a large troop of wild Japanese macaques known as snow monkeys. The monkeys can often take a dip in the park’s hot springs, making for a memorable and unique experience.
Explore the Hida Folk Village
The Hida Folk Village is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Japanese architecture and lifestyles. The village features houses, farms, and other buildings from the Edo and Meiji Periods. Visitors can explore the buildings and learn about life in rural Japan during these times.
Visit the Takayama Jinya
The Takayama Jinya is a historic government building built in the Edo Period. It served as the regional headquarters of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and today it houses a museum that covers the history of Takayama and the surrounding area.
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Enjoy the Scenery of the Japan Alps
The Japan Alps are a stunning mountain range located near Takayama. The mountains offer beautiful views, and many hiking trails wind through the forested areas. The Japan Alps are also home to several ski resorts, making it a great place to visit in winter.
Experience the Onsens
One of the best things to do in Takayama is to visit one of the many onsens, or hot springs. Takayama is known for its high-quality hot springs, which have many healing properties. There are many different onsens to choose from, each with its unique features.
Some of the most popular onsens in Takayama include:
-Yunomine Onsen: This onsen is located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The water is said to have healing properties for various skin conditions.
-Shibu Onsen: This onsen has nine different hot springs, each with its unique properties. The onsen is also home to several traditional Japanese ryokans or inns.
-Gero Onsen: This onsen is located in the nearby town of Gero and is one of the most popular hot springs in the area. The water is said to have beautiful effects, and many visitors enjoy the views of the valley from the onsen’s outdoor baths.
Takayama is a beautiful city located in the Japanese Alps. The city is known for its traditional architecture, stunning scenery, and therapeutic hot springs. There are many different things to do in Takayama, making it a great place to visit for both tourists and locals alike. Whether interested in exploring the city’s history, soaking in the hot springs, or enjoying the scenic views, Takayama has something to offer everyone.
Thoughts and Conclusion
These are just some things you can do during your visit to Takayama. The city is full of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great place to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Takayama today!
