Vacation with Old Town and Morning Market 高山 Japan tourist attractions Videographer Yukinari Saito
Takayama is a castle town high up in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture (4–5 hours from Tokyo), overflowing with traditional charm and busy streets waiting to be explored. Renowned for morning markets, sake, snow, amazing spring and autumn festivals, as well as its proximity to onsen towns and the famous Shirakawago village, you may well be wondering why you haven’t been already.
Dubbed the “Little Kyoto of Hida,” Takayama’s old quarter (called “Sanmachi”) is well known for the beauty of its lattice-lined buildings, along which waters flows through the canals on either side of the street. With its many sake breweries and souvenir stores, the area is as bustling as it is beautiful. Having originally flourished as a merchant town, Sanmachi is designated a “Nationally Recognized Important Historical Building Preservation Area” and regularly greets tourists from the world over. The “Takayama Festival” that is held twice each year (in spring and autumn) has ornate floats brought into the streets of Takayama, accompanied by musical performances, lion dances, and more. The highlight of this festival, which is counted among Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Festivals, are the 23 festival floats and the exquisitely crafted karakuri marionettes that are skillfully manipulated for performances during the festival. The marionettes and floats themselves are works of art, representing the superb craftsmanship of artisans from the Hida region.
The town (locally called Hida-Takayama, to avoid confusion) is perfect for a getaway in the country. Each season offers a different take on the town, so you can’t really choose a bad time to go. And there’s always a great excuse for going back again and again. The spring cherry blossoms are stunning, the summer is a warm paradise, autumn leaves make for beautiful mountain views, and the guaranteed winter snowfall creates a winter wonderland! There is plenty to do for a weekend away, and it’s an especially great spot for cyclists.
The beautifully preserved old town consists of three main streets that were once the bustling merchant center of the town.
The houses and stores date back to the Edo period and have been carefully cared for to maintain the traditional feel that makes Takayama so special. These days you can find souvenir and craft shops, galleries, museums, cafes and even century-old sake breweries. You can easily identify the breweries by the large balls of cedar branches hung outside the entrance.
Every day, bright and early, you can head out to the two farmers’ market—the riverside Miyagawa Market or the shrine-side Jinya-Mae Market—and stock up on fresh vegetables and sweet treats as well.
Be sure to try the grilled marshmallow squares, which are a festival specialty but can be found at a small shop along the river market throughout the year.
If you have a kitchen at your accommodation, this is a great place to stock up for dinner. If not, you can still pick up fruit for snacks, and even souvenirs.