Morning markets line the river. Sake breweries hang cedar balls over their doors. Preserved Edo-period streets look like a film set, except people still live and work here. Takayama is the gateway to Shirakawa-go and the heart of Japan's alpine culture.
What Takayama is known for
Top-rated in Takayama
Heianraku
4.9restaurant
Family-run Chinese restaurant beloved by travelers for its hospitality and vegetarian options.
Bouldering in Kanayama
4.9nature
The Kanayama district of Gero is a popular destination for bouldering enthusiasts and rock climbers.
Kamikōchi
4.7landmark
Forested national park in the Japanese Alps featuring hiking trails, lodging & picturesque views.
Hida Takayama Gyoza Sohonten
4.7restaurant
Specialty shop serving dumplings made with Hida pork and local ingredients.
Mt. Yakedake
4.7nature
Mt. Yakedake, 'burning mountain,' is an active twin-peaked volcano near Kamikochi that still vents steam from its slopes.
Mt. Yarigatake
4.7nature
At 3,180 meters, Mt. Yarigatake is the fifth highest peak in Japan, named for its spear-shaped summit.
The Hotaka Mountain Range
4.7nature
The Hotaka mountain range includes 8 of the 21 mountains in Japan with elevations of over 3,000 meters.
Mt. Jyonen
4.7nature
Mt. Jyonen stands at 2,857 meters in Chubusangaku National Park, its pyramid outline visible from both Matsumoto and Azumino on clear days.