Japan, Tokai Region, Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, View of street at Kamisanno. (Photo by: JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images)

UIG via Getty Images

Takayama

Takayama (officially known as Hida Takayama; 飛騨高山) has one of Japan's most atmospheric townscapes, with Meiji-era inns, hillside shrines and a pretty riverside setting. It's also home to one of the country's best-loved festivals. A trip here should be high on the list for anyone travelling in Central Honshū.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Kusakabe Folk Museum

    Kusakabe Folk Museum

    Takayama

    This merchant and moneychanger's house, dating from the 1890s, showcases the striking craftsmanship of traditional Takayama carpenters. Inside is a…

  • Takayama, Japan - October 9, 2015: Wooden puppets on top of Hotei decorated float during annual Takayama Autumn Festival; Shutterstock ID 602701325; Your name (First / Last): Laura Crawford; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: BiA images Yokohama, Takayama, Kamakura

    Karakuri Museum

    Takayama

    On display here are over 300 shishi (lion) masks, instruments and drums related to festival dances. The main draw is the twice-hourly puppet show where…

  • Takayama Shōwa-kan

    Takayama Shōwa-kan

    Takayama

    This nostalgia bonanza from the Shōwa period (1926–89) focuses on 1955 to 1965, a time of great optimism between Japan's postwar malaise and the 1980s…

  • Hida Takayama Museum of Art

    Hida Takayama Museum of Art

    Takayama

    Lovers of art-nouveau and art-deco glassware and furniture will appreciate this large private gallery set back from town with a ritzy cafe, its own London…

  • TAKAYAMA JAPAN - May 12, 2017 : Takayama Matsuri Yataikaikan / the annual festival floats exhibition hall in Takayama city; Shutterstock ID 643427659; Your name (First / Last): Laura Crawford; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: BiA: Takayama, south of Tokyo POI images for online

    Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

    Takayama

    A rotating selection of four of the 23 multitiered yatai (floats) used in Takayama Matsuri can be appreciated here. These spectacular creations, some…

  • Traditional gassho sukuri farmhouses, similar to those in Shirakawago, at Hida Folk Village open air museum in Takayama, Japan. ; Shutterstock ID 371809138; Your name (First / Last): Laura Crawford; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: BiA: Takayama, south of Tokyo POI images for online

    Hida Folk Village

    Takayama

    The sprawling, open-air Hida-no-sato is a highly recommended half-day trip. It features dozens of traditional houses and buildings, which were dismantled…

  • Takayama, Japan - 31 October,2016 : Heritage architecture of Takayama Jinya in Takayama on 31 October 2016 in Takayama, Japan; Shutterstock ID 516035977; Your name (First / Last): Laura Crawford; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: BiA: Takayama, south of Tokyo POI images for online

    Takayama-jinya

    Takayama

    These sprawling grounds south of Sanmachi-suji house the only remaining prefectural office building of the Tokugawa shogunate, originally the…

  • Hida Kokobun-Ji Temple in the snow

    Hida Kokubun-ji

    Takayama

    The original buildings of Takayama's oldest temple were constructed in the 8th century, but later destroyed by fire. The oldest of the present buildings…

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