"TAKAYAMA - traditional village in the clouds" Top 5 Page for this destination Takayama by Pixiekatten

Takayama Travel Guide: 119 reviews and 396 photos

Traditional "taxi" - Sannomachi - Takayama

Kabuki theatre

I didn't know much about Takayama when I jumped on Shinkansen in May 2006 and swooshed past mountains, rivers and green valleys to get there. All I have heard about this small town was that I had to come here! I took the advice, went here and loved it! I had only planned to stay for one night but booked another one at the YH (which is in one of the temples) after a one hour stroll around town. I decided there was far too much to see to do it one day and even if it could have been done, Takayama is not the place for rushing things!

Takayama has a lot to offer: The Teramachi hiking course takes you past numerous temples loacted up and down the hills of the town. It takes about 2hrs, longer if you every now and then stop to admire the view! The morning markets start at 6 am and finishes at noon and was a great way to start the day. There are 2 markets and they sell local handicraft, clothes and food. The traditional alleys (Sannomachi) dates back to Edoperiod and houses museums, galleries, merchant shops and some old residences are open to the public. For a more modern take on Takayama the streets that leads from the station area towards temple district are lined with shops, bars and restaurants. Outside town you can find the Hida Folk Village which is a collection of about 30 houses and it's located on a spot with good view of the Japan Alps.
Only 5-10min walk from the station is the Sakurayama Hachimanhu shrine with two great exhibition halls: The Festival Floats Hall and Shishi Kaikan(Lionmasks used in Lion dance). The visit to Shishi Kaikan also includes a 20min performance of Kabuki theatre so it is well worth a visit and seems to be a bit forgotten in favour for the festival floats. A real shame!

Sarubobo in all sizes and colours!

Sarubobo is the star of Takayama and is sold everywhere in many colours and sizes. It's apparently some kind of faceless monkey and makes a great souvenir.

Last visit to Takayama: May 2006
Intro Updated Mar 30, 2008
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Reviews (13)

Minshuku Kuwataniya Hotels (2)

A clean and good minshuku close to most things in Takayama. Owners doesnt speak much English but reserving a room was no... more travel advice

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine Things to Do (5)

The origins of the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine dates back to 313-399 when the Emperor Nintoku told Prince Takefurukuma... more travel advice

Karakuri theatre and Shishi Kaikan Things to Do (5)

Shishi Kaikan is a museum that displays over 800 lion masks traditionally used in ritual Japanese dance. The ticket also... more travel advice

RICE FIELDS Local Customs (2)

Before coming to Takayama all ricefields I had seen had been while swooshing past them seated on Shinkansen. But here I... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Shopping in Takayama
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Comments (12)

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daleg1 Dec 6, 2010 at 11:05 PM

Ashinagatenaga symbolise the mutual assistance necessary for a productive life. unique combination enables fishing for shellfish and fish in quite deep water. see forums.netsuke.org/post?id=4...
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zlatiq Oct 7, 2008 at 10:54 PM

thats an interesting place! far from the busy urban life i guess?!
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Jim_Eliason Sep 18, 2008 at 5:23 AM

Nice page!
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dieterwenck Aug 1, 2008 at 3:59 PM

I like your pics
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Toshioohsako Oct 20, 2007 at 9:27 AM

Very nice Takayama photos and other Japan photos are also excellent. Greetings from Stockholm
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chodearm Oct 8, 2007 at 8:06 PM

I am planning nw trying to feel north of Fooge.
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WLB Jun 24, 2007 at 6:41 AM

Thank you for your entry, including pictures of the Main World Shrine for Sukyo Mahikari. I have enjoyed visits there and hope that I can again visit from time to time.
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mim95 Feb 16, 2007 at 5:31 AM

Great page! It'll be on my to-go list after reading your page. Seems like a very interesting small town! I've only been to Tokyo and its close surrounding areas so far. And thanks for dropping by my Nikko page, although it is nowhere near completion...
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cheesecake17 Feb 15, 2007 at 10:05 PM

I miss seeing Mahikari, good excuse to go back...:))))))
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SLLiew Feb 13, 2007 at 2:23 AM

M-san, Sugoi desune. Syashin mo tipusu mo yokatta yo. Always wanted to go to Takayama, now at least I have a caught a glimsp, though virtual. Excellent page. Cheers, SL