Takayama day guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Exploring Takayama Jinya and Sanmachi Suji
Takayama is a peaceful town in the mountains of Japan. It is famous for its well-preserved old streets, traditional buildings, and friendly local culture. Two of the best places to explore in Takayama are Takayama Jinya, a historical government office, and Sanmachi Suji, the heart of the old town filled with shops, food, and sake breweries.
Let’s plan your perfect day in Takayama!
Take a Train to Takayama Station
The easiest way to reach Takayama is by train.
From Tokyo or Kyoto:
Take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama Station.
Total travel time: Around 4.5 to 5 hours
From Nagoya:
Take the JR Hida Limited Express directly to Takayama Station.
Travel time: About 2.5 hours
Start Your Morning at Takayama Jinya
Walking Distance: About 8 minutes from Takayama Station
Entrance Fee: About ¥440
Takayama Jinya is the only remaining Edo period government office in Japan. It was used by officials over 300 years ago.
What to Do:
✔ Walk through the traditional tatami rooms where officials worked
✔ Visit the courtrooms, storehouses, and garden
✔ Learn about taxes, rice storage, and town life from the past
✔ Take photos of the peaceful courtyard and building architecture
Walk Through the Morning Market (Jinya-mae Market)
Right outside Takayama Jinya
This small market is set up each morning in front of Takayama Jinya.
What to Do:
✔ Try local snacks like mochi and pickled vegetables
✔ Buy handmade crafts, wooden toys, and souvenirs
✔ Talk with local farmers and sellers
Tip: The market usually closes around 12:00 PM, so visit in the morning.
Take a Break at a Local Café
Before heading into Sanmachi Suji, take a rest with a drink and snack.
Recommended Cafés:
Ichii Café – Cozy café in a traditional wooden building
Café Ao – Quiet spot for fresh coffee and cake
Mametengu Honten – Vegan café with rice bowls and desserts
Explore Sanmachi Suji (Takayama’s Old Town)
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Takayama Jinya
Sanmachi Suji is a set of narrow streets lined with wooden buildings, shops, cafes, and sake breweries. It looks like a scene from old Japan.
What to Do:
✔ Walk through the historic streets and enjoy the old architecture
✔ Try free sake tastings at breweries (some charge a small fee)
✔ Visit shops selling chopsticks, lacquerware, and handcrafts
✔ Snack on street food like beef skewers, rice crackers, and dango
Sake Breweries to Try:
Funasaka Sake Brewery (has a sake bar and small restaurant)
Tip: Many shops close by 5:00 PM, so explore this area in the afternoon.
Eat Lunch in or Near the Old Town
There are many good places to eat lunch close to Sanmachi Suji.
Recommended Restaurants:
Heianraku – Chinese restaurant
Center4 Hamburgers – Hamburger restaurant
Ajikura – Good for grilled meat, especially Hida beef
Hida Takayama Gyoza Sohonzan – For dumplings and noodles with a casual vibe
Visit Kusakabe Folk Museum
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Sanmachi Suji
Entrance Fee: About ¥500
This is a traditional merchant’s house from the Edo period, now a museum.
What to Do:
✔ See old-style architecture and rooms
✔ Learn about life in Takayama long ago
✔ View local tools, crafts, and family items
Stroll Along the Miyagawa River
Right next to Sanmachi Suji
After lunch or the museum, take a gentle walk along the Miyagawa River, which runs through the town.
What to Do:
✔ Enjoy the quiet riverside view
✔ Stop by small bridges and take photos
✔ Feed the koi fish (some vendors sell food)
Shop for Souvenirs
Before heading back to the station, pick up a few local items:
Popular Souvenirs:
Sarubobo dolls (Takayama’s lucky charm)
Local miso and soy sauce
Hand-carved wood products
Sake or chopsticks from old-town stores
Return to Your Hotel or Take the Train Back
If you are staying overnight, relax at your hotel or in Ryokan. Many places offer hot baths and tatami rooms.
If you are heading back to another city:
Trains to Nagoya run until early evening
Be sure to check the train times in advance to avoid missing the last one
