타카야마 Day Guides
If you're visiting Takayama, two amazing spots to add to your trip are Shinhotaka Ropeway, a cable car that takes you high into the Japanese Alps, and Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum showing traditional mountain life. This guide shows you how to enjoy both in one day.
Let’s explore the best of nature and history in Takayama!
To get started, make your way to Takayama Station, the town’s main transportation hub.
If You're Coming from Tokyo:
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station (about 1.5 hours).
Transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station (about 2.5 hours).
Total Time: Around 4–5 hours
If You're Coming from Kyoto:
Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (about 40 minutes).
Then follow the same route from Nagoya as above.
Before heading to the ropeway, eat something light near the station.
Breakfast Spots Near Takayama Station:
Café Don – Local café with toast, eggs, and hot coffee.
Café Ao – Fresh pastries and drinks in a cozy space.
Location: Right next to Takayama Station, just walk outside and turn left.
Look for the Nohi Bus Terminal sign.
Bus Name: Nohi Bus
Route: Takayama → Shinhotaka Ropeway
Travel Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Fare: Around ¥2,200 one way
Tip: Buy a round-trip ticket at the bus terminal and check the weather for clear views.
There are two ropeway sections:
Short ride through the forest
You’ll reach a rest area with a gift shop and a small café
Double-decker cable car (only one in Japan!)
Takes you to over 2,150 meters high
Ropeway Ticket Price: Around ¥3,000 round trip
Total Time to Enjoy: 1.5 to 2 hours
What to Do at the Top (Observation Deck & Trails)
✔ Go up the viewing platform for 360° views of the Japanese Alps
✔ Take amazing photos of the snow-capped mountains (snow lasts into spring!)
✔ Walk short nature trails (summer/fall only)
✔ In winter, enjoy the deep snow and fresh air
✔ Warm up with coffee or hot soup at the summit café
Alps Restaurant (inside the Ropeway Station) – Serves soba, curry, and warm dishes with views.
Restaurant Shirakaba – Local-style meals including noodles and Hida beef.
Vegetarian Option: Ask for soba (buckwheat noodles) or vegetable curry without meat. Dashi broth may contain fish, so ask the staff if needed.
Head back to the Shinhotaka Bus Stop (same place where you got off).
Ride the Nohi Bus back to Takayama Station.
Tip: Check return times carefully! Last buses usually leave by 3:30–4:30 PM.
Once you're back in Takayama, head to the Hida Folk Village.
How to Get There from Takayama Station:
Walk: About 30 minutes (nice walk if you’re not in a rush)
Taxi: About 10 minutes, ~¥1,000
Bus: Use the Sarubobo Bus from the station. Get off at Hida no Sato stop (~10 min ride).
✔ Explore 30+ old houses from real mountain villages
✔ See how people lived with fire pits, tools, and handmade crafts
✔ Visit the craft hall to see woodworking, weaving, and other demos
✔ Take beautiful photos by the lake and old water wheels
✔ Rent a guidebook in English for deeper info
End your day with a relaxing meal at one of these places.
Suzuya Restaurant – Warm meals like miso hotpot and sukiyaki
Kyoya – Japanese regional restaurant
Heianraku – Chinese restaurant
Uemura (Farm to table restaurant ) – Organic restaurant
After dinner, take a slow walk through Takayama’s quiet streets or head back to your hotel.
Walk near the Miyagawa River or through the Sanmachi Suji area (the old town is peaceful at night).
Enjoy a soak if your hotel has a hot spring bath (onsen).
Reflect on the mountain views and history from your day.
