Takayama's old town has been beautifully preserved with many buildings and whole streets of houses dating from the Edo Period (1600-1868), when the city thrived as a wealthy town of merchants.
The southern half of the old town, especially the Sannomachi Street, survives in a particularly pretty state with many old homes, shops, coffee houses and sake breweries, some of which have been in business for centuries. The shops in the area are typically open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
A rickshaw ride through the streets of the old town
Several homes in the old town open their doors to the public. They provide a glimpse behind the facade into the former living quarters of the local merchants and exhibit traditional household goods and local arts and crafts.
A pleasant alternative to exploring Takayama's old town on foot is getting pulled through the streets on a rickshaw. A 30 minute tour for two costs around 7000 yen. Shorter and longer courses are also available.
A beautiful traditional Japanese style building, the Takayama Jinya used to serve as Takayama's government office during the Edo Period, when the city stood under direct control of the shogun due to its valuable timber resources.
Old Sake Breweries
Hours: Typically 9:00 to 17:00
Sake is one of Takayama's local specialties. Several old sake breweries can be found in Takayama's old town, recognized by sugidama (balls made of cedar branches) hung over their entrances. Small samples of sake can be purchased at some breweries.
Fujii Art Gallery
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: 700 yen Typical Visit Duration: 20-30 minutes
The Fujii Art Gallery (Fujii Bijutsu Mingeikan), also known as Fujii Folk Craft Museum, is housed in an old building with a beautiful gate along Sannomachi Street. The small museum exhibits various household items and art objects.
Hida Minzoku Kokokan
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (9:30 to 16:00 from November through February) Closed: No closing days Admission: 500 yen Typical Visit Duration: 20-30 minutes
Also known as the Hida Archeology Museum, the Hida Minzoku Kokokan is one of the old buildings along Sannomachi Street. Its architecture, including an old well in the courtyard, have barely changed since the Edo Period.
Takayama Museum of History and Art
Hours: 9:00 to 19:00 (garden 7:00 to 21:00) Closed: No closing days Admission: Free Typical Visit Duration: 45 minutes
The Museum of Local History (Takayama Hakubutsukan) is an interesting museum about the history and culture of Takayama City. It is housed in an old, restored building.
Takayama Showa Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: 800 yen Typical Visit Duration: 45-60 minutes
A spacious museum dedicated to all things from the Japanese Showa Period (1926-1989), particularly the 1950s. A recreated town allows visitors to walk through nostalgic displays of contemporary life including houses and restaurants. There are also some interactive exhibits including the chance to play on retro video games consoles.
Northern Area
Hachiman Shrine
Hours: Always open Closed: No closing days Admission: Free Typical Visit Duration: 10 minutes
Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine (Sakurayama Hachimangu) stands in the northeastern area of Takayama's old town. The shrine's festival, the Takayama Autumn Festival, is celebrated annually on October 9-10.
Located just next to Hachiman Shrine, the Takayama Yatai Kaikan (festival float exhibition hall) exhibits four of the Autumn Festival's eleven festival floats. English audio guides are available.
Karakuri Museum
Hours: 9:05 to 16:25 (around one show every 30 minutes) Closed: Irregular closing days during winter Admission: 600 yen Typical Visit Duration: 40 minutes
Also located at Hachiman Shrine, the Karakuri Museum (mechanical doll museum) displays mechanical dolls (karakuri ningyo) which get mounted onto festival floats. The museum also shows over 200 shishimai (lion dance) masks from around Japan.
Kusakabe Heritage House•
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from Dec to Feb, until 15:00 from 12/29 to 1/3) Closed: Tuesdays from December to February, irregular closures in January Admission: 500 yen Typical Visit Duration: 30 minutes
The Kusakabe Heritage House (Kusakabe Mingeikan) is one of Takayama's oldest merchant homes open to the public. Its former residents, the Kusakabe family, used to be successful money lenders.
Yoshijima Heritage House•
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February) Closed: Tuesdays from December to February Admission: 500 yen Typical Visit Duration: 30 minutes
Standing right next to the Kusakabe Heritage House is the Yoshijima Heritage House (Yoshijima-ke), the former residence of the Yoshijima family. Also open to the public, the building used to serve as a residence and sake brewery.
Two morning markets (asaichi) are held in Takayama on a daily basis, one in front of the Takayama Jinya and one along Miyagawa River. Most stands sell local crafts and farm products such as vegetables, pickles and flowers.
Getting there and around
Takayama's old town can be reached in a ten minute walk from Takayama Station.
