The Takayama Festival (R, Takayama Matsuri) is ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals alongside Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and the Chichibu Yomatsuri. It is held twice a year in spring and autumn in the old town of Takayama and attracts many spectators.
The Spring Festival (April 14-15) is the annual festival of the Hie Shrine in the southern half of Takayama's old town. Because the shrine is also known as Sanno-sama, the spring festival is also called Sanno Festival.
Likewise, the Autumn Festival (October 9-10) is the annual festival of the Hachiman Shrine in the northern half of the old town, and the festival is also known as Hachiman Festival.
The spring and autumn festivals have similar attractions and schedules. Each festival features its own set of about a dozen festival floats (yatai). During the year, the tall and heavily decorated floats are stored in storehouses, which are scattered across Takayama's old town (except the floats exhibited in the Yatai Kaikan). A set of replica floats are, furthermore, exhibited year round at the Matsuri no Mori festival museum.
Main attractions of the Takayama Festival
The Takayama Festival is a very popular event, visited by several hundred thousand people from across Japan and the world. It gets especially crowded if one or both festival days fall on a weekend or national holiday.
As a result, hotels in Takayama get booked out many months in advance, and it is recommended to make hotel bookings as early as possible. Neighboring towns, such as Furukawa and Gero Onsen can also be used as a base for seeing the festival, but going further than that will make it difficult to see the evening festival.
Getting there and around
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Links and Resources
Hotels around Takayama
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SponsoredModern hotel that brings local culture to travelersWithin walking distance from JR Takayama Station and popular attractions like historic Sanmachi Street. In-hotel restaurant offers the best of local cuisine, including Hida beef and locally brewed sake.View siteSponsored -
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SponsoredMinshuku KuwataniyaA small inn with a full of quiet atmosphere and Japanese tradition. Onsen baths available. 6 min from JR Takayama Station. Close to major sightseeing spots. Free Wi-Fi.View siteSponsored
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Top rated in Takayama
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SOYLocated in 15-minute bus ride from JR Takayama Station, Guest House & Cafe SOY is surrounded by lush greenery. Free WIFi is provided and free private parking is available on site. The property also provides free pick-up service from JR Takayama Station. Free shuttle bus service is available when check-in, check-out, after dinner. Rooms at Guest House & Cafe SOY are air conditioned and fitted with a seating area. A hairdryer and slippers are provided for your comfort. Shirakawa Village is a 50-minute drive away, while Takayama Old Town is a 20-minute away from the property. Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village can be also reached in 12 minutes by car from Guest House & Cafe SOY.View on Booking.com -
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Hidaji (Adult Only)Nestled between untouched nature in the tranquil Northern Alps area, Hidaji offers spacious Japanese-style accommodation with traditional architecture. Guests can also request for massages and relax in the public hot-spring baths. JR Takayama Station is a 60-minute bus ride away. The air-conditioned rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Each has a heated Kotasu table, a TV, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags. All rooms come with an en suite bathroom and Yukata robes are provided for all guests. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas and you can look out into the traditional garden. Local gifts can be purchased at the souvenir shop. A safety deposit box and luggage storage is provided at the front desk. Traditional multi-course meals featuring Hida beef and local vegetables are served at the dining room. Fukuchi Onsen Bus Stop is a minute's walk from the property, while a free shuttle is available from Fukuchi Onsenguchi Bus Stop. Hidaji is a 25-minute drive from Shinhodaka Ropeway and a 40-minute drive from Kamikochi. Norikura is a 40-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Auberge HidanomoriReopened after renovation in 2022, Auberge Hidanomori is situated in quiet hills, a 10-minute shuttle ride from JR Takayama Station. The property offers free WiFi access in rooms and in public areas including the shared TV lounge and the terrace. Each room has air-conditioning and heating facilities at Hidanomori Auberge. Bathrooms are shared. Free toiletries are provided. Guests here can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or walking through the on-site garden, or just simply unwind at the shared lounge with some tea. Free on-site parking is also available. Breakfast is served in the dining hall starting at 07:30 daily. Freshly baked bread, salad, yogurt, tea and coffee are served, while Italian cuisine is served for dinner. Meals require advance reservations. From Auberge Hidanomori, Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village and Takayama Jinya are within a 10-minute drive.View on Booking.com -
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Hostel Fish in a RiverView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hostel Fish in a River in Takayama offers a 1-star guest house experience with a garden and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, garden views, and a dining area.Convenient Facilities
The property features a lounge, shared kitchen, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a work desk, refrigerator, microwave, and sofa.Prime Location
Located in the city centre, the guest house is 83 km from Toyama Airport. Nearby attractions include Showacho and the Takayama Castle.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its host, room cleanliness, and convenient location. -
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NakaodairaView on Booking.comElegant Accommodation
Nakaodaira in Takayama offers a recently renovated 5-star ryokan experience. Guests enjoy mountain views, a serene garden, and a spacious terrace.Relaxing Facilities
The property features a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include air-conditioning, bidet, and free toiletries.Comfortable Rooms
Rooms are equipped with yukata, refrigerator, TV, and electric kettle. Family rooms and tatami floors cater to all guests.Delicious Breakfast
A delightful Asian breakfast is served daily, highly praised by guests.Convenient Location
Located 68 km from Matsumoto Airport, Nakaodaira is situated in a hot spring area. Free on-site private parking is available. -
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Iroriyado HidayaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Iroriyado Hidaya in Takayama offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and tatami floors. Each room includes a TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe, ensuring a pleasant stay.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can unwind in the hot spring bath or enjoy the serene garden. The ryokan provides free WiFi, a lounge, and a public bath, catering to all relaxation needs.Dining Experience
The restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisines with local specialities and warm dishes. Breakfast includes American and Asian options, featuring fresh fruits, cheese, and juice.Convenient Services
The property offers free on-site private parking, bicycle parking, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a lounge, public bath, and full-day security.Accessibility
Located 84 km from Toyama Airport, Iroriyado Hidaya is highly rated for its attentive staff, delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms. -
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Traditional Life - MinoriyaView on Booking.comHistoric Setting
Traditional Life - Minoriya in Takayama offers a 4-star bed and breakfast experience within a historic building. Guests enjoy mountain views and a quiet street setting.Comfortable Accommodations
The property features family rooms with tatami floors, ground-floor units, and shared bathrooms. Each room includes a work desk, dining area, and kitchenware.Modern Amenities
Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Additional facilities include a washing machine, tea and coffee maker, bidet, and free toiletries.Dining Experience
A traditional Asian breakfast is served with local specialities and fresh fruits. Meals for children and laundry service are also provided.Convenient Location
Located 83 km from Toyama Airport, the property is highly rated for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to nature. -
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Ryokan Kutsuroginoya YuuView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Ryokan Kutsuroginoya Yuu in Takayama offers family rooms with tatami floors, air-conditioning, and garden views. Each room includes a bath, bidet, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and public bath. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves Asian breakfast with local specialities. Dinner is highly rated by guests, who appreciate the variety and quality of the meals.Convenient Location
Located 56 km from Matsumoto Airport, the ryokan is situated in a hot spring area. Free on-site private parking and bicycle parking enhance the stay. -
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Ryokan AsunaroRyokan Asunaro: A Traditional Japanese Inn in Takayama. Nestled just a 6-minute walk from Takayama Station and the Nohi Bus Center, Ryokan Asunaro offers an authentic Japanese inn experience. Our rooms are designed with traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring tatami mat flooring throughout. For those who prefer a futon on tatami or a bed, we also offer Japanese-Western style rooms. The warm ambiance is further enhanced by local artists' paintings adorning the walls. Guests can unwind in our communal hot spring baths and enjoy the provided yukata robes for a truly Japanese experience. Each room is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, an LCD TV, amenities, a refrigerator, Japanese tea set, and an electric kettle for your convenience. We also provide complimentary bottled water. In the lobby, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea. The inn features separate communal baths for men and women, perfect for soaking away the day's fatigue. We also offer complimentary rental bicycles (limited availability, not available in winter). We serve Japanese breakfasts (advance reservations required). Western-style breakfasts are available upon request, provided you notify us at least two days prior to your stay. Ryokan Asunaro is conveniently located within walking distance of Takayama's popular tourist attractions. The World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go is also easily accessible, being just a 50-minute bus ride away.View on Booking.com -
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Sumiyoshi RyokanLocated just a 1-minute walk from popular Miyagawa Morning Market in the heart of Takayama, Sumiyoshi Ryokan offers homely Japanese-style accommodation in the historic townhouse building. Free WiFi is available at the lobby and guestrooms. This hotel was selected as one of the Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2015. The inn is a 12-minute walk from JR Takayama Station. Takayama Jinya, an old government building, is a 7-minute walk away, and the streets full of old merchants?f houses can be reached within a 10-minute walk from the property. Rooms are fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. A low table and a TV with satellite channels are provided. Guests can relax in the room with free green tea. Ryokan Sumiyoshi has a spacious public baths and a small Japanese garden. There are many antiques like pots and samurai armours displayed at the lobby. Carefully prepared Japanese multi-course dinner, including Hida Beef sukiyaki dish, can be enjoyed at the guest room. Guests can choose to have either Japanese or Western breakfast to satisfy their appetite in the morning.View on Booking.com
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