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Hida Takayama, a beautiful city also known as “Little Kyoto of Hida,” never fails to charm its visitors with its “Old Town” (Sanmachi-dori), which strongly retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. However, with so many attractive shops and spots, many people wonder, “Where should I go?” and “What are the must-try gourmet foods?”
Worry no more! This article proposes a perfect half-day model course to enjoy Hida Takayama to the fullest. From must-try street food to key sights and souvenirs, this guide has everything you need for a perfect tour of Takayama. Now, let’s embark on the best stroll through Takayama together!
Hida-Furukawa Cultural Treasures One Day Walking Tour from Takayama
Contents
[Conclusion] A Half-Day Walking Itinerary for Takayama’s Old Town
This is a half-day model plan centered on food-hopping, starting from Takayama Station and efficiently visiting the main spots.
- Miyagawa Morning Market: Interact with locals and enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits. (Approx. 45 min)
- Stroll through the Old Town (Sanmachi-dori): Walk down the main street and soak in the castle town atmosphere. (Approx. 30 min, including walking time)
- Food Stop ① Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi: Savor exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth sushi. (Approx. 15 min)
- Food Stop ② Mitarashi Dango: Try Takayama’s soul food, a savory soy sauce-based rice dumpling. (Approx. 10 min)
- Sake Tasting at Funasaka Sake Brewery: Taste famous Hida sake at a 200-year-old brewery. (Approx. 30 min)
- Takayama Jinya: Visit the former Edo-period government office and touch history. (Approx. 45 min)
Popular street food spots can get crowded around noon. It’s recommended to start with the morning market and visit the old town earlier in the morning. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Step 1: Start Your Morning Like a Local at Miyagawa Morning Market
Start your day at the “Miyagawa Morning Market,” held daily along the Miyagawa River. At this market, which dates back to the Edo period, you’ll find fresh vegetables, fruits, pickles, and handmade crafts from local farmers. Chatting with the energetic vendors is part of the fun. Feel free to ask them, “How do you eat this?” Strolling with a pudding or coffee in hand is also a delightful experience.
Location: Shimosannomachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (8:00 AM in winter)
Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
Step 2: Time Travel to the Edo Period in the Old Town (Sanmachi-dori)
After enjoying the morning market, it’s time for the main event: the “Old Town.” The area consisting of Kami-ichino-machi, Kami-nino-machi, and Kami-sanno-machi is called “Sanmachi-dori,” featuring a beautiful landscape of dark, latticed townhouses. In this area, power lines are buried underground, allowing you to experience the authentic atmosphere of the Edo period. First, take a slow walk down the main street while taking photos.
Step 3: Two Must-Try Takayama Street Foods!
The greatest pleasure of strolling through Sanmachi is the “tabe-aruki” (eating while walking). Among the many gourmet options, here are two iconic foods you absolutely must try.
① Hida Kotte Ushi “Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi”
When in Takayama, Hida beef is a must-try. The easiest way to enjoy this high-grade beef is “Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi.” At the popular shop “Hida Kotte Ushi,” they torch the beef right in front of you after you order, and the savory aroma is incredibly appetizing. The melt-in-your-mouth umami of the Hida beef paired with the bamboo charcoal salt cracker plate is an outstanding combination.
Shop Name: Hida Kotte Ushi
Location: 34 Kamisannomachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
② Jinya Dango “Mitarashi Dango”
Takayama’s “Mitarashi Dango” is different from the typical sweet version; it features a savory, soy sauce-based glaze. The freshly grilled dumplings are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. This simple yet profound flavor is the soul food of Takayama’s citizens. “Jinya Dango,” located right in front of the Takayama Jinya, always has a line, but it’s well worth the wait.
Shop Name: Jinya Dango-ten
Location: 1-45 Honmachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Step 4: Taste Local Sake at Funasaka Sake Brewery
The Old Town is home to seven historic sake breweries. Among them, “Funasaka Sake Brewery” is highly recommended. While it boasts over 200 years of history, the interior is a modern space with a souvenir shop and a bar counter. Here, you can enjoy a paid tasting using a *masu* (wooden sake cup). The unique style of buying a coin from a vending machine and pouring your favorite sake is a great travel memory.
- Paid Tasting Corner: You can sample various types of local sake. You can take the masu cup home as a souvenir.
- Sake Cellar Bar: Enjoy sake and liqueurs at a relaxed pace in a bar converted from an old cellar.
- Souvenir Shop: A rich selection of limited-edition sake, as well as cosmetics and sweets made with sake.
Shop Name: Funasaka Sake Brewery
Location: 105 Kamisannomachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Step 5: Touch Edo-Period History at Takayama Jinya
The final stop is “Takayama Jinya,” located just across the iconic red Nakabashi Bridge. This was the government office established by the Edo shogunate to directly rule the Hida region. It is an extremely valuable historical site, as it’s the only major building of its kind remaining in its original form in all of Japan. On the vast grounds, you can see the officials’ offices, meeting rooms, and the “Oshirasu” (a place for trials), allowing you to realistically feel the life and politics of the samurai in the Edo period.
Name: Takayama Jinya
Location: 1-5 Hachiken-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by season)
Fee: Adults 440 yen
Access: About a 3-minute walk from the Old Town
Summary
The old town of Hida Takayama is a place to be enjoyed with all five senses, not just by walking. Eat delicious food, see beautiful scenery, and touch history. By following this model course, your day in Takayama will be many times more fulfilling. Please go and create your own best memories!
Hida-Furukawa Cultural Treasures One Day Walking Tour from Takayama
