Top 7 travel experiences in Takayama, Japan that you must know

In the heart of the mountainous Gifu Prefecture, Japan, lies an ancient city that seems to have stepped out of history - Takayama. Here, time seems to stand still, preserving the traditional beauty of the "Land of the Rising Sun" for centuries. The moss-covered cobblestone streets, the ancient wooden houses with shiny black tiled roofs, and the peaceful atmosphere of a mountain town are all waiting to tell you the story of a Japan gone by.

Let's explore with Vietravel 7 unique Takayama travel experiences, where every step is a journey back in time, every moment is a vivid picture of Japanese culture and history . From colorful festivals to exquisite meals rich in the flavors of the Land of the Rising Sun, Takayama promises to bring you unforgettable memories of a pure and pristine Japan.

1. Explore Sanmachi-Suji Old Town

Sanmachi-Suji Old Town is home to traditional houses from the Edo period (Photo source: Collected)

Sanmachi-Suji Old Town is one of the most famous areas of Takayama, where traditional houses from the Edo period (1603-1868) are preserved. Walking on the small stone-paved streets of Sanmachi-Suji, visitors to Takayama will clearly feel the peace and antiquity of an old commercial town.
The traditional wooden houses, craft shops, restaurants and cafes here all have a history of hundreds of years, providing an insight into the lives of ancient Japanese people. In Sanmachi-Suji, you can also join tours to explore local culture, learn how to make traditional handicrafts, or simply enjoy a cup of green tea at the old teahouses.

2. Visit Hida Kokubunji Temple

Hida Kokubunji Temple is one of the oldest temples in the Hida region (Photo source: Collected)

Hida Kokubunji Temple is one of the oldest temples in the Hida region, built in the 8th century. The temple stands out with a giant cypress tree that is over 1,200 years old, a symbol of the temple's sustainability and vitality. The unique three-story architecture of Hida Kokubunji is also an architectural highlight that attracts visitors.
When you visit Hida Kokubunji, you can learn more about Japanese Buddhism and see ancient treasures, including ancient Buddha statues and many artifacts from the Heian period. This is an ideal Takayama travel experience to meditate and explore Japanese religious culture.

3. Enjoy premium Hida beef

Hida beef is known as one of the best beef in Japan (Photo source: Collected)

If you are a foodie, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy Hida beef, one of the best beef in Japan. Hida beef is famous for its delicious flavor, the layer of fat mixed with the meat creates a characteristic softness and sweetness.
Restaurants in Takayama offer dishes made from Hida beef such as steak, sashimi, or even charcoal grilled meat, providing an unforgettable culinary experience. In particular, Hida beef is also processed into traditional dishes of the region, helping tourists in Takayama not only enjoy delicious food but also learn more about local cuisine and culture.

4. Stroll on Nakabashi Bridge

Nakabashi Bridge stands out among the lush green nature (Photo source: Collected)

Another Takayama travel experience is the Nakabashi Bridge. This is one of the famous symbols of Takayama, especially attracting visitors in spring and autumn when the surrounding scenery becomes romantic with cherry blossoms in full bloom or brilliant autumn leaves. This bright red bridge crosses the Miyagawa River, creating a perfect setting for taking photos and relaxing walks.
While walking on Nakabashi Bridge, you can easily explore the surrounding areas such as Miyagawa Morning Market or Takayama Old Town, which is filled with traditional shops and restaurants. It is also an ideal place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Takayama.

5. Stay in a Ryokan and bathe in an Onsen

Staying at a Ryokan and bathing in an Osen in Takayama is an amazing experience (Photo source: Collected)

For an authentic Takayama experience, try staying at a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn. At a ryokan, guests can experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle with tatami-mat bedrooms, wearing yukata and enjoying exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
In addition, most of the ryokan in Takayama offer onsen bathing services – natural hot springs. After a long day of sightseeing, there is nothing better than soaking in warm water, relaxing and re-energizing. This is a great Takayama travel experience that you definitely should not miss when coming to this ancient town.

6. Visit Hida Ancient Village

The beauty of Hida Ancient Village is like something out of a fairy tale (Photo source: Collected)

Hida Folk Village is an open-air museum that displays over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region. These houses were moved from various parts of the region and preserved at the museum so that visitors can see traditional Japanese architecture, from thatched houses to old farmhouses.
Walking around the ancient village of Hida, you will have the opportunity to learn about the life and culture of the ancient Hida people, participate in traditional activities such as making handicrafts, or even participate in the folk festivals that take place periodically.

7. Day Trip to Shirakawa-Go

The ancient beauty of Shirakawa-go (Photo source: Collected)

Just an hour by bus from Takayama, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri thatched roof houses. The roofs of the houses here are shaped like praying hands, designed to protect against heavy winter snow.
Shirakawa-go is especially beautiful in winter when the snow covers the village, creating a mysterious and beautiful scene. This is an ideal destination for a day trip from Takayama, where you can explore local culture and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. If you have the opportunity to visit Japan in winter, don't forget to experience this Takayama tour!
Takayama is not only an important cultural and historical destination of Japan but also offers visitors a variety of experiences from exploring the old town, enjoying unique cuisine, to relaxing at traditional ryokan. With the list of 7 Takayama travel experiences above, we hope you will have a wonderful and impressive trip here. Plan carefully and enjoy every moment in this beautiful land with Vietravel today!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/trai-nghiem-du-lich-takayama-v15758.aspx