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Takayama

A preserved old merchant town in the mountains of Gifu, known for its festivals, morning markets and Hida beef.

Character
Takayama, often called Hida-Takayama, is a small town in the mountainous Hida region. Its old town has Edo-period wooden houses, sake breweries and craft shops. It grew rich in feudal times on timber and skilled carpenters.
Why it stands out
The Higashiyama walking course shows a calmer side of town than Sanmachi. Winter, away from festival dates, is quieter.
Getting there
From Nagoya, the JR Hida limited express takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, about one train an hour. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen via Nagoya (about 4.5 hours) or via Toyama (4–5 hours), or a highway bus from Busta Shinjuku (about 5.5 hours). One direct Hida train a day runs from Osaka (about 4 hours 15 minutes). Nearest major airport: Chubu Centrair, via Nagoya.
Seasons
The Takayama Festival is held on April 14–15 (spring) and October 9–10 (autumn), when hotels fill months ahead. Autumn also brings foliage. Winter brings snow-covered streets and quieter days.
Watch-outs
Book well ahead for festival dates, especially when they fall on a weekend or holiday. The Shinhotaka area is very cold, so bring warm clothes. Only one direct train a day runs from Osaka.
Neighbourhoods
Sanmachi Suji: Old town core with Edo-period townhouses, sake breweries and craft shops. / Higashiyama Teramachi: Temple district on a 3.5 km walking course that ends at Shiroyama Park, the old castle site. / Okuhida Onsen-go: Five hot spring villages in the mountains, including Hirayu and Shinhotaka; Shinhotaka is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Takayama Station by bus.
Nearby
Morning markets / Takayama Jinya / Hida Folk Village / Takayama Festival floats / Shirakawa-go / Shinhotaka Ropeway / Hida beef / Nakabashi Bridge

Takayama condotels and hotel condos for sale

A condotel (hotel condominium) is a hotel room you own outright, which the hotel rents to guests when you are not using it. These are the Takayama buildings and resort clubs this site tracks, with their current asking prices.

Sources