Top 10 Things To Do in Takayama City
Takayama City is currently the largest municipality in Japan in terms of land area. Located in the mountainous northern part of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City has its fair share of unique culture and tradition worth seeing and experiencing.
Top 10 Things To Do in Takayama City |
1. Take a stroll at Sanmachi Suji District (Takayama Old Town) |
The Sanmachi Suji District is a historic district in Takayama City. It has numerous well-preserved Edo Period houses that presently serve as museums, stores, and restaurants.
2. Witness the Takayama Festival |
Held every April 14 and 15 and October 9 and 10, Takayama Festival is regarded as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan. The highlight of this festival is the parade of floats called yatai.
3. Visit the Takayama Matsuri Kaikan |
So you missed both the Spring and Autumn Festivals of Takayama City? Fret not, you can still see four of the floats and learn more about the festival by visiting the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. This exhibit hall is located in the vicinity of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.
4. See the exhibits at Sakurayama Nikko Kan |
Check out the 1/10th scale replica of the Nikko-Toshugu exhibited in this museum. You can visit this place together with the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. This museum is located in the vicinity of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.
5. Get a goshuin for your collection at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine |
After checking out the floats at Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, one can visit the historical Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and explore its vicinity. Then you can cap off your visit by getting a goshuin for your collection.
6. Walk across the Nakabashi Bridge |
It might be a simple thing to do, but crossing the historic Nakabashi Bridge is a must-do when visiting Takayama City. Each end leads to a historic destination, the Takayama Jinya, and the Sanmachi Suji District.
7. Shop for souvenirs at Sanmachi Suji District |
Don't forget to buy some souvenirs from one of the numerous shops in the famed Takayama Old Town. Takayama is known for the sarubobo doll so you might want to buy one of those to bring home.
8. Try out the sake of Takayama City |
Takayama Old Town is not only famous for its shops and restaurants, but it also has several sake breweries where one can buy good quality sake. Since these do not come in cheap, you can avail of the "per shot" drink which costs around 100-1000 Yen. If you're lucky, some brewery offers a free sample of their products.
9. Shop for souvenirs at the Takayama Morning Markets |
If you came to Sanmachi Suji District very early, you might be disappointed that the majority if not all of its stores and restaurants are still closed. A perfect alternative is the morning markets of Takayama. One is located in front of Takayama Jinya and the other is along the Miyagawa River. The stalls here sell souvenirs and fresh fruits which is not only costs less than those in common markets but are also made or grown by the vendors themselves.
10. A visit to Takayama won't be complete without visiting the Takayama Jinya. |
This destination transports visitors back into the Edo Period. Visitors would also get a glimpse of where government officials of olden times work.
So, there you go, I hope my Top 10 Things to Do in Takayama City inspired you to visit this beautiful historic city. See you in Takayama!
Wow, great things shared on the above post. I am thankful to you for such a wonderful post. I will also share it with others.
ReplyDeletemeet and greet at Heathrow
meet and greet at Birmingham
That's great Nancy! Thank you so much! Please do visit Takayama soon. =)
DeleteI've never been here, but judging from your pictures it looks like a great place to visit. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is Renee! Given a chance I'd come back to this place and explore it more. I believe there are more things to do here than what I have experienced.
DeleteJapan truly is a wonder in many small and big ways. The dedication these craftsmen showed towards their work truly shines until now. Seeing all these, makes me fangirl so hard. Sadly, I haven't been to this side of Japan (and I call myself a Japan freak?! lmao!). Also, I've read about goshuin and I tried looking for it in Osaka and Tokyo but I haven't found any so I got myself a Hanko instead.
ReplyDeleteI know Japan is generally safe for solo travelers but is it also in Takayama City? Would love to add this to my next trip.
PS: Aye! Bet ko yung may "per shot" sila ng sake. Tomador? Hahaha!
Naku Polly! You should come visit Takayama. It's generally a farther and less crowded version of Kyoto. Hahaha.
DeleteYou can get a goshuin in shrines and temples. =) The head priest or monks would write the temple's seal. However, they won't simply write the seal in any paper. It should only be in a goshuincho which you can also buy in shrines and temples.
Regardng safety. Super safe ang Takayama. Depression lang ang papatay sayo pagdito ka tumira.
Takayama City looks like a wonderful place to visit. I like that even in this modern times the city maintains it's traditional architecture. I would love to walk around the old town and to show for souvenirs at Sanmachi Suji District.
ReplyDeletePlease do. If you're a Filipino then it will remind you of Vigan City.
DeleteSouvenirs and food are my jam. I love shopping and looking for things that are cool and fun to bring home to my family.
ReplyDeleteThen this place is for you D'ondra. You'd surely love strolling and shopping in Sanmachi Suji.
DeleteLooks like a super interesting place with lots of things to explore.
ReplyDeleteTakayama City is really a super interesting place to explore Zoe.
DeleteThe Takayama Festival does sound and look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt is Ellen. However, I have yet to witness it with my own eyes.
DeleteI've always wanted to try sake! Takayama City seems like a really fun place, and I'd love love love to visit one day!
ReplyDeleteTakayama is one of the best places to try sake. Believe me. =)
DeleteThis is a great post for those wanting to visit Takayama City. The pictures look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorita. =)
DeleteI have never heard of Takayama but it looks like it has a lot to do .
ReplyDeleteThat's true Miss J. I wouldn't have known it if not for a local. =)
DeleteI would love to take a walk at the Nakabashi Bridge and purchase some souvenirs after.
ReplyDeleteYou should come visit. =)
DeleteVisiting the markets would be amazing. Looks live a fantastic trek!
ReplyDeleteIt is Rudy. You should include Takayama to your itinerary when you visit Japan.
DeleteSuch a fun place to visit. Learnt something new today.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear that. =)
DeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome. Really, ii enjoyed reading your blog. It contains many things which force me to read the full content.
Thanks
Aashirvad Kumar
Oman Safari Tours
Your comment made my day Aashirvad. Thank you!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous place to travel! I would love to visit there someday. It’s definitely on my bucket list, it’s just so beautiful there!
ReplyDeletePlease come visit Breenarina. =) You would surely love it!
DeleteI've never considered visiting Takayama City, but it looks like a very cool city. I may have to add this city to my bucket list. Thanks for the great read.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to have introduced a new place to visit to you. Please do visit Takayama City.
DeleteI never heard of Sake. Should try once...
ReplyDeleteYou should try it out. It's actually common in Japan.
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