Things to do in Takayama
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Sūkyō Mahikari Main World Shrine
Dominating Takayama's western skyline is the golden roof of the Main World Shrine of Sūkyō Mahikari, a new religion whose teachings are said to include healing via training courses and amulets that transmit divine light rays. Guided tours are available (call in advance for an English-speaking guide).
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Hida-no-Sato
The large, open-air Hida-no-Sato is highly recommended for its dozens of traditional houses, dismantled at their original sites throughout the region and rebuilt here. Allow at least three hours. During clear weather, there are good views across the town to the peaks of the Japan Alps.
Hida-no-Sato is in two sections. The western section features 12 old houses and a complex of traditional buildings. Displays are well presented and offer an excellent chance to see what rural life was like in previous centuries.
Hida-no-Sato is a 30-minute walk west from Takayama Station, but the route is not enjoyable. Either hire a bicycle, or catch a bus from Takayama bus station (高山濃飛バスセン…
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Chapala
Mexico is about as far from Japan as can be, but this little shop run by a Japanese enthusiast makes a fair stab at it. The taste and dainty portions of tacos, quesadillas and guac' and chips might not pass muster in California, Texas or Guadalajara, but the place is adorable and the owners earnest. Plus, you get to eat Mexican with chopsticks while swilling Coronas and margaritas.
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Takayama Yatai Kaikan
A rotating selection of four of the 23 multitiered yatai (floats) used in the Takayama Matsuri can be seen at Takayama Yatai Kaikan. These spectacular creations, some dating from the 17th century, are prized for their flamboyant carvings, metalwork and lacquerwork. A famous feature of some floats is karakuri, mechanical puppets that perform amazing tricks and acrobatics courtesy of eight accomplished puppeteers using 36 strings. A video gives a sense of the festival.
The Yatai Kaikan is on the grounds of the stately hillside shrine Sakurayama Hachiman-gū; the shrine's main buildings are behind the Yatai Kaikan. Dedicated to the protection of Takayama, the shrine also ov…
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Takayama-jō
The hilly districts in the east side of town are linked by a walking trail, particularly enjoyable in the early morning or late afternoon. Various trails lead through the Shiroyama-kōen park and up the mountainside to the ruins of the castle, Takayama-jō. As you descend, you can take a look at the temple, Shōren-ji, which was transferred to this site from the Shōkawa Valley when a dam was built there in 1960.
There are over a dozen temples (one houses the youth hostel) and shrines you can wander around before taking in the greenery of the park, Shiroyama-kōen. The tourist information office has descriptions of the temples and a simple map, or the Hida Takayama pamph…
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Takayama-jinya
These sprawling grounds south of the Sanmachi district house the only remaining prefectural office building of the Tokugawa shōgunate. Takayama-jinya was originally built in 1615 as the administrative centre for the Kanamori clan but was later taken over by the bakufu. The main gate was once reserved for high officials. The present main building dates back to 1816 and it was used as the local government office until 1969.
As well as government offices, a rice granary and a garden, there's a torture chamber with explanatory detail. Free guided tours in English are available (reservations advised). Takayama-jinya is a 15-minute walk east of the train station.
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Hida Kokubun-ji
Takayama's oldest temple, Hida Kokubun-ji was originally built in the 8th century and subsequently ravaged by fire; the oldest of the present buildings dates from the 16th century. The temple's treasure hall houses some Important Cultural Properties, and the courtyard boasts a three-storey pagoda and an impressively gnarled gingko tree, which is in remarkably good shape considering it's believed to be 1200 years old.
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Shunkei lacquerware Exhibition Hall
Shunkei lacquerware was introduced from Kyoto several centuries ago but has become Takayama's signature style and is used to produce boxes, trays and flower vases. This exhibition hall has more than 1000 pieces, including some dating from the 17th century. Unlike many other Japanese lacquer styles, shunkei is designed to show off the wood grain. A display shows production techniques, and the shop has occasional specials.
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Yamatake-Shōten
This is a workmanlike butcher shop with a restaurant upstairs, and is an excellent place to sample Hida-gyū. Here's the drill: choose your own cut (pay by weight, from ¥1380 per 100g), which is plated and brought to the table for you to cook on an inset charcoal grill. Vegetables and simple desserts are included. Sides like kimchi and gyū tataki (marinated raw beef) are also for sale. There's a ¥420 seating charge.
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Shōren-ji temple
This temple was transferred to this site from the Shōkawa Valley when a dam was built there in 1960. There are over a dozen temples (one houses the youth hostel) and shrines you can wander around before taking in the greenery of the park, Shiroyama-kōen. The tourist information office has descriptions of the temples and a simple map, or the Hida Takayama pamphlet has a more detailed map.
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Miya-gawa Market
Miya-gawa Market Asa-ichi take place every morning and provide a pleasant way to start the day, with a stroll past gnarled farmers at their vegetable stands and stalls selling crafts, pickles, souvenirs and that all-important steaming cuppa joe. Located along the east bank of the river Miya-gawa, between Kaji-bashi and Yayoi-bashi.
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Kusakabe Mingeikan
Down the block Kusakabe Mingeikan, built during the 1890s, showcases the striking craftsmanship of traditional Takayama carpenters. Inside is a collection of folk art.
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Origin
This wonderful local izakaya a minute from the station has the usual kushiyaki (grilled, skewered dishes) and tofu steak, plus original dishes like sardines rolled in yuba (tofu skin), or big-as-a-beer-can grilled daikon in miso sauce. Or go for broke with Hida beef. Look for the bamboo poles out the front.
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Yoshijima-ke
Design buffs shouldn't miss Yoshijima-ke, which is well covered in architectural publications. Its lack of ornamentation allows you to focus on the spare lines, soaring roof and skylight. Admission includes a cup of delicious shiitake tea, which you can also purchase for ¥600 per can.
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Jinya-mae Market
Jinya-mae Market Asa-ichi take place every morning and provide a pleasant way to start the day, with a stroll past gnarled farmers at their vegetable stands and stalls selling crafts, pickles, souvenirs and that all-important steaming cuppa joe. Located in front of Takayama-jinya (Historical Government House).
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Shishi Kaikan
The Shishi Kaikan has a display of over 800 lion masks and musical instruments connected with the lion dances that are commonly performed at festivals in central and northern Japan. Admission includes twice-hourly demonstrations of karakuri - a good opportunity to view these marvellous puppets in action.
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Ebisu-Honten
This Sanmachi shop has been making teuchi (handmade) soba since 1898. The menu explains the soba-making process. Go for zaru (cold) soba for the real flavour of the buckwheat, or try curry or miso-nikomi (in miso broth) style. It's on a side street and has a sign with a little roof on it.
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Takayama Museum of Local History
Takayama Museum of Local History is devoted to the crafts and traditions of the region, with images carved by Enkū, a woodcarving priest who wandered the region in the 17th century. There are also several small but nicely maintained gardens.
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Myōgaya
A good-for-you vibe pervades this tiny, organic restaurant and food shop, which is adorned with natural fibres, a block east of the train station. Look for tasty vegetarian curry with brown rice, samosas, fruit juices, dandelion tea and coffees. Reservations are requested on Saturdays.
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Sakurayama Nikkō-kan
Houses intricate models of the famous shrines at Nikkō. Lighting takes you from dawn to dusk and back again, allowing you to witness these sites in different kinds of light. Located next door to the Takayama Yatai Kaikan.
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Red Hill Pub
Locals and expats gather at this welcoming bar. There are snacks such as pita bread and karai rāmen (spicy rāmen, ¥700), an excellent selection of domestic and imported brews, cocktails like Sex on the Mountain, and an eclectic mix of tunes.
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Suzuya
In the centre of town, Suzuya is one of Takayama's longstanding favourites, and it's highly recommended for local specialities like Hida beef, hoba-miso and various stews.
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Jingoro Rāmen
Like a roadhouse south of the station, Takayama's most venerable rāmen restaurant is a simple affair: broth, noodles and pork (or not) - but the savoury results are extremely satisfying.
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Fujii Folkcraft Art Gallery
A private collection in an old merchant's house, with folk craft and ceramics, particularly from the Muromachi and Edo periods.
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