Takayama 高山
Museums, galleries & temples
This lovely mountain town in Gifu Prefecture is well worth the effort to get to - you won’t be the only foreigner here though, as Hida-Takayama, as it is often called, has discovered the economic benefits of attracting both domestic and international visitors.
That said, it is well set up for visitors and an extremely attractive and easy place to visit.
The highlight is its old town, with houses dating from the Edo Period (1603-1868), many of which have been turned into galleries, museums and boutiques.
You’ll want to get an early start to visit the morning markets, while the 4km Higashiyama walking course is extremely pleasant.
The town is known for its Takayama Matsuri (festival), held twice yearly in mid-April and mid-October. Book accommodation early if you want to put this into your itinerary.
Takayama makes a good stop either on your way into or on the way out of the remote mountain resort of Kamikōchi.