Luxury Takayama Tours

Hidden away in the lush peaks and valleys of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a quaint and traditional rural town. Dating back to the 16^th century, Takayama has retained the architecture of its Edo-period roots and a trip here will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time.

Navigate the narrow streets and alleys of the town, flanked by rows of picturesque teahouses, inns and sake breweries; all featuring long, sloping roofs (to deflect snow) and charming details such as latticed windows.

There’s much to see in Takayama, including morning markets on the Miyagawa River, where you can buy local crafts. Pay a visit to some of the many temples and shrines, then relax in the communal onsen baths of a traditional ryokan (guesthouse). 

One of Takayama’s most popular products is sake and there are micro-breweries dotted all over town, easy to spot by the sugidama balls of cedar branches in the entranceways of buildings (one of our Japan itineraries includes a sake tasting session here).

The town is also famous for Takayama Matsuri, one of Japan’s best festivals, which takes place every spring (April) and autumn (October). During the festival, there are displays of festival floats (yatai), some of which are decorated with mechanical dolls (karakuri).

Takayama is also a gateway to further exploration of the Gifu Prefecture and a great base from which to visit nearby villages such as Shirakawago and Furukawa, or to traverse Hida’s rice fields via a guided cycling tour through the stunning scenery.

According to Japanese legend, the three sister mountain ranges of Hida (where Takayama is located), Kiso and Akaishi are home to mountain spirits. Today, the serene landscapes certainly offer an otherworldly feeling of escape and an ethereal return to nature.

The well-preserved history and abundant mountain surroundings of Takayama are a world away from Japan’s mega-cities, making a trip to this quiet hillside town a literal breath of mountain-fresh air.