2 Days in Takayama: The Perfect Takayama Itinerary

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a charming town known for its expert woodworkers, traditional architecture, and delicious cuisine. Here you can wander through its preserved Sanmachi Suji, go back in time at the Showa-Kan Museum, snack at the Miyagawa Market, and explore the Higashiyama Temple Area.

Takayama is easily our favorite small town in Japan—so much so that we’ve visited it three times!

In this 2 day Takayama Itinerary, I’ll take you through exactly how I would spend 2 days in Takayama on my first visit. While you could definitely spend more time there, I’ll focus on the best experiences if you only have two days to explore. I’ll go over where to stay, how to get around, and exactly what to do each day!

If you only have 2 days in Takayama, this itinerary hits all of the highlights of the town to ensure you can make the most of your adventure in Takayama!

How to Spend 2 Awesome Days in Takayama: A First-Timers Guide and Itinerary

Where to Stay in Takayama

If it’s your first time in Takayama, you’re probably wondering where to stay! Don’t worry—Takayama isn’t that big, and there are plenty of options right in the city.

For your first visit, I highly recommend staying in Takayama’s city center. This is the main area and will put you within walking distance of most of the attractions in this guide. Plus, Takayama’s train and bus stations are conveniently located in the city center, making transportation convenient during your stay.

When it comes to accommodation, Takayama has a wide range of options—from traditional ryokans to modern hotels.

On our first visit to Takayama, we stayed at Hostel Murasaki, a more traditional ryokan-style accommodation. The floors are covered with tatami mats, and you sleep on futons placed directly on the floor. The hostel also has a shared kitchen and a large living room, making it easy to meet other travelers.

During our most recent visit, we stayed at Hotel Wing, a new hotel with modern furnishings. The rooms were clean and comfortable, which made for a convenient and relaxing stay.

How to Get Around Takayama

One of the things that makes Takayama special is its charming small-town feel, combined with how easy it is to get around.

Most of the attractions in Takayama, including those mentioned in this guide, are within walking distance. For places that are a bit further away, Takayama has an excellent bus system. Simply enter your destination in Google Maps, and it will provide you with the bus routes and schedules you need to get there easily.

Takayama Day 1

Welcome to your first day in Takayama—get ready for an exciting start! Today, you’ll explore the town’s main highlights, all conveniently within walking distance.

Miyagawa Morning Market

There is no better place to start your day than at the Takayama at the Miyagawa Morning Market! Open daily from 8 AM to noon, this open-air market is filled with local vendors selling food, snacks, and crafts. Situated along the peaceful Miyagawa River, it’s easy to reach and a fun place to explore.

We like to grab a light breakfast here, then walk down to the river to sit and enjoy our food. We’ve gone many times and our favorites are smoked cheeses, takoyaki, and Hida beef skewers. But honestly, we’ve never had a bad meal in Japan, so you’re bound to find something delicious. Some food stalls have longer lines than others, so you might spend anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour here—it all depends on what you decide to get into!

Sanmachi Historical Houses (Sanmachi Suji)

The next stop, and one of the main reasons people visit Takayama, is the Sanmachi Historical Houses!

Just a short walk from the Miyagawa Morning Market, this beautiful street is lined with traditional wooden merchant houses from Japan’s Edo period. It’s a charming representation of what a Japanese castle town was like.

By day, Sanmachi Suji comes alive with eateries, cafes, souvenir shops, and sake breweries. The street is quite narrow, so we recommend arriving before 10 AM to beat the crowds. This is an absolute MUST VISIT in Takayama!

Takayama Jinya

If you’re still enjoying the traditional vibes of Takayama, we recommend checking out Takayama Jinya. This former government building offers a deeper look into Takayama’s history and is just a 5-minute walk from Sanmachi Street.

The building’s interior is beautiful, made from Takayama timber, with floors covered in tatami mats. The center of Takayama Jinya has a peaceful garden that provides balance to the interior of the building.

Next to the main building is the largest traditional rice storehouse in Japan, now functioning as a museum. The storehouse is quite large, and if you’re into history, you could easily spend a couple of hours exploring all the historical documents and artifacts.

We spent about an hour at Takayama Jinya, but if you enjoy museums and history, you might be there even longer!

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Lunch: Takayama Ramen

By now, you’re probably feeling hungry! We recommend checking out the local food scene and trying one of Takayama’s specialties—Takayama Ramen. 

Takayama Ramen is a light yet flavorful ramen with soy sauce-based broth and thin, curly soba noodles. The broth is made from chicken bones, bonito flakes, and vegetables, giving it a rich, savory taste. It’s the perfect midday meal—satisfying but not too heavy, so you can comfortably explore for the rest of the day.

Our favorite spot to enjoy Takayama Ramen is Akarenga Sohonten. Located off the main strip, it offers more affordable prices than what you’ll find on Sanmachi Street. The owner, Mayumi, is super kind, making the dining experience even more memorable!

Showa-kan Museum

After soaking in all the Edo-period history, it’s time for some fun! Next up is the Showa-kan Museum, which happens to be our favorite museum in Japan.

The Showa-kan Museum recreates everyday scenes from Japan’s Showa era (1926–1989), with a particular focus on the 1950s. The museum features several themed rooms, including a barbershop and a doctor’s office, giving you a glimpse into life during that time.

What makes this museum special is how interactive it is—photos and role-playing are encouraged! There’s even a game room where you can play classic video games and old pachinko machines. Every corner of the museum is filled with authentic vintage items, and the level of detail is incredible.

You could easily spend a half day exploring everything here. We spent about 2 hours, but most visitors typically spend 45 minutes to an hour.

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine & Yatai Kaikan

After your time at the Showa-kan Museum, your next stop should be the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. No visit to Takayama is complete without visiting one of its local shrines, and this one is very important to the town. The shrine is a 10-minute walk from the Showa-kan museum and is the most popular shrine in Takayama.

The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and protection, and plays a central role in Takayama’s autumn festival. It’s a peaceful place to experience the spiritual side of Takayama, with its beautiful traditional architecture and surrounding nature.

While in the area, consider checking out the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, just a short walk from the shrine. It takes about 30 minutes to explore, and you’ll see some of the centuries-old floats used during Takayama’s fall festival. These floats are magnificent so I do recommend checking them out if you have time. Entry to this museum also gives you entry to Sakurayama Nikkokan, another museum with mini versions of the famous temples in Nikko!

If you’re in need of a quick coffee break: We recommend stopping by Cafe & Gallery near the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. Cafe & Gallery is owned by a lovely Japanese couple. The coffee is excellent, and the vibes are immaculate. It’s just before the shrine and is a perfect spot to recharge before continuing your day.

Dinner at Dekonaru Yokocho

Takayama is full of amazing food, and I’ll include a list of our favorite spots below so you have plenty of options. But for your first night, we highly recommend heading to the Dekonaru Yokocho area for dinner. If you’re into dinner and drinks, this place is perfect! It’s a lively area filled with cozy, izakaya-style restaurants.

Each spot is quaint, with about 6 to 15 seats, giving you a real taste of the Japanese dining experience. We enjoyed our meal at Gyoza Sohonzan—it was absolutely delightful! There was a line when we arrived, but we met some fellow travelers and ended up sitting together, which made the experience even more fun!

Takayama Day 2

Hida Folk Village

Your first stop of the day is Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum that offers a view of traditional life in the mountainous Hida region. While it’s not within walking distance from the town center, the village is just a short 10-minute bus ride away.

Hida Folk Village features over 30 beautifully preserved traditional houses, some dating back hundreds of years. These homes were relocated from the surrounding mountains to create this picturesque setting, where you can stroll through history. Each house has its own story, showcasing different aspects of mountain life, family traditions, and architecture. Some homes have unique features, like steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfalls.

One of the highlights of Hida Folk Village is seeing its artisans in action. You can watch them practice traditional crafts, such as woodworking, pottery, and tapestry—skills that have been passed down for generations.

To get to Hida Folk Village from Takayama, catch the Sarubobo Bus, which conveniently stops right at Hida Folk Village. Be sure to have some spare change for the bus and drop your coins in the fare box when you board the bus. Buses in Takayama do not accept IC cards.

Shirakawago

You may also be considering a visit to the famous Shirakawago, a place known for its iconic gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses. However, Shirakawago is a two-hour bus ride from Takayama, so visiting it is an all-day event.

If you have the time and want to experience a larger, more authentic living village, Shirakawago is worth the journey. But if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to experience traditional mountain life, Hida Folk Village is ideal. Hida Folk Village is conveniently located, offers an intimate and interactive experience, and is less crowded. Both are excellent options, so it really depends on your schedule!

Lunch: Hida Beef

For lunch, we highly recommend trying the famous local delicacy—Hida Beef! Similar to Wagyu beef, Hida Beef is known for its incredible flavor and texture. Trust me when I say this might be the most delicious beef you’ve ever tasted. The perfectly marbled, fatty pieces of meat melt in your mouth.

There are countless places to try Hida Beef in Takayama, from high-end restaurants to casual eateries. Here are the places we ate at and our recommendations:

• Kyoshi: If you want to sit down for a satisfying meal, we recommend Kyoshi for their Hida Beef rice bowl. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the beef, served over rice in a relaxed setting.
• Hida Beef Baya: If you’re on a budget, this take-out spot offers great Hida Beef skewers. While it’s a simpler option, the flavor is still amazing!

Higashiyama Walking Course

After enjoying your delicious Hida Beef meal, it’s time to walk it off! The best place to do that is the Higashiyama Walking Course, a peaceful and scenic path that’s a bit off the beaten track in Takayama.

The main area of the walk is the Higashiyama Temple Area, and I recommend only doing this portion. It features 12 different temples and shrines, all lined up along the course. While the temples aren’t as extravagant as those in Nikko or Kyoto, they offer a quiet, serene atmosphere right in Takayama. It’s a great way to experience classic temples in a more relaxed setting.

The Higashiyama Temple Area has bathroom facilities halfway through and at each end. The entire walk through the Higyashiyama Temple Area took us about 1.5 hours, but you can take it at your own pace. You’re in control, so whether you choose to visit just a few temples or all twelve, it’s up to you!

Homeitaigumi Preservation Area

If you have some extra time and aren’t too tired from the day’s adventures, we recommend visiting the Hometaigumi Preservation Area.

Located on the north side of Takayama’s Old Town, Homeitaigumi is similar to the famous Sanmachi Suji with its traditional edo-style homes. However, unlike Sanmachi Suji, Hometaigumi is much quieter throughout the day, making it an ideal spot if you’re seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.

Some of the buildings in Homeitaigumi now serve as museums. These traditional houses offer a glimpse into what life was like in Japan for wealthy Edo-era merchant families.

We visited the Kusakabe House just before it closed for the day, and it turned out to be the perfect time. The late visit allowed us to appreciate its architecture and atmosphere in peace, without the usual crowds.

The Kusakabe House itself is impressive, with towering wooden beams made from old-growth trees. The craftsmanship and historical details make it a must-see for anyone interested in traditional Japanese architecture.

Dinner at Tempura Ebihachi

While there are plenty of dinner options in Takayama, one restaurant we highly recommend is Tempura Ebihachi. Without a doubt, it was the best tempura we’ve ever had!

This small, cozy spot offers an intimate dining experience with a local chef and his family. Since seating is limited, you aren’t allowed to share meals, and there are no vegetarian options.

We ordered the Hana set, which included two shrimp, six vegetables, rice, and miso soup. The owner introduced us to three new ways to enjoy tempura: dipping it in salt, in curry powder, or in both!

We’ve always dipped our tempura in tempura sauce, but the salt was fantastic! That’s the only way Trey eats his tempura now. To top it off, we each enjoyed a glass of plum sake, which perfectly complemented our meal.

Other Things to Do in Takayama

• Hidatakayama Town Museum: The Hidatakayama Town Museum documents the creation of Takayama as a castle town and the art and traditions of Takayama. If you’re spending a few days in Takayama then the museum is a great first stop to get acquainted with the town. And best of all, it’s free to visit!
• Takayama Castle Ruins: A fun little adventure right in Takayama is the short hike up to the site of the Takayama Castle Ruins at Shiroyama Mountain. The only remains of the castle are some of its stone foundations, but the mountain provides views of Takayama and the Japanese Alps.
• Hida Takayama Retro Museum: The Takayama Retro Museum is similar to the Showa-Kan Museum, but is more of a hands-on place. It has retro arcade games and toys everywhere. The best part? Playing with everything in the museum is encouraged! It’s an awesome place to get lost in an old video game or pinball machine.

Other Places to Eat in Takayama

• Family Store Satoh: If you’re on a budget, this grocery store has a huge bento selection with a seating area upstairs where you can enjoy your meal. If you go in the evening, the bentos are marked down in price.
• Kiyo Musubi: Quality rice balls. The perfect snack.
• Cafe & Gallery Takayama Warajiya: This cute cafe has excellent coffee and the most delicious pudding we’ve ever had. It’s owned by a friendly elderly couple. The vibes are immaculate.

How to Get to Takayama

There are two ways to get to Takayama by public transportation: Train or bus.

Nagoya is the closest major city to Takayama, so most train routes to Takayama pass through Nagoya. If you’re taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, expect to stop in Nagoya along the way.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from these cities, which is a more budget-friendly option and only slightly longer in travel time.

For example, while the train ride from Tokyo to Takayama takes about 5 hours, the bus ride is just an hour longer at 6 hours. Plus, with the bus, there’s no need to transfer or juggle luggage between trains.

Japanese buses are clean and reliable, making them a hassle-free option, especially if you’re carrying a lot of bags. However, keep in mind they may not be as spacious or comfortable as a train.

Hotels We Recommend in Takayama

There are many different styles and price points for accommodations in Takayama.

We stayed at both a traditional Ryokan and a Western-style hotel during our visits to Takayama. Both were exceptionally wonderful, super clean, and comfortable.

Here are the places we stayed at in Takayama and our recommendations:

• Hostel Murasaki – Japanese-style ryokan: Staying in this ryokan gives you that traditional feeling like you’re in old Japan. It is also budget-friendly. The ryokan has a shared kitchen so you can cook your food and a large living room to meet other travelers.
• Hotel Wing – Western-style hotel: This hotel is a new and modern accommodation. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but a bit on the smaller side, which is normal for Japan. The lounge area in the hotel’s lobby opens up in the afternoon, so you’re free to sit and work there and enjoy free drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Takayama

When Is the Best Time to Visit Takayama?

We recommend visiting Takayama in either spring or autumn. These seasons have the best weather for exploring the town, with mild temperatures. In spring, you’ll catch the cherry blossoms in bloom, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the trees. Both times of year make for an ideal visit.

• Spring (late March to May): The weather is cool, but not too cold. The Takayama Spring Festival happens in April, around the same time as the cherry blossoms!
• Summer (June, July, and August): Summer in Takayama is the rainy season. While the weather can be nice for outdoor activities, it tends to be humid and wet during the summer.
• Autumn (October to November): The temperatures haven’t gotten too cold and the leaves start to change colors in late October and early November. The Takayama Autumn Festival also happens in October!
• Winter (December, January, and February): Winter in Takayama is cold and snowy. While there won’t be many crowds in Takayama during the winter, it is a tough time to visit since Takayama gets a decent amount of snowfall.

How many days should you stay in Takayama?

We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Takayama. There are many things to do in Takayama and 1 day isn’t enough to explore the town.

How do you get around Takayama?

You do not need a car to get around Takayama. Most things in Takayama are within walking distance of each other. For places that are just outside of the Takayama City Center, you can use the bus to get there.

Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle to get around Takayama which is what we did the first time we visited.

Here are two places in Takayama where you can rent bicycles:

• Hara Cycle Shop
• Taguchi Rental Bicycle

If you drive a car to Takayama, check with your accommodation about parking. Many places do not have on-site parking, and you may need to pay to park in a nearby lot.

Free Takayama Map

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Our Takayama YouTube Video

Are You Following Our Takayama Blog Series?

We’ve been to Takayama three times and found so many awesome things to do there. To help you plan your trip to Takayama, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.

• Our Ultimate Guide to Takayama: 14 Awesome Things to Do in Takayama
• How to plan your trip to Takayama: Takayama 2 Day Itinerary
• We attended Takayama Spring Festival and put together a guide to help you navigate the crowds: Takayama Festival: Our Complete Guide
• Our favorite hike in Takayama: Higashiyama Walking Course

I hope you enjoyed my Takayama 2 Day Itinerary!