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Takayama Tourist Map, Takayama Old Town Map
This Takayama Tourist Map will help you quickly locate all the key attractions, with a special focus on the stunning Takayama Old Town Map.
- Takayama Old Town
A beautifully preserved Edo-period district with traditional lattice-windowed merchant houses. Here, you can find shops selling Hida beef skewers, local sake, and unique crafts.
The main scenic streets include Ichin-no-Machi, Ni-no-Machi, and San-no-Machi!
The entire Traditional Buildings Preservation District, including its core area and surrounding alleys, spans 16.4 hectares.
To help you navigate, there are 2 landmarks to look out for! First, a red mailbox at the entrance to Ichi-no-Machi marks the transition from the modern to the traditional area.
Second, in front of the Takayama Jinya, you'll find an Old Town map monument that lists the numbers of all the preserved buildings.
- Takayama Jinya
The only remaining Edo-period government office building in Japan, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient tax and justice systems. (Admission: ¥440)
- Hida Kokubunji Temple
Takayama's oldest temple, known for its three-story pagoda and a magnificent 1,200-year-old ginkgo tree that is especially beautiful in winter.
- Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
Home of the famous Takayama Festival, held every October. This festival is one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals, and you can see the magnificent floats here.
- Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall
An annex of the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, this hall displays the elaborate festival floats. You can get a close-up look at their intricate carvings and gold leaf decorations. (Admission: ¥1,000, includes an audio guide)
- Hida Folk Village
An open-air museum showcasing traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and tools. Here, you can experience traditional crafts like weaving or making soba noodles. (Admission: ¥700)
- Miyagawa Morning Market
Held daily from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (longer in summer) along the Miyagawa River, this market is full of fresh produce, handmade snacks, and local treasures. It's free to enter, but you'll surely want to buy something!
- Takayama Showa Museum
A retro museum that recreates the streets, shops, and homes of Japan's nostalgic Showa period. (Admission: ¥1,000)
- Hie Shrine
A beautiful, quiet shrine known for its connection to the movie Your Name. The grounds are home to a majestic, 43-meter-tall cedar tree over a thousand years old.
- Yoshijima Heritage House
A national cultural asset and former sake brewery from the Meiji period, famous for its beautifully crafted wooden ceilings and serene aesthetic. (Admission: ¥500)
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Takayama Sightseeing Map: A Classic Day Trip Route on Takayama Map
Let us help you make the most of your time here! Our day trip route, which you can follow on our Takayama sightseeing map, combine history, culture and food.
Follow the Route: Miyagawa Morning Market → Takayama Old Town → Takayama Jinya → Yoshijima Heritage House → Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall
Start your morning at the vibrant Miyagawa Morning Market for local snacks and crafts. Then, stroll through the Edo-period streets of Takayama Old Town, trying local sake or a Hida beef bun.
Your next stop is Takayama Jinya, Japan's only remaining Edo-era government building. Afterward, visit the Yoshijima Heritage House to admire its stunning traditional architecture.
End your day at the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall, where you can see the magnificent, gilded floats from the famous festival.
Higashiyama Walking Course Map: A Tranquil Escape
If you want a break from the lively city center, our Higashiyama Walking Course Map (Takayama Walking Map) will guide you along a peaceful trail, located just east of Takayama's Old Town.
This 5.5-kilometer route winds through Takayama's Higashiyama area, connecting over a dozen ancient temples and shrines. It takes about 2-3 hours to complete and is beautiful in spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for vibrant fall colors.
| Starting Point | Unryu-ji Temple | A temple of the Kanamori family, with a bell tower relocated from Takayama Castle in 1590. |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Cluster | Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine | The area's oldest shrine (719 AD), home to a festival float and Hida-carved guardian dogs. |
| Daio-ji Temple | Known for the oldest clock tower in the Hida region, a two-story main gate, and a striking "Hell Painting" mural. | |
| Sogen-ji Temple | A mausoleum for the Kanamori family, marked by its distinct bronze roof. | |
| Higashiyama Shinmei Shrine | The temple's Ema-den (votive picture hall) was relocated from Takayama Castle. | |
| Tensho-ji Temple | An autumn foliage hotspot with rare wooden elephant carvings on its pillars. We highly recommend visiting during the fall! | |
| Zenn'o-ji Temple | Offers Buddhist meditation experiences (advance reservations required). | |
| Soyu-ji Temple | The largest temple in the area, dedicated to the third lord of the Kanamori family. | |
| Ending Point | Shiroyama Park | The ruins of Takayama Castle (only the stone base remains), a popular cherry blossom spot in spring, and a fantastic city observatory. |
If you're short on time, a great 2-hour condensed route is from Unryu-ji Temple → Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine → Tensho-ji Temple → Soyu-ji Temple. This allows you to focus on the oldest shrine and the best autumn foliage viewing spots.
16 Famous Temples in Japan | Japanese Temples & Shrines (Ultimate Guide)
Where Is Takayama Located? Find its Location on Takayama Map Now
Now, let's get our bearings! Following the map of Takayama Japan, you'll see that Takayama City is located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, in the Hida region.
It's about 150 km from Nagoya and 350 km from Tokyo, making it a key stop on any central Japan itinerary, connecting you to destinations like Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa.
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How to Get from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (All Transport Options)
How to Get to Takayama from Tokyo? Check the Route on Our Takayama Map
So, how do you get here? Nagoya is the most common gateway. Our Takayama map shows the best travel options from Tokyo.
| Transport Options | Travel Time | Frequency | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen + JR Train (Nagoya Transfer) | 4h | Shinkansen 2-3/hr, Express from Nagoya 1-2/hr | Fast, but expensive |
| Night Bus (Direct) | 7-8h | 1-2 daily (21:00-23:00) | Long travel time, but you've got saves on accommodation |
| Car (Direct) | 5-6h | Anytime | Flexible, convenient, and great for families |
For speed, the Shinkansen and JR train will get you there in about 4 hours, but it's the most expensive option and requires a transfer in Nagoya.
If you're on a budget, a direct night bus is a smart choice, saving you on accommodation even with its longer 7-8 hour journey.
For flexibility and convenience, especially for families, my top pick is traveling by car, which takes about 5-6 hours and lets you travel on your own schedule. Contact Asia Odyssey Travel!
How to Get to Takayama from Tokyo: Direct or Transfer Options?
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass Map: Let’s Figure Out Local Transportation on Map
Wondering how to get around Takayama and beyond? This Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass Map shows the coverage for the Hida and Hokuriku regions, and it's the best transport ticket for exploring the area.
It's a money-saver and a travel planner all in one!
| Pass Details | Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 consecutive days |
| Price | Approx. ¥19,000 (Adults); ¥9,900 (Children) |
| Applicable Transportation | Hokuriku Shinkansen: Toyama to Tsuruga (reserved seats available) |
| JR Lines: JR Tokaido Main Line (Nagoya-Gifu, Kyoto-Osaka), JR Takayama Main Line, JR Hokuriku Main Line, JR Kosei Line, JR Osaka Loop Line, JR Hanwa Line, JR Kansai Airport Line | |
| Buses: Nohi Bus, Hokuriku Bus, Meitetsu Bus, Toyama Local Railway Bus, Dolphin Traffic Bus, Kaetsuno Bus |
With this pass, you can easily map out your journey from Nagoya.
Imagine starting your tour there, then taking a JR train to Takayama. From Takayama, you can use the pass to hop on a Nohi Bus to the iconic villages of Shirakawa-go and the beautiful city of Kanazawa.
You can even take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga, followed by a JR train all the way to Kyoto or Osaka, making it a seamless trip through the heart of Japan.
DON'T let trip planning stress you out! Contact Asia Odyssey Travel! We're here to help you every step of the way. Check our 7 Days Classic Central Japan Tour for All Ages >>
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel with our Takayama Maps, Easy & Fun!
Asia Odyssey Travel (Tokyo, Japan) offers a stress-free way to explore Takayama, especially for families. Our services ensure you don't have to worry about a thing!
✅ We provide a private, English-speaking guide to lead you through Takayama's Old Town and the Yoshijima Heritage House.
✅ Our all-inclusive packages cover everything, including local transportation such as the trips from Tokyo to Takayama, Tokyo to Nagoya, Nagoya to Kanazawa, or Takayama to Shirakawa-go, lodging, lunch and more.
✅ Various themed Japan adventures provided, including Japan Food, Garden, Anime, Golf, Cherry Blossom, family tours, etc.
Book your journey to Japan with us now, your local pal!
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