For those who want to learn about the main tourist sites
This course is recommended for those who want to see Takayama’s tourist sites and learn the city’s history.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- JR Takayama Station
(10 minute walk) - Hida Kokubunji Temple
The temple is characterized by a 1,200-year old ginkgo tree and a three-storied pagoda. The main hall of the temple was built sometime between the 14th and the 16th century.
(10 minute walk) - Miyagawa Morning Market
Stalls are lined up along the east side of Miyagawa River. The vendors sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, flowers and folk crafts.
(5-7 minute walk) - Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
The shrine was established when samurai warriors prayed for victory around the 4th century at the site. After various periods of prosperity and devastation over the years, the shrine was restored in the 17th century. It was burned down in a large-scale fire in the 19th century, but it was built again. The shrine has a long history. - Takayama Yatai Kaikan (Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall)
The hall is located in the precinct of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. The yatai floats for the Autumn Takayama Festival are displayed on a rotating basis three times a year.
(10 minute walk) - Furui-Machinami (Old Township)
Traditional townhouses which were established between the 17th and the 19th century line the streets here. The streets retain these historical symbols of the once flourishing merchant town.
(5-7 minute walk) - Hida Takayama Machi no Hakubutsukan (Takayama Museum of History and Art)
This museum contains exhibits on the local history of the region, as well as displays of arts, crafts and traditional cultural artifacts—all of which have changed and evolved throughout the history of Takayama.
(5-7 minute walk) - Takayama Jinya (Historical Government House)
Takayama came under the direct control of the Edo Shogunate (the central government of Japan at that time) at the end of the 17th century. Takayama Jinya was the location where an administrative official dispatched from the shogunate managed local affairs. In Japan, Takayama is the only place where such an ancient government building still remains.
(5-20 minute walk) - JR Takayama Station