Guide to Hida Takayama

Takayama-city is located in northern Gifu prefecture, about 150 miles west of Tokyo, about 110 miles northeast of Kyoto, and about 65 miles north of Nagoya-city. It is also called Hida Takayama and is a popular tourist destination in Japan. Takayama is known for its streets lined with traditional wooden buildings. The Shirakawa-go Village, one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage sites, is accessible within one hour from Takayama.

The Takayama Festival, originated in late 16th century, is held in spring and autumn every year. The spring festival is called Sanno Matsuri and takes place on April 14 and 15. The autumn one is called Hachiman Matsuri and takes place on October 9 and 10. The main feature of the festivals is gorgeous yatai (floats) which decorated with detailed carvings, tapestries, and karakuri dolls (marionettes).

Access: It takes about one hour and 40 minutes by Shikansen Nozomi train from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station. It takes 2 and half hours by JR limited express train from Nagoya Statioon to Takayama Station.
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Takayama Tourist Attractions:
Takayama Map

* Furui Machi Nami (Old Private Houses)
Old wooden buildings are lined on the east side of the Miyagawa River.
Location: San-machi, Shimonino-machi, Oshin-machi area
Access: 10-15 minute walk from JR Takayama Station

* Asa-ichi (Morning Markets)[/link]
Morrning markets which sell vegetables, fruits, and flowers are held mainly in two locations: Jinyamae Morning Market and Miyagawa Morning Market.
Time: 6 a.m.-noon (April - Oct.) 7 a.m. - noon (Nov. - March)

* Takayama Yatai Kaikan (Festival Floats Exhibition Hall)
It's located in the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and displays floats for the Takayama Festival.
Address: 178 Sakura-machi Takayama-city, Gifu
Access: 20 minute walk from JR Takayama Station
Phone: 0577-32-5100
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5p.m. (March - Nov.) / 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Dec. - Feb.)
Admission: 820 yen (adults), 510 yen (high school students), 410 yen (middle and elementary school students)

* Takayama Jinya
Takayama Jinya are used to as government offices during the Edo and Meiji periods.
Address: 1-5 Hachiken-machi Takayama-city
Access: 10 minute walk from JR Takayama Station
Phone: 0577-32-0643
Admission: 420 yen (adults), free for high, middle, and elementary school students
Hours: 8:45 a.m. - 5p.m. (March - Oct.) / 8:45a.m. - 4:30p.m. (Nov. - Feb.) / 8:45 a.m. - 6 p.m (Aug.)

* Hidano Sato (Hida Folk Village)
There are about 30 traditional Hida-style houses in which visitors can experience pottery making or traditional crafts.
Address: 1-590 Kamiokamoto-machi Takayama-city
Access: 30 minute walk from JR Takayama Station or take a taxi from the station
Phone: 0577-34-4711
Admission: 700 yen (adults) / 200 yen (middle and elementary school students)
Hours: 8: 30 a.m. - 5 p.m.