Takayama Japan

Takayama (高山市) located in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan is famous for its beautifully preserved old town. It is a small beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts. Takayama is a rare place in Japan because it has managed to retain its traditional charm with its traditional inns, shops and sake breweries still in operation. The main town is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle and I recommend at least 2 days to fully enjoy the place.

A favourite sight to visit for me is the Hida Takayama Folk Village (Hida Minzoku Mura), which is a large open air museum featuring dozens of traditional houses that once belonged to the craftspeople and farmers in the Takayama region.

Hida Takayama Folk Village

Takayama is also famous for its food including specialities such as miso, ramen, mountain vegetables and Hida beef. Walking through the city is a taste sensation. A favourite of mine is Hida beef sushi. 

Hida beef sushi in Takayama

The Takayama festival (Sanno Matsuri) held in April, is rated as one of the three great festivals in Japan. You can check out the floats used in the famous festival at the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. The yatai or floats date from the 17^th century and are spectacular creations with magnificent carvings, metalwork and lacquerwork.

Festival Float in Takayama

I love visiting Takayama in Winter as it is a white wonderland with snow and ice dominating its landscape. It is my favourite time of year to visit the city. I love staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) soaking in one of the many onsens (hot springs) in the mountains above Takayama and feasting on the world famous Hida beef from the region. Winter is the best time to visit Takayama.

Takayama landscape in winter

This is my submission to the January 2012 J-Festa Winter in Japan