Takayama, Gifu Prefecture

11th May 2014 - Takayama

Takayama is a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 92,369 and a population density of 42 persons per km². The total area is 2,177.67 km². Wikipedia

Area: 2,178 km²

Weather: 9°C, Wind NW at 2 m/s, 89% Humidity

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5900.html

Takayama (高山) is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. To differentiate it from other places named Takayama, the city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama. Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. It now ranks as one of the prime candidates among travelers wishing to add a rural element into their itineraries.

Takayama gained importance as a source of high quality timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages. The city was consequently put under direct control of the shogun and enjoyed quite a bit of prosperity considering its remote mountain location. The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is considered one of Japan's best festivals.

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Only local train is available from Nagoya to Takayama.. 2h 15m on a direct local train costing ¥2,680 + ¥6,700 (one way), but worthwhile with the breathtaking scenery of the Japanese Alps and rivers along the way.

Takayama is such a little town, everything is accessible just by walking. There is also a bag locker in the station for those who need to keep their stuff while enjoying the traditional Takayama. 

Information and tourist center is just outside the station where you can grab your map or should you wish for a side trip.

Nohi bus is also available at the bus stn if you want to reach the Hida folk village. A one round ticket is only ¥210 whilst one day bus pass is ¥630 and Hida folk village set ticket (bus + admission fee) is ¥930. I highly recommend to take this bus to enjoy the scenic view of the Japanese Alps and overview of the Takayama town.

Now going back to Takayama town.. there are 2 morning markets open daily until 12pm - Miyagawa and Jinya mae.. Miyagawa is longer and located along the Miyagawa river with variety of choices.

The rest are mostly shrines and temples.. but dont forget the Old private houses..! Trishaw boys are also at service for ¥5000 per 30 mins.

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Now lets go further.. the Okuhida Onsen-go hot spring village. To do this you have to spend the night at Takayama so that you can start early. Just grab a bus from Takayama stn from 07:00 (next bus is 40 mins later I.e 07:40 and hourly at 08:40 and so forth until 18:40) and you will arrive at Shinhotaka Ropeway (cable car) 1h 45mins later. The ticket price is ¥2,160 (one way).

From the Ropeway stn you can board the bus back to Takayama from as early as 06:20 until 17:55 (last bus).

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Fukuji Onsen - an onsen village nestled deep in the mountains with a very nostalgic atmosphere. A must see Snow Wall in Norikura, open from mid May until end June yearly promises an experience you may not get anywhere else. 

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There is also tour bus with lunch provided to famous villages around Takayama (English guide available) for the price of ¥6,000++.

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Well that ends my Takayama note.. there are so much to show but too little space....

Till then.. ♧♧♧♡♡♡