The Picturesque City of Takayama

Takayama
高山市

Things to do in Takayama:

#1Wandering around the city

If you want to explore Takayama the best way is to take a walk in its eye-catching streets full of traditional buildings and commerces. The city id located in the Gifu Prefecture also know as Japan Alpes.

From Kanazawa, you can get there in approximately 2 hours by train. It is known for its well-preserved traditional buildings and beautiful natural surroundings. Takayama offers a glimpse into old Japan with its historic streets, traditional houses, and local crafts.

The city is also famous for its annual Takayama Festival, which showcases vibrant floats and traditional music and dance. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the quaint streets of the Old Town, visit the Takayama Jinya historic government house, and try the local delicacies like Hida beef and sake. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just enjoying the rural charm, Takayama is definitely worth a visit.

#3 Sleep in Takayama Ninja House

For a truly authentic experience, I recommend you to stay in Takayama Ninja House where you can sleep on a Japanese futon bed. The Japanese futon bed, also known as “shikibuton,” is a traditional sleeping arrangement in Japan. Unlike the typical Western mattress and bed frame, a Japanese futon is a thin, foldable mattress that is placed directly on the floor.

Sleeping on a futon has been integrated into Japanese culture for centuries and is believed to have several health benefits. It is said to provide better alignment and support for the body, promoting good posture and reducing back pain. Additionally, the simplicity and closeness to the floor create a sense of grounding and connection to nature.

#3 Visit local brewery

When exploring Takayama, you may want to stop at one of its sake breweries. In Harada Sake Brewery you can enjoy paid tasting of sake, also you can buy different products made from sake. Careful, as Japanese wine is much stronger than the typical one after your tasting session you may leave in a surprisingly happy condition 🙂

Japanese sake, also known as nihonshu, is a traditional Japanese rice wine. It has a long history and is an integral part of Japanese culture. Sake is made through the fermentation of rice using koji mold and yeast. The process involves polishing the rice grains, washing them, steaming them, and then fermenting them. The resulting liquid is then filtered and aged before it is bottled.

Sake can vary in taste, aroma, and characteristics depending on the type of rice used, the region it is produced in, and the brewing methods. Some varieties of sake are dry and crisp, while others are sweet and fruity. The alcohol content of sake typically ranges from 15% to 20%.

This rice alcoholic beverage is often enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed, although certain varieties are best served chilled. People usually enjoy it with a wide variety of foods, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and grilled meats.