4-Day Ultimate Takayama Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Takayama, Japan on February 27, 2025

9:00AM

Morning Market

Start your day at the Takayama Morning Market to sample local produce and handmade crafts. The markets are vibrant and reflect the town's rich traditions.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hida Folk Village

Tour the open-air museum which showcases traditional farmhouses from the Hida region. It’s a great way to understand local history and architecture.
JPY700, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Heianrou

Try Hida Beef at Heianrou, a well-known restaurant that offers delicious, melt-in-your-mouth beef served in a traditional setting.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Takayama Jinya

Visit this historical government outpost from the Edo period. The beautifully crafted building with its richly detailed gardens is a significant cultural legacy.
JPY200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Stroll in Sanmachi Suji

Wander through the charming old district with wooden buildings, traditional machiya houses, and craft shops. It’s picturesque and idyllic for photography.
JPY0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Maruaki

Savor a delightful dinner of grilled Hida beef or sashimi at this popular restaurant known for fresh seafood and quality service.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Day Trip to Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, Japan on February 28, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Shirakawa-go

Take a bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go and enjoy the scenic views on your way to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Shirakawa-go Village

Stroll around this beautifully preserved traditional gassho-zukuri village, noted for its unique thatched-roof farmhouses and stunning landscapes.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shiroyamakan

Dig into delicious local dishes, including traditional soba noodles at this quaint lodge with a cozy atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Wada House

Tour one of the largest farmhouses in Shirakawa-go, which provides insight into the lifestyle and history of Japanese farmers.
JPY600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Scenic Viewpoint

Capture breathtaking views of Shirakawa-go from the viewpoint nearby. It’s a must-do for photography enthusiasts.
JPY0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Takayama

Bus back to Takayama to relax after a day of exploration.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sushi Katsu

Enjoy a delightful sushi dinner featuring local fish and seasonal ingredients. This spot is praised for its freshness and flavor.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Art and Nature

Hida Furukawa, Japan on March 1, 2025

9:00AM

Travel to Hida Furukawa

Short train ride to Hida Furukawa; a quaint town known for its waterway and white-washed buildings.
JPY500, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore the Furukawa Historic District

Wander through lovely streets lined with sake breweries and traditional buildings, immersing yourself in local history.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Hida Furukawa’s Sake Brewery

Tour a sake brewery to learn about the brewing process and taste some of the local brew, renowned for its quality.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hida Beef Restaurant

Dine on premium Hida beef served in a variety of styles, including tataki and sukiyaki, at a local restaurant.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hida no Sato

Visit the Hida no Sato for scenic walking trails and beautiful scenery. This is perfect for nature lovers and a peaceful escape.
JPY800, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Takayama

Head back to Takayama for your final evening in the area.
JPY500, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Yamakyu

Savor a delightful meal of ramen or local delicacies at this cozy restaurant, perfect for a satisfying end to your day.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Relaxation and Departure

Takayama, Japan on March 2, 2025

9:00AM

Visit Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

Explore this hall showcasing the intricate floats used in the Takayama Festival – a colorful cultural experience.
JPY500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Takayama Castle Ruins

Enjoy a short hike up to the castle ruins for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sumikawa

Final lunch at Sumikawa, where you can enjoy udon noodles and tempura in a casual, friendly setting.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Free Time for Shopping

Explore local shops for last-minute souvenirs and crafts. The area is famous for woodcrafts and sake.
JPY0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Departure

Prepare for your departure, cherishing wonderful memories of your time in Takayama.
JPY0, 2 hours