Sharing a quick journal from one of my spring trips to Japan. I originally planned to explore Nagano and Shirakawago, and while Takayama was supposed to be just a stop along the way, I decided to stay overnight. I'm so glad I did.
While planning, I found out there’s actually a lot to see and do in Takayama. It would have been a shame to just pass through without exploring.
First order of business when I arrived? Lunch, of course. I headed straight for a bowl of the famous Takayama Ramen (you’ll find the spot in my photos, and yes, it’s worth it).
After that, I wandered around the charming Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji) and went on a little food trip. The streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings, local shops, and plenty of delicious snacks to try.
I eventually made my way to my guesthouse to check in. It was a bit of a walk from the center, but still doable. The owner is incredibly kind. If you're carrying bags or tired from exploring, you can actually request a pick-up.
One of the perks of staying a little outside the main area is that it’s walking distance to Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato), a beautiful open-air museum showcasing traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. It’s such a peaceful place, especially in spring.
After exploring, I wanted to wind down with a soak in an onsen and found one that’s tourist-friendly at the Green Hotel, just a short walk from my guesthouse. I highly recommend it for a relaxing evening.
Dinner plans didn’t go quite as expected since most restaurants were already closed by the time I got back. I ended up at Yoshinoya, which turned out to be a win. It’s open 24/7 and always hits the spot.
The next morning, before catching my bus to Shirakawago, I stopped by the Miyagawa Morning Market, picked up a few souvenirs, and of course, squeezed in one last food trip.
I hope this little journal helps you with your own Takayama travel plans. It’s definitely worth staying at least a night if you can.
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