Takayama Travel Guide

One of Japan’s best-preserved cities, Takayama brims with old-world charm from its centuries-old shops and saké breweries to quaint merchant homes and temples. Located in the heart of the Japanese alps, Takayama is also home to one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional festivals, held twice a year, as well as one of the biggest morning markets in the country.

Amongst the many local treasures, you’ll find famous cuisine on every corner. Takayama’s mouth-watering Hida Beef is a delicacy not to be missed. Sample this delicious rival to the famed Kobe beef at local restaurants, such as the popular Hanaoka Dining and Bar. Explore the Takayama morning markets, one of the biggest morning markets in Japan, and you’ll also discover local produce, pickled delicacies and traditional cooking. Did you know that Takayama has produced saké for over 300 years? Don’t miss one of the town’s famous sake brewery tours. Takayama is home to a number of acclaimed saké breweries, including the historic Tenryo Saké Brewery - one of the oldest sake breweries in the Hida region, close to the centre of town. Enjoy this special alpine destination by meeting locals and relaxing at the town’s leading boutique hotel, Hotel around Takayama, Ascend Hotel Collection™, where good local experiences - from signature cuisine to hot springs - come together to blend the unique culture and climate of Japan. Let the destination reach you!

Discover the many ways this charming city has preserved its traditional essence. Only thirty minutes scenic walk from Hotel around Takayama, Ascend Hotel Collection, Hida Folk Village is a gorgeous open-air museum that is home to traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868). The Museum of Local History is another fascinating museum filled with the culture of Takayama City in a wonderfully restored building. Known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals, the Takayama Matsuri festival is held in April and October, and features vivid displays of traditional 15th century clothing along with gorgeous float processions and musical parades. Book yourself in early so you don’t miss this unforgettable procession along the Miyagawa River and through the city’s ancient districts.

What better way to enjoy the Japanese alps than by soaking in a hot tub? The Hida Takayama region is known for its hot springs, and you can relax after a day’s sight seeing by enjoying the warm pleasures of a traditional public or private onsen at Hotel around Takayama, Ascend Hotel Collection. Prepare your schedule for peace and relaxation! You can also immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience by following the Higashiyama temple Promenade from Ryuunji Temple to Shiroyama Park, near the remains of the 16th century Takayama Castle. Takayama's peaceful Teramachi district contains over 10 temples and shrines, all close to each other. Enjoy this special alpine destination by meeting locals and relaxing at the town’s leading boutique hotel, Hotel around Takayama, Ascend Hotel Collection™, where good local experiences - from signature cuisine to hot springs - come together to blend the unique culture and climate of Japan. Let the destination reach you!

Make the most of this historic Japanese alpine town by staying where locals and travelers come together. The boutique Hotel around Takayama, Ascend Hotel Collection is a stylish accommodation home to a popular local restaurant and bar that captures the flavours of the region - as well as the local stories, history and culture.