Ultimate Takayama 1-Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do & Eat
Nestled deep in Japan’s Alps, Takayama is a beautifully preserved town that captures the charm of old Japan. With its Edo-period streets, riverside morning markets, and world-famous Hida beef, this mountain destination feels like stepping into a living postcard.
This Takayama 1-day itinerary blends local culture, delicious food, and timeless architecture—from tasting freshly grilled rice balls at the Miyagawa Morning Market to strolling the historic Sanmachi Suji district and ending the day with a warm bowl of sukiyaki.
This charming alpine town was just one stop on our multi-city Japan journey that spanned bustling cities, tranquil villages, and unforgettable food experiences. Check out my complete Japan itinerary for the full route, travel tips, and day-by-day highlights to help you plan your own dream trip.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you — if you make a purchase through them. You can read my full disclaimer here.
Planning Your Trip
How to Get There
- From Matsumoto: The direct Nohi Bus takes about 2.5 hours with a quick rest stop and sweeping mountain views. Reserve tickets a day in advance, especially in peak seasons.
- From Tokyo or Nagoya:
- Train: Take the JR Hida Limited Express from Nagoya to Takayama (around 2.5 hours).
- Highway Bus: Direct buses run from both Tokyo and Nagoya if you prefer a budget-friendly option.
Where to Stay
Takayama’s compact size makes it easy to stay near the station or old town.
- Traditional Ryokan: Experience tatami rooms and onsen baths at places like Ryokan Tanabe or Oyado Koto No Yume.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama and Takayama Ouan offer modern comforts within walking distance of Sanmachi Suji.
- Budget/Hostels: Sakura Guest House and K’s House Takayama are clean, social, and wallet-friendly.
How to Get Around
Takayama is very walkable—most sights are within a 10–15 minute stroll from the station.
- Bus: For Hida no Sato or farther attractions, the Sarubobo Bus makes loops every 30 minutes.
- Bicycle: Rental bikes are available near the station if you prefer to explore at a slower pace.
Local Food & Café Recommendations
Takayama is a foodie’s delight, with Hida beef taking center stage.
- Hida Beef Sushi: Grab a melt-in-your-mouth bite at Hida Kotte Ushi near Sanmachi Suji.
- Sukiyaki or Shabu-Shabu: Try Wakachiya (featured in your vlog) for premium Hida beef hotpot.
- Takayama Ramen: Warm up with the region’s signature soy-based ramen at Menya Shirakawa or Mametengu Honten.
- Street Snacks: Don’t miss mitarashi dango (soy-glazed rice balls) at the morning market.
- Café: Don serves excellent brews in charming, old-town settings.
A Day in Takayama: Morning Market, Hida Folk Village & Timeless Streets
After exploring Matsumoto, we made our way deeper into the Japanese Alps — to Takayama, a small mountain town that feels like it’s been frozen in time. Known for its beautifully preserved streets, local crafts, and famous Hida beef, Takayama offers the perfect mix of culture, food, and slow travel vibes.
We left Matsumoto early in the morning, hopping on a scenic 2-hour bus ride through winding mountain roads. The views were incredible — misty peaks, tiny villages, and a quick roadside stop where we grabbed some warm coffee to keep us going.
Once we arrived in Takayama, we dropped off our luggage at the hotel and headed straight out to catch the last few hours of the famous Miyagawa Morning Market — the perfect way to start the day.
Miyagawa Morning Market
Open daily from 7 AM to 12 PM, this riverside market is the heartbeat of Takayama mornings. Stalls line both sides of the river, overflowing with colorful produce, handmade crafts, and steaming local snacks.
We wandered through the lively atmosphere, sampling treats along the way.
Don’t miss: Mitarashi dango (sticky rice balls brushed with soy sauce) and the iconic Hida beef sushi, known for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Pen Shop IMAI
Just across the street from the market sits a hidden gem — Pen Shop IMAI. This cozy stationery shop feels like a treasure box filled with beautiful Japanese notebooks, washi tapes, and calligraphy pens.
If you love journaling or collecting pretty paper goods, this place is heaven.
Good to know: Purchases over ¥5,500 are tax-free—perfect excuse to stock up on elegant Japanese paper goods.
Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village)
After lunch, we hopped on a short bus ride to Hida no Sato, an open-air museum that feels like stepping back in time. Over 30 traditional gasshō-zukuri farmhouses from around the Hida region were carefully relocated here. Some of the houses here are over 250 years old — it’s like walking through a living museum.
Each house tells a story — with steep thatched roofs built to survive heavy alpine snowfall and interiors showcasing rural life from centuries ago. We wandered past serene ponds, autumn-colored trees, and even played some traditional wooden games.
Sanmachi Suji Historic District
Back in the old town, we strolled through Sanmachi Suji, Takayama’s beautifully preserved historic district. Narrow streets lined with wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and quaint cafés made it feel like a movie set.
We stopped for a sake tasting and ended up loving a citrusy lemon blend — light, refreshing, and surprisingly smooth. We even brought home the tiny tasting cups as souvenirs.
Wakachiya
We ended the day with something truly special — our first-ever Hida beef sukiyaki dinner at Wakachiya. The staff were incredibly friendly and guided us through the delicate cooking process, letting the marbled slices of beef simmer in sweet soy broth.
The flavor was unbelievable — rich, buttery, and full of umami. Every bite was melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
The Takeaway
Takayama is the kind of town that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. This Takayama 1-day itinerary proves that even with limited time, you can experience the best of what this alpine gem has to offer. From the lively Miyagawa Morning Market to the quiet charm of Hida no Sato and the rich flavor of perfectly marbled Hida beef, every corner offers a glimpse of old Japan at its most welcoming.
Whether you’re visiting as a day trip from Matsumoto, adding it to a longer Japan journey, or staying a few nights to slow down, Takayama rewards those who wander its streets with curiosity—and an appetite. Come for the mountain views, stay for the warmth of its history and flavors, and you’ll leave with a camera full of timeless scenes and a heart that wants to return.
If you’re exploring the Japanese Alps, carve out a day (or two!) for Takayama—you’ll leave with full hearts, happy taste buds, and a camera roll of timeless streets.
If you’re following along on my Japan trip, this is Part 3 after exploring Tokyo and Matsumoto. Next stop — Kanazawa, a city where tradition meets modern charm, filled with samurai districts, stunning gardens, and local seafood delights. Stay tuned for that one!
Enjoyed this guide? Share it with a friend who’s planning their next adventure!
AUTHOR
Written by Princess — Helping first-time travelers explore the world stress-free.
