Oct 25, 2012 - 1 min read

Old Town, Takayama

A rendezvous with the Edo period

By Varsha Vaswati

Community writer

The wide leveled roads leading to the narrow streets of the Old Town

Quaint and beautiful @Old Town, Takayama. See the drainage system ?

With lines of handicraft and souvenir shops, this place is perfect for some leisurely strolls

The streets provided for ample unique sights and arrangements like this one

You can either walk through the streets or hop on these rickshaws for a royal ride

Time for some warm sake at one of the breweries

On our way to Shirakawa-go, we made it a point to halt at and experience Takayama, a quaint little city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu prefecture. It was a lovely cool March afternoon just perfect for a leisurely stroll through the beautifully preserved old Edo period town lined with shops selling everything from snow boots to wooden handicrafts of Takayama. This place is remarkably different from what we had ever seen all through Japan. There is a calmness in the air and a touch of heritage and history in every shop and house, every street and handicraft.

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By Varsha Vaswati

Community writer

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Kim Bergström 6 years ago

I love all the stores with local handicrafts! It's one of my favorite things about wandering the streets of this part of Japan.

Anonymous 12 years ago

Ross, glad you liked Takayama. Those are great photos. It's a very beautiful area. Some say that the Hida region, in which Takayama sits, is like a different Japan. They are even different from the southern half of the prefecture. Did you go by train or car? October through November is a great time as the leaves are changing and the harvest food starts showing up.

I would say you need even more than 2-nights. To cover Takayama, Furukawa, the Okuhida onsens and Shirakawa-go...minimum of three. From there go on to Gujo and Mino cities.

Ross-Barry Finlayson 12 years ago

I was in Takayama earlier this year with my family and again in late October. Whatever your interest, as an outdoor person, there is plenty in the area for you to see/experience. If you plan to visit Takayama, stay at least 2-nights.

3 comments in total