Sake Tasting and Temples in Takayama

Takayama is a cute and cozy little town located in the heart of the Japanese Alps in the Gifu Prefecture, around 115 km away from Kanazawa. Definitely, a place to relax, have nice walks and enjoy traditional Japanese architecture.

Takayama facts

• Also known as Hida-Takayama to differ from other Takayamas around Japan
• Takayama can be translated to tall mountain
• In history, it’s famous for its carpentry

How to get to Takayama

From Kanazawa

Price: 3390 Yen (ca.25,30 €/ ca. $30)

You can take a bus from Kanazawa to Takayama leaving several times a day. The trip takes around 2 hours.

We absolutely recommend you a stopover in Shirakawago, which is located around halfway. (Find my post about Shirakawago here.)

From Matsumoto

Price: 3190 Yen (ca. 23,85 €/ ca. $28,15)

You can take the bus from Matsumoto to Takayama several times a day. It takes around 2,5 hours.

You can as well take the train from Matsumoto to Takayama via Nagoya. But this kind of transport will not only take you longer but also cost you around 10.500 Yen.

Where to stay in Takayama

We spent two nights in the J-Hopper Hostel. (Click here to see the latest prices, discounts, and availability) I can just recommend this hostel for everyone that wants to go to Takayama. The rooms were pretty comfortable and offered sufficient privacy due to curtains around the beds but still gives you enough space to meet other travelers, e.g. in the common room downstairs. The price is more than fair.

What to see in Takayama?

In Takayama, there is not anything like the “main attraction“. It’s more about the atmosphere this little sleepy town provides. Takayama is perfect to walk around in and enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture, its hospitable locals, and delicious food.

Takayama is surrounded by magnificent nature and therefore perfect for hiking and long walks through the Japanese nature.

The Morning Market of Takayama

Another great recommendation for your stay in Takayama is a visit at one of the two popular morning markets. In the morning until 12 pm, you can walk around and discover what the locals offer. Besides souvenirs, you will find a great selection of fresh food to choose from. So yummy! It was hard to choose. 😉

Temples in Takayama

Who walks around Takayama will find many small temples around the city. The further you walk, the more temples you will probably find. 

The most popular temples in Takayama are the Dairyuji Temple, the Shounji Temple, and the Hie Shrine. 

Sake tasting in Takayama

Where: Different options throughout Takayama

Price: 200 Yen (1,50€/ $1,78)

I’d be lying if I told you our highlight wasn’t trying every single one of the Sake being offered in this winery in Takayama. You can pay 200 Yen and try all the 12 different kinds of Sake they offer. The little mug you receive in order to try the Sake is included in the price and can be taken home afterward as a souvenir.

Most people around us actually just tried some of the Sakes. But we acted be brave going through all of them. 

BUT, better do yourself a favor and don’t do it on empty stomach. You might end up more tipsy than you want to. 😉

By the way, our favorite was the dry Sake. 

Have you been to Takayama? Which Sake did you like best? Let me know in the comments below.