Takayama’s Edo-era streets, the gassho-style farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, and Gifu City’s cormorant fishing on the Nagara River.
Takayama is about 2.5 hours from Nagoya by the Hida limited express, and buses link it with Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa. This makes a good route between central Japan and Hokuriku.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesThe Sanmachi Suji streets keep Edo-period merchant houses and sake breweries. Morning markets are held daily, and Takayama Jinya is a preserved government office.
The Takayama Festival in April and October is spectacular, but rooms sell out months ahead.
Read this area guide →A World Heritage village of steep thatched farmhouses. Climb to the Shiroyama viewpoint for the classic view; some houses are open as museums or inns.
People live here: stay on paths and respect private property. Winter light-up evenings need reservations.
Read this area guide →From mid-May to mid-October, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River is watched from boats at night. Gifu Castle sits on Mount Kinka, reached by ropeway.
Gifu Station is about 20 minutes from Nagoya by JR.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Takayama morning market and Sanmachi Suji.
Hida beef sushi or a Hida beef lunch.
Bus to Shirakawa-go and the viewpoint.
Return to Takayama, or stay in a farmhouse inn.
Try Hida beef, Takayama ramen, mitarashi dango and sweetfish from the Nagara River.
Takayama has ryokan and hotels near the station. Shirakawa-go farmhouse inns are few, so book early. Gero Onsen is a classic hot-spring stop.
Hida limited express from Nagoya to Gero and Takayama. Buses link Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa; reserve seats in busy seasons.
