After visiting Tokyo, I wanted to try something more off the beaten path. I heard Takayama was a great option, so I decided to add it to my itinerary. Takayama is a town located in the mountains and it retains a traditional touch. The town is really cute itself, but most people stop here to visit the famous villages Shirakawa-go and Ainokura.
Here are some things you can do in Takayama:
Higashiyama Walkway
A pleasant walking route through the city’s temples and a forested pathway leading to Shiroyama Park, where you can find the ruins of Takayama’s former castle. This route is 3.5km long and covers more than a dozen temples. Even though these are not the most exciting temples, it’s a nice way to get some fresh air.
Sanmachi Suji District
Three picturesque streets in the heart of old town. In this area you can find traditional houses, shops, restaurants, sake breweries and cafes. This is a great place to eat something new, and buy a souvenir. I bought a pair of chopsticks with my friends’ name engraved in Spanish and Japanese and they loved it.
Shirakawa-go
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. It is a 50 min bus ride from Takayama, making it a popular day trip destination. The best viewpoint to see this beautiful village is from the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Lookout, where you can see eveything from above. After checking this viewpoint wander around the village and take in all its beauty.
Ainokura
This village is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gassho-zukuri thatched houses. It’s the most remote and largest village in the Gokayama region. As it is harder to get, it has been able to maintain a lot of its traditional culture. It is quieter and less touristy.
If you want more tips on how to plan your trip to Japan, check out my Japan Travel Guide
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