Nagoya station

Takayama was a memorable stop for our Japan trip adventure back in late February 2020. Known for its beautifully preserved history and alpine surroundings, it offered a wonderful contrast to the bigger cities.

We bought a 5 days JR pass (S$152.50) for this trip and activated it on the day we leave Nagoya for Takayama.

Link to JR pass: Klook JR pass

Stayed for 2 Nights in Takayama

Took an early JR train from Nagoya.

The train, it was empty as this was the beginning of COVID period and people started to cancel their travel plans

The nice scenery on the way to Takayama

Journey from Nagoya station to Takayama station is about 2 hours - 2 hr 30 min ++ depending on the type of train.

We took the JR Hida line, about 4 stops from Nagoya at took 2hr 15min!

Takayama station - nicely renovated

After reaching, we actually rushed to reserve the bus ticket for Shirakawa Go and also went to the hotel to store our luggage as we have to rush for a few activities.

Try Takayama Ramen!

Had a quick lunch at a nearby restaurant near Takayama station

We had forgotten the name of the restaurant and unsure whether they survived covid period.

but this restaurant was selling Takayama ramen and it tastes sooo good, we went there twice during our stay in Takayama.

Takayama ramen

Chicken Karaage

Bus to Shirakawa Go

First attraction will be Shirakawa Go.

We pre-reserved the bus ticket when we reached Takayama, its a Monday and we were able to get the bus ticket.

Be sure to check the bus timing and book the bus ticket in advance if possible.

we took this NohiBus: Nouhibus , journey about 50 mins

Best scenery on the way to Shirakawa go

Shirakawa go

Quick snacks

really sweet!

Great weather, we were able to see the snow on the mountain

Mini snowman built by other tourists

the Mountains

Walk around the Shirakawa Go village

Nearby river with a great view

We took a bus up a mini hill to get a full glimpse of the Famous Shirakawa Go
*There is a small fee for the bus (forgotten how much)

We were allowed to take photos with the sign and background of the Shirakawa go

Took the same bus back after and alight at Takayama station.

Grateful for the perfect weather, the sky were so clear and it makes every scenery looks really beautiful.

Hotel in Takayama for 2 Nights: Hotel Kuretakeso Takayama ekimae

about 2min walk from the train station

not too bad , its a typical Japanese hotel

Hotel room in Takayama

The view outside the hotel

Hida no Sato Hida Folk Village winter illumination

In the evening, we went to the Hida no Sato Folk village to see the Winter Illumination lights.

Winter Illumination is only available for a limited period so it is best to check online.

(usually between January to End February annually)

Took the Nohi bus as well (Best to Check the bus timing in advance, there are not many timeslot)

Bus ride: about 20 minutes

There is also an admission fee for to enter the village.

Beautiful winter illumination in Hida no Sato Folk village

The houses here looks like the one in Shirakawa Go

With water reflection

We took the same Nohi bus back to Takayama station after that.

*Do note to keep track of the bus schedule and the last bus.

Try Hida beef when you are in the Hida/Gifu region!

Dinner at Ajikura tengoku beef for Best Hida beef in Takayama

Address: Japan, 〒506-0026 Gifu, Takayama, Hanasatomachi, 4 Chome−４−308

Website: https://www.ajikura.jp/

This restaurant is located about less than 5 mins walk from Takayama station.

They are selling the Must Try Hida beef in Yakiniku style

Also they have english menu as well!

We ordered the beef platter which costs about JPY 10,000 and no regrets, it was one of the best~

One of the best Beef Yakiniku, fresh and tender texture

Try the Hida Milk when you are in the Gifu region

You can get this packet milk in any convenience store

The milk is really delicious and sweet~ worth the try !

Hida region Milk

Day 2 in Takayama

Started the day early by visiting the Miyagawa Morning Markets (宮川朝市)

It is Situated along the eastern bank of the scenic Miyagawa River in the old town area.

We can find fresh produce, flowers, pickles, regional snacks, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.

Opening hour: Mon-Sun 8am to about noon

We walked from our hotel to the Morning Market, about 5-10min

It was really crowded when we visited the morning market likely because of the cold at -1 degree Celsius.

A peaceful and very localised area

Most of the people there are locals

Sanmachi-suji District 三町筋

We walked to Sanmachi Suji district from the morning market.

it was about less than 10 min walk under this nice cold weather!

The Sanmachi-suji District, often referred to as Takayama Old Town.

This charming area consists mainly of three streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, many dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1867).

Once the bustling merchant center, today it houses sake breweries (identifiable by large cedar balls called sugidama), craft shops, restaurants, cafes, and museums, offering visitors a delightful step back in time and a taste of feudal Japan's atmosphere.

Really beautiful old district that bring us back to the Edo period.
if you have enough time, try visit this place in the evening for a different view

Building at the Sanmachi-suji District

Visit Shinhotaka ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ)

We walked back to Takayama station after that and prepare to visit the Shinhotaka ropeway

Took the Nohi Bus from takayama station as well!

Be sure to check before visiting:

The Shinhotaka Ropeway website to confirm if they are operating on that day as it may be suspended due to bad weather.
Also the bus schedule as there are limited timeslot and buses going there. Bus: https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/route_bus/shinhotaka-line-en/

Journey: 1hr 45min as the bus also stops at other locations