As a major gateway to exploring the Hida region, Takayama is the perfect city to take root when visiting Japan. If you are looking for a unique heritage and lasting heritage, it is a particularly good choice. So, a better way to persuade them to add alpine to their Japanese itinerary than sharing a guide to alpine.
The best way to reach the alpine is by train (JR line) or bus/self drive (about 5 hours drive from). Tokyo). A great stop along the way is Matsumoto Castle. This can also be accessed by public transport if you are traveling independently through Japan. Once you reach the city of alpine, here is everything you need to see, and most importantly, eat!
What should you see in the alpine mountains?
Unlike the larger Japanese cities (Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka), the advantage of visiting small cities in the region is that it has a largely untouched view of its long-standing surviving history. The local customs and traditions of locals in the HIDA region are still very popular today, and most of the charm of the alpine mountains are roaming the city and incorporating a local atmosphere!
Other sites include:
Hida People Village- To feel like you’re going back in time, head to the Open Air HIDA Folk Village Museum, where 30 realistic farmhouses showcase Japanese architecture and living style in the mountains.
Sanmachi β Still, the best attraction is wandering through the alpine towns and their endless local craft shops. Sanmachi is an old street collection that continues to live in.
Shinhotaka Ropeway – For those who want to go outside and try something more outdoors, the Shinhotaka ropeway leads you to the mountains for spectacular views, especially when cloud cover is low and standing above the clouds at sunset.
Avoid: Walk or bike
Takayama is a relatively small city and is often referred to as “small Kyoto.” Therefore, it is completely possible to roam the city and incorporate all the sites. Alternatively, you can always join locals and rent a bike. The city centre is made up of several main streets, allowing you to keep it on a geographically correct track, but the best of the alpine are the small alleys, merchant streets and back streets that you can find through your own wanderings.
Eat: Traditional Hida Cuisine
Ramen noodles – Thin noodles are cooked with a variety of additives with flavoring agents, especially in the area.
HΕba Miso – – It works with Japanese bean paste, dip or rice grilled on hoba leaves. Sounds a bit off, but it’s totally tasty!
Beef genes – For meat eaters, the Hida Beef on offer is considered the premium meat of the region and is extremely popular among visitors.
Alcohol – It is also very popular in the area, with many breweries and sake served in almost every corner of Mt. Nihonyama!
DO: Shop at the market
The Takayama Morning Market is an absolute must-see for visitors looking to admire the old Japanese traditions. Originally, this market was set up by the Farmers wife to sell produce, but that’s still happening today. Please note that the farmer’s wife leaves at about 11:30am every day. So you need to arrive early (and test your produce!)
Treat yourself: All flavors of ice cream
One thing I couldn’t go without realizing in the alpine mountains is the huge amount of soft serve ice cream served (although it’s huge all over Japan!) At certain stores, I almost stepped in with the amount of flavors on offer.
World of Wanderlust visited Japan with Trafalgar Japan’s Spurlens Tour. All opinions and photos are my own! follow me Instagram For more travel inspiration.