| Location | Outdoor |
| Additional service & facility | Photography service |
Operating hours are from 8am until sunset, and once your reservation is confirmed, the time and specific location can be adjusted to suit your schedule.
(Please contact us separately for night photography outside of the listed hours.)
Once your reservation is confirmed, our staff will guide you through the insurance registration for "Cashless medical treatment in the event of injury or illness during the tour (tour date = insurance application date)." Please fill out the information form.
Please note that if you do not fill out this form, we will not be able to register your insurance.
Hida refers to the ancient province and the broader mountainous region in Gifu Prefecture. Takayama is a city within this Hida region, often called "Hida Takayama" due to its historical significance and as the main gateway. When planning a visit, "Hida Takayama" typically refers to Takayama City, known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets, traditional houses, and rich cultural heritage, making it the primary destination for travelers.
Hida Takayama boasts several cultural highlights. The Sanmachi Suji old town offers a glimpse into Edo-period Japan with its traditional merchant houses, sake breweries, and craft shops. Visitors can explore the morning markets (Jinya-mae and Miyagawa) for local produce and crafts. The Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall showcases intricate floats from the famous Takayama Festival. Trying Hida beef and local sake is also a quintessential cultural experience.
Hida Takayama's appeal lies in its remarkably preserved Edo-period townscape, offering an authentic journey back in time. The traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and waterways evoke a nostalgic charm. It's renowned for its local crafts like Hida-shunkei lacquerware and wood carving, and the vibrant Takayama Festival is celebrated twice a year. The serene mountain setting and distinct regional cuisine, particularly Hida beef, further enhance its allure for those seeking a deep cultural immersion.
Hida Furukawa, a smaller town near Takayama, offers a more tranquil and intimate experience. It's famous for its picturesque white-walled storehouses lining the Seto River, where thousands of carp swim. This serene atmosphere is a distinct contrast to the slightly larger and more bustling Takayama. Furukawa also holds the Furukawa Festival, another impressive parade of floats. It provides a peaceful retreat and a chance to explore traditional Japanese townscapes on a more relaxed scale.
The most common ways to reach Hida Takayama are by train or bus. From Nagoya, the JR Hida Limited Express train offers a scenic journey directly to Takayama Station. Buses are also available from Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo, providing a more economical option. From Tokyo, taking the Shinkansen to Nagoya and then transferring to the JR Hida Limited Express is generally the fastest rail route. Direct highway buses from Shinjuku, Tokyo, are also an option.
Hida Furukawa is very easily accessible by train. It's located just one stop north of Takayama on the JR Takayama Line. The train journey from Takayama Station to Hida-Furukawa Station is short, typically taking about 15 minutes. Trains run frequently, making it a convenient option for a day trip from Takayama. The station is also centrally located, allowing for easy exploration of the town on foot.
For memorable photos in Hida Takayama, the Sanmachi Suji historic district is a must, especially during quieter mornings or evenings. The Miyagawa Morning Market and Jinya-mae Market offer vibrant scenes. Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) provides traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses set against a natural backdrop. For panoramic views, Shiroyama Park offers excellent vantage points, particularly during cherry blossom season or autumn. The Higashiyama Walking Course also reveals serene temples and traditional gardens.
Hida Takayama offers unique beauty throughout the year. Spring (April-May) is popular for its cherry blossoms and the famous Spring Takayama Festival. Autumn (October-November) attracts visitors with stunning fall foliage and the Autumn Takayama Festival. Winter (December-March) transforms the town into a picturesque snowscape, especially enchanting with traditional architecture. Summer (June-August) is milder than other regions and offers lush greenery, perfect for exploring without extreme heat.