Manners to Observe in the "Little Kyoto of Hida"

In a basin surrounded by deep mountains, a landscape as if time has stood still unfolds. The old townscape with its series of dark brown latticed bay windows, the sugidama (cedar ball) hanging under the eaves of a sake brewery, and the clattering sound of a rickshaw on the stone pavement. Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture is a place that retains the strong character of an Edo period castle town and merchant town, earning it the name "Little Kyoto of Hida."

A trip to Takayama is more than just sightseeing for beautiful photos. It's a cultural experience that satisfies all five senses: touching the architectural beauty that brings together the best of woodworking skills, feeling the passion of the townspeople in the magnificent festivals, and delighting your palate with the rich bounty of the mountains like Hida beef and Hoba Miso.

This guide is here to help you become a gracious visitor to this historic town. The charm of Takayama is that it is a "living town" where people still conduct their daily lives and businesses, setting it apart from a tourist theme park. The manners introduced here are the essence for respecting that daily life and making your own journey deeper and more authentic.

Now, as if passing through a noren (shop curtain), let's open the door to the Edo period with respect and curiosity in our hearts.

Why was Takayama able to build such a rich and unique culture? The answer lies in the skills of its excellent artisans and the spirit of the merchants who supported them.

During the Edo period, Takayama was the center of Hida Province and became a "tenryo," territory under the direct control of the shogunate, with the "Takayama Jinya" (historical government office) established here. It prospered thanks to the rich surrounding forest resources (especially timber) and mineral resources, attracting many merchants and becoming economically very wealthy. The Kanamori clan, the castle lords of the Sengoku period, designed the town in the image of Kyoto, which laid the foundation for its "Little Kyoto of Hida" title. Later, the merchants became the bearers of culture with their financial power.

The crystallization of Takayama's culture can be said to be the "Takayama Festival," held in spring and autumn. The autumn "Hachiman Festival," in particular, features a procession of over a dozen ornate floats called "Yatai." These floats are known for their splendor, earning them the nickname "moving Yomeimon gates," and for the dedication of intricate karakuri (mechanical) puppets. They are designated as National Important Tangible and Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Owning and maintaining these floats is the pride of the merchants ("machishu") of each district and a symbol of their wealth and aesthetic sense.

Since ancient times, the woodworkers of the Hida region, known as "Hida no Takumi" (Artisans of Hida), have contributed their outstanding skills to the construction of the capital and other projects. This tradition still breathes in the townscape of Takayama. The precise joinery and beautiful latticed windows of the old houses are a showcase of the artisans' skills. The festival floats are also a culmination of the skills of Hida artisans, including sculpture, lacquering, and metalwork.

While preserving its traditional townscape, Takayama is enhancing its hands-on content for tourists to experience its culture more deeply. Popular activities include making "Sarubobo," a local folk doll, crafting small items using washi paper, and the "Sakagura Meguri" (sake brewery tour) event in winter. To avoid tourist concentration, guided tours that introduce the charms of areas outside the city center and initiatives to promote the use of public transportation are also being implemented.

As Takayama is located in a mountainous region, preparation according to the season is key to a comfortable journey.

• Limited Express Train (Recommended):
  From Nagoya: Take the JR Takayama Main Line Limited Express "Hida" directly to Takayama Station (approx. 2 hours 40 mins). You can also enjoy the beautiful valley scenery from the train window.
• From Toyama: Take the JR Takayama Main Line Limited Express "Hida" to Takayama Station (approx. 1 hour 30 mins). Good access from the Hokuriku Shinkansen as well.
• Express Bus: Many express buses run to Takayama from major cities such as Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kanazawa, and they are relatively affordable.

• Autumn (October-November): The autumn Takayama Festival (Oct 9-10) is a major highlight. The autumn colors in the old town are also beautiful. Days are comfortable, but mornings and evenings are chilly, so a jacket or sweater is necessary.
• Winter (December-February): Snow falls and the old town turns into a beautiful world like an ink painting. Temperatures often drop below freezing, so a down jacket, hat, gloves, and non-slip winter shoes are essential.

The townscape of Takayama coexists with the lives of the people who live there. Let's be mindful of respectful behavior.

• Sanmachi Suji: The heart of the "old town." Lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and sake breweries, it's the most bustling area.
• Takayama Jinya: The only remaining historical government office from the Edo period in Japan in its near-original form. You can get a glimpse into the life of officials of that time.
• Higashiyama Walking Course: A quiet walking path lined with temples. Recommended for those who want to see another face of Takayama, away from the tourist crowds.

Making your own "Sarubobo," a protective amulet doll from the Hida region, is a great souvenir of your trip. Blessed with a cold climate and pure water, Takayama is also a famous sake-producing area. Every winter (mid-January to February), a "Sakagura Meguri" event is held, where breweries open to the public on a weekly rotation for new sake tasting.

• Morning: Arrive at Takayama Station. Stroll through the Miyagawa Morning Market.
• Noon: Enjoy street food in the old town, like Hida beef sushi and mitarashi dango.
• Afternoon: Visit the Takayama Jinya. Stroll through Sanmachi Suji for souvenir shopping.
• Evening: Head back on the Limited Express "Hida".

• Day 1:
  〇Afternoon: Arrive at Takayama Station. Check into an inn in the old town.
  〇Until evening: Stroll through Sanmachi Suji and enjoy sake tasting at a brewery.
  〇Night: Indulge in a Hida beef dinner at a city restaurant.

• Day 2:
  〇Morning: Wake up early to visit both the Miyagawa and Jinya-mae Morning Markets.
  〇Forenoon: Visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall to see the magnificent floats.
  〇Noon: Have Takayama Ramen for lunch.
  〇Afternoon: Look for souvenirs around the station before heading home.

When you finish your trip to Takayama, you should have something warm left in you, along with the beautiful scenery of the town. Isn't it the "spirit of the townspeople" (machishu no kokoroiki) who have protected and passed down the magnificent festival floats with their own hands and warmly welcomed visitors?

By observing manners, respecting history, and enjoying interaction with the local people in this town, you are not just a tourist but a visitor who respects the town's culture, touching upon that very spirit. Please take home a piece of that spirit as the best souvenir of your journey.