Note: Wood fires may be used on cold days, so please be aware in case of breathing difficulties (eg. Asthmatic individuals may wish to bring an inhaler and wear a face mask). Went early in the morning when there was less people. A lot of areas are inaccessible for those with mobility difficulties (no wheelchair access abilities in **some** areas, upper levels of houses may be too steep for people with ailling joints). There is a small counter at the entrance where you can purchase a stamp book and collect 7 stamps for a gift prize (¥200 for stamp book needed to get souvenir gift). You can purchase food for the fish (¥200 baguette type bread that you break up to feed the fish). There are descriptions in English and Japanese as well as 'guide books' available (I did not personally purchase one). There are little activities like wood puzzles, spinning tops, stilts, water pistols, etc at the arbour. Artisans are still keeping traditional arts alive such as weaving, woodworking, lacquering, etc and you can purchase from their stores or you can make some crafts there (like painting a beckoning cat). There is also a rest area with vending machines (including hot drinks like coffee, matcha, tea and hot cocoa) that you can sit down and rest. There are toilets throughout with western style toilets (bidet included) and traditional Japanese style squat toilets. It feels very serene and the village is mostly quiet (with the exception of the gong that visitors can use to pray with). Please be mindful of the historical and cultural significance and do not wear shoes on the wooden areas inside the traditional houses- additionally there are bins at the rest area so please do not litter. The staff were very polite.

Sanmachi Suji in Takayama is a beautifully preserved slice of Edo‑period Japan—often called “Little Kyoto”—featuring three charming streets (Kamiichino‑machi, Kaminino‑machi, Kamisanno‑machi) lined with traditional wooden buildings, latticed windows, grey stone walls, sake breweries, museums, shops, cafés, and street-food stalls . Visitors love wandering early in the morning to enjoy the serene architecture and peaceful storefronts before the crowds arrive  . The area offers must‑try local delights—Hida beef sushi, grilled skewers, miso soup, fresh fruit juices—and sake tastings at historic breweries marked by cedar balls above their doors . Highlights also include the Yoshijima Heritage House, Takayama Jinya museum, and optional rickshaw rides that add charm to your stroll . On the flip side, some find it touristy and crowded, especially midday; the quieter side streets and early visits help avoid that  . Still, the authentic atmosphere, rich heritage, and engaging local flavors make Sanmachi Suji a must‑see for history buffs, food lovers, and anyone seeking that timeless Japanese small‑town vibe. Quick Tips: • Visit around 9–10 AM or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds  . • Budget 1–2 hours to explore, pop into cafés, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a sake tasting. • Don’t miss nearby museums (Yoshijima House, Takayama Jinya) and optional activities like yukata rentals or rickshaws. Overall Rating: 9/10 – A perfectly preserved, atmospheric historic district offering an immersive cultural and culinary experience, with only minor queueing during peak times. Let me know if you’d like a version tailored for social media or a Japanese translation!

Locals made morning market in front of Jinya every morning from 7-10 am. They sell fruit, vegetables, handcrafted souvenirs with reasonable prices. I bought key chains and other souvenirs from one of the craftsman there.

A must visit if you are going to the Japan Alps. Absolutely stunning in the summer, on a clear day we could see all the mountains. Very scenic. Be sure to bring some postcards (or buy them and stamps from the gift shop) and mail them to friends and family from the most whimsical post box on the observation deck. From the second station you can wander into the woods on a walking trail, and it’s a lovely walk.

Interesting morning market where we get to see the different local crafts, produce and snacks. Can taste some sample food before buying. There are also small eateries to buy food along the stretch. Quite popular even on a weekday morning. A nice stroll alongside the river. A nice place to visit for first-time visitors to Takayama

Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan is a museum dedicated to the spectacular festival floats (yatai) that play a key role in the famous Takayama Festival, held twice a year – in spring (April 14–15) and autumn (October 9–10). The museum is located on the grounds of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. The exhibition includes: Festival floats (yatai): The museum displays four of the eleven elaborately decorated floats used during the autumn festival. The exhibits are rotated three times a year (in March, July, and November), allowing visitors to view different floats up close even outside the festival season. Sakurayama Nikkokan: Adjacent to the main exhibition hall is a display featuring a detailed 1:10 scale model of the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. This model, crafted by 33 artisans during the Taisho era, is an impressive example of traditional Japanese woodworking craftsmanship. Admission fee: Adults: ¥1,000 (includes an audio guide, also available in English).

We were here on a Thursday afternoon (13 Nov 2025) and there was no crowd at all despite being in peak fall/ autumn foliage season! It was amazing! There were clear signages of where the restrooms were too which was a nice touch.

This park is next to red bridge of Takayama ( nakabashi bridge) where every one come to take photo before walking to old town area.

Visited on October 26th, 2024 Beautiful shrine. The Ginko tree is amazing to see. It is free to enter.

We didn't expect to see snow because it is not cold enough to snow in Kanazawa. And it surprised us when we arrived at Hirayu.

This is an exceptionally-maintained shrine. It has a clean and well-kept outdoor area, a stall with goshuin, and two museums. The whole place has been designed for tourists. Unusually, the museum exhibits not only have English descriptions but also non-Japanese audio guidance. Please visit this place if you are in Takayama.

Very cool series of caves! Quite a distance, bring decent walking shoes! There’s even a section where there’s local sake and wine chilling in a storeroom!

You can learn all you need to know about this beautiful town in this museum. The architecture itself and the garden is also very beautiful and elegant.

Wow! Amazing art nouveau/deco glasswork with some furniture thrown in. It's a bit small and price is 2000 yin, but worth it. They describe it as a Michelin star rated museum, If planning to see the nearby open air museum then ask to buy a combined ticket. It is an easy 5 min walk between them. Attached are a few pics.

This very dense museum can take 30 minutes or 2-3 hours, depending on how interested you are in the Showa period of Japan! Every room is absolutely full of historical items, with a lot of trust put in visitors to not touch / break all of the items. Rooms are convincing, and vary from classrooms, opticians, living rooms, arcades, and plenty more. The effect is made convincing by street signs and advertising all over the place. Each room is absolutely full of unique details, and there's hundreds of opportunities for selfies if interested. Tickets are purchased at the door, after a small souvenir / traditional sweet shop.

Houses several blocks of bears and could pay 1000 yen for taking a photo with cubs, suitable for children and adults alike