Takayama Old Town Tour: Local Foods & Sake Tasting in Gifu

Those looking to explore beyond the beaten path should look no further than Takayama in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, where traditional townhouses, fresh foods, and a vibrant culture delight visitors hoping for a glimpse of authentic Japanese countryside living. In this exploration of Takayama, you’ll meet your guide at one of the city’s most emblematic landmarks, the Jinya government building, and explore the city on foot, trying its local foods and sake, visiting local businesses that continue the legacy of local traditions, and wrapping up with coffee or tea in a repurposed townhouse. Experience flow: -Meet your host at the entrance gate of Takayama Jinya, a 10-minute walk from Takayama Station. A major historical landmark, Takayama Jinya is a well-preserved government building that retains its charming original shape. -Explore Takayama’s Morning Market, taste freshly handmade foods, and see local crafts. -Visit a local sake brewery and enjoy a tasting sake made with the fresh waters of the nearby Hida district. -Tour miso and tofu shops where you can learn about how locals maintain their fermentation methods and food culture. -Wrap up the tour with a cup of coffee or tea in a charming coffee shop in a repurposed townhouse before you continue your exploration of Takayama on your own. Takayama retains its quaint, undiscovered quality, which makes it a valuable addition to any Japan travel itinerary, especially for those visiting the nearby Shirakawa-go village or the region of Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture.