Hida Takayama old townscape

The area encompassing the three main streets of Takayama City - the castle town centre, Kamimachi, which developed as a merchant town, and Shitamachi - is known as the "Old Town." The area retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, overflowing with nostalgic charm, as if time has stood still, with beautiful streets lined with distinctive latticed windows, clear irrigation water flowing under the eaves, and sake breweries with "sakabayashi" (sake bayashi) balls made from cedar leaves hanging down. Designated as a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, this area warmly welcomes visitors with a warm and emotional atmosphere. The streets are lined with shops selling Hida Takayama's specialty products, such as local sake and magnolia leaf miso, so you can enjoy sampling them as you stroll.