Takayama Old Town

Takayama's Sanmachi Suji district is one of Japan's best-preserved historical areas, retaining the atmosphere of the Edo period when it served as a prosperous merchant quarter. The three parallel streets are lined with dark wooden merchant houses, many of which now function as sake breweries, craft shops, cafes, and museums. Cedar ball signs (sugidama) hanging from doorways indicate sake breweries where visitors can sample local varieties. The town holds two spectacular festivals annually (spring and autumn) featuring elaborate floats designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A morning market operates daily along the Miyagawa River. Takayama is also the gateway to Shirakawa-go. The old town is a 10-minute walk from JR Takayama Station, accessible from Nagoya or Toyama.