Things to do in  Takayama

You can get to Takayama from Tokyo or Nagoya by train or bus. From Nagoya, the Hida Limited Express reaches Takayama in around 2.5 hours, while bus rides are about 2 hours and 40 minutes. From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer to the Hida express train.

Some of the must-see attractions in Takayama include Sannomachi Street, which is filled with craft, souvenir, and sake stores; the daily Miyagawa Morning Markets; the landmark Takayama Jinya, a former government house; and the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, which displays some of the massive floats used during the Takayama Festival.

Yes, there are several local delicacies worth trying in Takayama. The region is famed for its Hida beef, a tender style of Wagyu that you can try in a restaurant or from one of the street vendors selling skewers. Another street snack of note is goheimochi, a pounded rice cake on a stick.

A wide range of accommodations are available in Takayama, from simple inns to suit budget-minded travelers to luxury hotels for those with more to spend. You can also find several onsen (hot spring) hotels and resorts with both shared and private baths in and around Takayama.

No, it is not necessary to rent a car when visiting Takayama, as all the main points of interest are either within walking distance of one another or connected by bus. However, renting a car offers more flexibility to explore destinations such as the remote region of Okuhida.

Yes, English is spoken in Takayama, to an extent. Non-Japanese speakers will have little issue communicating in English at major tourist attractions and hotels, but knowing some Japanese is helpful for dining at restaurants and going to less-visited spots such as small craft stores and museums.