Arrival + Sanmachi Suji + Hida Beef

Itinerary

1. ~11:45 AM Arrive Takayama Station

   Hida Express from Gero (~45 min). The old town is a 10 min walk east from the station.

   Google Maps
2. 12:00 PM Hida Beef Lunch — Sanmachi Suji

   Walk into the old town and grab Hida beef sushi or skewers right on the street. Seared wagyu nigiri is everywhere — eat it standing. Also try hoba miso if you sit down.

   ~¥1,000-2,000 Google Maps
3. 1:00 PM Explore Sanmachi Suji

   Beautifully preserved Edo-period streets — dark wooden merchant houses, sake breweries (look for sugidama cedar balls), craft shops, sweet shops. The heart of Takayama. Wander at your own pace.

   Google Maps
4. 2:00 PM Hida Kokubun-ji Temple

   Oldest temple in the region. The 1,200-year-old ginkgo tree in the courtyard is enormous. Three-story pagoda. Free, peaceful, quick visit.

   Google Maps
5. 2:30 PM Sake Tasting

   Six historic breweries in Sanmachi. Most offer tastings (~¥300-500 for a flight). Just wander and follow the sugidama (cedar ball) hanging above doorways. Try junmai daiginjo — the premium local style.

   ~¥300-500 per brewery
6. 3:00 PM Check into Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama

   Modern hotel with onsen, near station. Drop bags and freshen up.

   Google Maps
7. 4:00 PM Miyagawa River Walk

   Stroll along the Miyagawa River through town. Red bridges, mountain backdrop, cherry blossoms along the banks. This is where the morning market happens — preview the area.

   Google Maps
8. 5:00 PM Hotel Onsen

   Soak at the hotel. Mountain town bathing is different from Gero — simpler but still wonderful after a walking day.
9. 7:00 PM Dinner — Hida Beef Restaurant

   Splurge on a proper Hida beef dinner. Grilled steak, sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu. This is some of the best wagyu in Japan. Many restaurants along Sanmachi and near the station.

   ¥3,000-8,000