Takayama

Getting Here and Around

Takayama has connections north to Toyama by JR train (four departures daily). The ride takes about two hours (with up to an hour waiting for connections) and costs ¥1,620. From Toyama trains go east to Niigata or west to Kanazawa and the Noto-hanto, via Ogi-machi. It's easy to get to Takayama by bus from Matsumoto for ¥3,400. A highly recommended detour to Kamikochi—available May through early November—increases the fare to ¥6,260.

Laid out in a compact grid, Takayama can be explored on foot or bicycle. Bikes at the rental shop south of the station cost ¥300 per hour.

The Hida Tourist Information Office, in front of the JR station, is open from April to October, daily 8:30-6:30; and from November to March, daily 8:30-5. The English-speaking staff provides maps and helps with accommodations, both in town and in the surrounding mountains.