This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Takayama.
Takayama (Hida Takayama), Japan, has a population of approximately ninety thousand in Gifu, central Japan. Gifu Prefecture belongs to the Chubu region, which includes the whole centre of Honshu, Japan's Main Island. For many centuries, Gifu Prefecture has been used as a hub to connect the east and the west of Japan. It is one of few Japanese prefectures that do not have access to the sea. The north of the prefecture is dominated by tall mountains, including some parts of the Japanese Alps. Contrast to this, you can find vast plains with fertile soil in the south. Takayama belongs to the mountainous Hida region in the north and is considered the gateway to the beautiful Japanese Alps and the unique Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed thatch-roof village.
The villages Shirakawa-go and the neighboring Gokayama were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites near the end of the twentieth century. The characteristic traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses are the main attraction. Some of them are more than two hundred fifty years old. The region gives you a very lively impression of what the rural Japanese life once was. The houses and the landscape are perfect for photographers, as well. Departing from Takayama, it takes a one-hour bus ride to get to Okuhida. The region boats an excellent reputation and it is famous for its hot springs. It is one of the best places to enjoy relaxing outdoor baths in a beautiful, natural setting.
Takayama is a popular tourist destination and therefore you can find numerous hotels, traditional guesthouses, and hostels in Takayama (Hida Takayama), Japan. Generally, the hostels in Takayama (Hida Takayama), Japan, are tidy and have clean facilities. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most accommodations, including Takayama (Hida Takayama), Japan hostels. The staff are usually friendly but they often speak little to no English. No matter if you book a hotel or hostel in Takayama (Hida Takayama), Japan, communication problems frequently occur. Keep in mind the classic holiday season and national holidays. During these periods, the places can be more busy than usual.
Written by local enthusiast for Takayama hostels
Flo