You are likely staring at a map of Japan, tracing the route from Kanazawa or Tokyo to the Japanese Alps, and asking yourself: Is the extra travel time to Takayama actually worth it?
It’s a valid question. Takayama (often called Hida-Takayama) is famous for its preserved Edo-period streets and high-quality beef, but it is also a significant detour from the standard “Golden Route.” It requires specific train or bus connections that can eat up half a day of your trip.
Quick Verdict
- Yes, it is worth it if: You are a foodie who wants to try authentic Hida Beef, you love history, or you are already visiting Shirakawa-go (they are close). The old town atmosphere is distinct from Kyoto’s—more rustic and merchant-focused.
- No, skip it if: You hate crowds (the main street is packed by 11:00 AM) or you are trying to do it as a day trip from Tokyo (too far). Also, if you expect a nightlife; the town shuts down completely by 5:00 PM.
- The Best Strategy: Combine Takayama and Shirakawa-go into a single day trip from Kanazawa to maximize your time.
So, how do you want to visit?
A. “I want to take my time and maybe stay overnight.” If you plan to stay a night or navigate the local buses yourself, read our detailed itinerary guide.
➡️[From Kanazawa or Takayama: Private Shirakawa-go & Takayama Day Tour — Is It Worth It?]
B. “I want to see the highlights (and Shirakawa-go) in one efficient day.” If you are based in Kanazawa and want to avoid the headache of sold-out public bus tickets, a guided loop bus is the smartest option.
Why Takayama is Worth the Trip (The Pros)
If you make the journey, here is what pays off.
1. The Atmosphere is Different from Kyoto While Kyoto is about temples and aristocrats, Takayama’s Sanmachi Suji district is about merchants. The buildings are dark wood, the streets are narrow, and the vibe is earthier. It feels like a movie set of feudal Japan.
2. Hida Beef is Incredible For many, this is the main reason to go. Hida Beef rivals Kobe beef but is often cheaper in this region. You don’t need a fancy reservation; you can buy Hida beef sushi (served on a cracker) or skewers right on the street.
3. Sake Breweries The clear mountain water makes this a premier sake region. You can hop between centuries-old breweries in the old town, recognized by the large cedar balls (sugidama) hanging over the entrances. For a few hundred yen, you can sample top-tier sake that rarely leaves the prefecture.
The “Not So Good” Parts (The Cons)
To keep your expectations realistic, here are the downsides.
1. The “Crowd Window” Between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the Sanmachi Suji district is incredibly crowded. Tour buses arrive in waves. If you visit on your own, try to arrive before 10:00 AM or stay past 3:30 PM.
2. Everything Closes at 5:00 PM This is not an exaggeration. Most shops, cafes, and street food stalls in the old town close their shutters at 5:00 PM sharp. If you arrive late in the afternoon, you will find a ghost town.
3. The Logistics are Tricky Takayama is not on the Shinkansen line. You have to take the “Hida” limited express train (scenic but slower) or highway buses.
Getting There: DIY Logistics & The Bus Problem
Most travelers try to combine Shirakawa-go and Takayama in one day. While geographically close (50 minutes apart), the logistics for DIY travelers can be stressful.
- The Route: Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Takayama → Kanazawa.
- The Problem: The “Nohi Bus” that connects these towns requires reservations. In peak seasons (spring, autumn, winter snow), these buses sell out weeks in advance.
- The Risk: We have seen travelers get stranded in Shirakawa-go because they didn’t book their onward ticket to Takayama.
Pain Point: If you are planning this yourself, you must book your bus tickets exactly one month out. If you miss that window, you might be out of luck.
Avoid the Logistics Headache
If you don’t want to refresh bus timetables or worry about missing a connection, using a tour bus ensures you have a guaranteed seat for the entire loop.
Secure your seat to the Alps (includes Shirakawa-go): ➡️[View tour details].
When to Choose a Tour (Specifically from Kanazawa)
If you are staying in Kanazawa, a day tour is often the most “worth it” way to see Takayama. You don’t have to haul your luggage, and you knock out two UNESCO-level sites in one day.
Tour Snapshot: Kanazawa to Takayama & Shirakawa-go
Here is why this specific loop works well:
- Efficiency: Covers both Shirakawa-go (Village) and Takayama (Old Town) in about 9-10 hours.
- No Planning: The bus takes you directly from Kanazawa Station to the sites and back. No transfer stress.
- Free Time: You typically get ~2 hours in each location to explore on your own (eat beef, buy sake) without a guide holding your hand every step.
- Price: Often comparable to buying individual bus tickets + lunch costs.
Sample 1-Day Itinerary (What You Will Do)
Whether you go DIY or with the tour, here is a realistic flow for a Kanazawa departure:
- 08:00 AM: Depart Kanazawa.
- 09:30 AM: Shirakawa-go. Arrive early to see the thatched-roof houses before the midday crush.
- 12:30 PM: Arrive in Takayama.
- 12:45 PM: Lunch. Head straight for Hida Beef sushi or a restaurant serving Hoba Miso (beef grilled on a magnolia leaf).
- 01:30 PM: Sanmachi Suji. Walk the preserved streets. Stop at a Sake brewery for a tasting.
- 03:00 PM: Visit Takayama Jinya (the old government house) or buy souvenirs.
- 04:00 PM: Depart before the town shuts down.
- 06:00 PM: Back in Kanazawa for dinner.
Conclusion
So, is Takayama worth it? Yes. The combination of history, mountain scenery, and exceptional food makes it a highlight of the Japanese Alps. However, it is a destination that punishes poor planning. The distance and the strict 5:00 PM closing time mean you need a tight schedule.
If you are comfortable managing multiple bus reservations, you can do it yourself. But if you want to enjoy the scenery without the stress of logistics, the day tour from Kanazawa is the smartest choice.
Don’t let sold-out buses ruin your day trip. Check availability for the Kanazawa-Takayama loop tour here: ➡️[View tour details].
FAQ about Visiting Takayama
Q: How long do I need in Takayama? A: For the main highlights (Old Town, lunch, one museum), 2 to 3 hours is sufficient. It is a compact walkable town.
Q: Is Takayama better than Kanazawa? A: They are different. Kanazawa is a small city with a garden and castle. Takayama is a rustic mountain town. Kanazawa is better for accommodation; Takayama is better for “old village” atmosphere.
Q: Is it worth visiting in winter? A: Absolutely. The snow on the old wooden buildings is magical, and the sake tastes even better in the cold. Just wear non-slip boots.
Q: Can I do this as a day trip from Tokyo? A: Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. It takes about 4.5 hours one way. You would spend 9 hours traveling for 3 hours of sightseeing. Stay in Kanazawa or Nagoya instead.