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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Hida sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and towering mountains of Japan lies the hidden gem of Hida — a mystical wonderland brimming with exquisite beauty and serene tranquility.
From strolling down the enchanting streets dotted with charming traditional houses to savoring the delectable cuisine of the region, Hida offers an abundance of mesmerizing experiences that are sure to leave you spellbound.
Step into this ethereal paradise and explore the myriad attractions that await you!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Hida:
1. Takayama Old Town
Takayama Old Town is a preserved area in the city of Takayama, Japan, that features traditional architecture.
What to see or do: Take a stroll down the picturesque streets and admire the well-preserved buildings that give a glimpse into the Edo period. Visit the many shops, cafes, and sake breweries that line the streets.
Don’t miss: The Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan museum, which houses the impressive Hikiyama floats used in the city’s famous festivals. Also, make sure to try the local grilled Hida beef.
Insider travel tips: Get there early in the day to avoid the crowds. Consider staying overnight in one of the traditional ryokans to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a short hike up the surrounding hills for stunning views of the town.
2. Shirakawa-go Village
Shirakawa-go Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the rural mountains of Hida in Japan.
What to see or do: Visit the traditional Gassho-style houses with their steep thatched roofs that resemble “praying hands”. Marvel at the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rice paddies.
Stroll through the village and learn about the traditional Japanese rural lifestyle.
Don’t miss: The Wada House, the largest Gassho-style house in the village, which has been turned into a museum showcasing the life of the wealthy Wada family.
Insider travel tips: Visit in winter to see the village covered in snow, which creates a magical and serene atmosphere. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the village.
Avoid weekends and holidays when the village can be crowded.
3. Hida Folk Village
A traditional Japanese village in Hida Takayama that showcases the architecture, lifestyle and culture of the Hida region.
What to see or do: Explore the stunning thatched-roof houses, watermills, shrines and temples in the village. Learn about the traditional crafts of woodwork, weaving and ceramics by watching demonstrations.
Enjoy the stunning views of the Japanese Alps and the surrounding nature.
Don’t miss: The seasonal festivals that take place in the village, which showcase the music, dance and costumes of the Hida region.
The outdoor hot spring footbath where you can relax and soak your feet in the hot water while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Insider travel tips: Visit the village in the fall season to see the beautiful autumn foliage. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the village.
Try the local specialty dish, Hida beef, at one of the restaurants in the village. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
4. Hida-no-Sato (Hida Folk Village)
An open-air museum of traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses showcasing the preserved farming village of Shirakawa-go.
What to see or do: Walk through the village and admire the architecture, culture and lifestyle of the traditional Japanese farmhouses. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take part in cultural activities such as weaving and rice planting.
Don’t miss: The Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum, where a collection of thatch-roofed farmhouses are displayed. Also, the Light-up event during winter where the entire village is illuminated and looks magical in the snow.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the off-season to avoid the tourist crowds and experience the calm and peaceful atmosphere. Try the delicious local dishes such as gohei mochi and hida beef.
Don’t forget to take a souvenir, such as a traditional Japanese keychain.
5. Matsuri no Mori
Matsuri no Mori is a traditional Japanese festival museum located in the scenic city of Hida.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various exhibits showcasing the beauty of traditional matsuri festivals, which are an integral part of Japanese culture.
The museum features life-sized models of festive floats, costumes, and musical instruments used in the festivals.
Don’t miss: The museum organizes regular performances and events where visitors can experience the lively atmosphere of traditional festivals.
The open-air section of the museum features an impressive collection of 11 intricately designed floats, which are paraded through the city during the festival season.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can be crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early in the day.
6. Hida River Cycling
A scenic cycling route along the Hida River in Gifu, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains as you bike along the well-maintained path. Stop to take photos of waterfalls and traditional Japanese architecture along the way.
Don’t miss: The historic Kami-Shirasawa village, a perfectly preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture.
Insider travel tips: Pack a picnic lunch and stop at one of the many riverside rest areas for a scenic lunch break. For the adventurous, try white-water rafting on the Hida River for a thrilling addition to your cycling excursion.
7. Takayama Jinya
Takayama Jinya is a historic government office building located in Takayama, a city in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various rooms and learn about the history and administration of the region during the Edo period. The building has been beautifully preserved and provides an immersive experience of life during that time.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the detention cells, which remain intact and serve as a chilling reminder of the harsh punishments that were doled out to lawbreakers in pre-modern Japan.
Insider travel tips: Consider hiring a guide to fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the site. The Jinya is especially beautiful during the fall foliage season when the surrounding trees are ablaze with color.
8. Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village
Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Japanese buildings and lifestyles predominantly from the Hida region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore over 30 preserved buildings including farmhouses, storehouses, and an Edo period schoolhouse.
Take a stroll through the village and immerse yourself in the history of Japan while discovering traditional handicrafts such as wood carving and weaving.
Don’t miss: Make sure to stop by the old hot springs bathhouse, which offers a relaxing hot spring experience alongside its historic architecture.
Don’t miss the Hida Takayama Art Museum’s exhibits to appreciate the region’s artistic history.
Insider travel tips: Visit during events such as the Hida Folk Festival where you can enjoy traditional performances and sample local food. Purchase a combination ticket to explore the palace and the surrounding gardens to complete your cultural excursion.
9. Mount Norikura
A popular mountain destination in the Hida region of Japan, known for its beautiful landscapes and scenic mountain views.
What to see or do: Take in the breathtaking views of Hida’s stunning mountain scenery from the top of Mount Norikura. Enjoy hiking, cycling, skiing, or snowboarding on one of Japan’s highest peaks.
Visit Hotaka Shrine, a famous religious spot located at the base of the mountain.
Don’t miss: The stunning panoramic view of the Hida Mountains from the observation point at the summit.
Be sure to also visit the famous “Snow Walls” of Norikura during winter, where the walls of snow can grow up to 20 meters high.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Mount Norikura is from June to October, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities.
The peak can be accessed by private car, bus, or taxi, but consider taking the bus as the road up the mountain can be narrow and challenging to navigate.
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather as temperatures can be cooler at higher elevations.
10. Kamikochi
Kamikochi is a picturesque valley located in the Northern Japanese Alps, known for its stunning mountain views, crystal-clear streams, and vibrant flora and fauna.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely walk or hike along the Azusa River, or tackle one of the challenging trails up to the summit of Mt.
Yari.
Along the way, keep an eye out for unique wildlife such as the Japanese serow, the red fox, and the kamoshika (Japanese mountain goat).
Don’t miss: The breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, particularly those of the Hotaka Range, which includes Japan’s third-highest peak, Mt. Hotaka.
You can also visit the Kappa Bridge, a popular photo spot that marks the entrance to the valley.
Insider travel tips: Visit in autumn to see the vibrant fall foliage, or in the spring when the flowers are in bloom.
11. Hida Great Limestone Cave
The Hida Great Limestone Cave, also known as Hida Daishonyudo, is a spectacular cave system located in the heart of Takayama City in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors to the Hida Great Limestone Cave can explore the underground wonderland of the cave system and marvel at the awe-inspiring formations of stalactites and stalagmites that have taken thousands of years to form.
The cave stretches for approximately 800 meters and features a pathway that is well-lit and easy to navigate.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the Hida Great Limestone Cave is the “Crystal Palace,” a breathtaking section of the cave that features shimmering calcite crystals and a dazzling underground waterfall.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the cave path can be slippery in places.
12. Okuhida Bear Park
Okuhida Bear Park is a sanctuary for Asiatic black bears located in Hida, Japan. It covers an area of 50,000 square meters and provides a natural habitat for the bears.
What to see or do: Visitors can observe the bears in their natural habitat and learn about the Asiatic black bears’ behaviors in their interaction zones.
The park has a range of facilities including an observation platform, an indoor hall, a gift shop and a hot spring facility.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the park is the bear feeding performance where visitors can watch the bears up close as they demonstrate their ability to catch fish and climb trees.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is during the feeding times in the morning and afternoon.
13. Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is an aerial tramway in the Hida Mountains of Japan, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
What to see or do: Take a ride on the ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Northern Japanese Alps.
The ride takes visitors up to an altitude of 2,156 meters above sea level and offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and alpine flora and fauna.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the observation deck at the upper station which provides a bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains. You can also enjoy a walk along the nature trails and experience the beauty of the alpine environment.
Insider travel tips: – It is recommended to visit during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
14. Hirayu Onsen
A hot spring town located in the Northern Japanese Alps in the Gifu Prefecture.
What to see or do: Relax and soak in the many hot spring baths, experience the traditional Japanese ryokan inns, go hiking in the beautiful alpine scenery, visit the nearby Hida Folk Village to learn about traditional Japanese culture, and try the local Hida beef cuisine.
Don’t miss: Taking a dip in the “Thousand Person Bath,” a large public bath that can accommodate up to 1,000 people at once.
Also, don’t forget to try the locally made “onsen manju,” a sweet bean paste-filled steamed bun.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in hiking, don’t miss the Kamikochi Valley, accessible from Hirayu Onsen via bus. Try to avoid peak season in the summer when the town can become quite crowded.
Instead, consider visiting in the fall for the beautiful autumn foliage, or in the winter for skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts.