Hida Takayama has recently become my main destination — I’ve visited five times within the last month alone. This frequent travel isn’t entirely my choice; it’s largely driven by private tour requests to Hiromi.

My first visit several years ago was quite cold, and I must admit, I didn’t find it charming back then. The old town, at that time, felt freezing and lacked the vibrancy I’ve come to appreciate in my later visits.

With the recent influx of tourists, Takayama somewhat mirrors what happened to Kyoto, but not in a negative way. Takayama remains wonderfully accessible, deeply rooted in its Edo history. The eateries, bars, and restaurants are absolutely delightful, while the local artisans deserve tremendous respect for their exceptional craftsmanship.

Most notably, I’ve enjoyed my time there during autumn, with its stunning red maple leaves, as well as during the cherry blossom season. Japan is beautiful during those two times of the year, but Hida Takayama holds a special place in my heart. I sincerely hope it won’t succumb to over-tourism, as it’s crucial to preserve its charm and natural intimacy.

#HidaTakayama #JapanTravel #CulturalHeritage #TravelDiaries #ExploreJapan #EdoPeriod #Tourism #BeautifulDestinations