Takayama Old Town

Takayama's Old Town has been beautifully preserved, with many buildings and whole streets of houses dating from the Edo Period (1600-1868). On some streets, like Sannomachi Street, you can find many old homes, shops, coffee houses and sake breweries, some of which have been in business for centuries. For the Takayama Spring Festival, on the night April 14th, the yatai (floats) are pulled through the streets of Old Town. A few homes in the old town open their doors to the public. The homes provide insight into the former living quarters of the local merchants. Some of the homes exhibit traditional household goods, local arts, and crafts. A pleasant alternative to exploring Takayama's old town on foot is getting pulled through the streets on a rickshaw. A 30- minute tour for two costs around 5000 yen. Shorter and longer courses are also available.