The tranquil Takayama is located approximately 4 ½ hours by train from Tokyo in the Hida mountains, also known as the Japanese Alps. Here you can slow the travelling pace down and immerse yourself into the traditional rural Japanese culture and lifestyle.
Takayama is well-known for its morning markets, sake brewery tastings, Hida beef, the Hida Folk Village Museum, and the Takayama Festival held in Spring and Autumn. Whilst visiting the city it is extremely popular to stay in a local Ryokan to meet the locals and experience traditional Japanese living.
Ryokans are a homestay experience where you can not only sleep, but also see first-hand the traditional Japanese futon beds, tatami floors, onsen baths, and try the local cuisine.
In May 2019, I stayed in a Ryokan in Takayama run by a local elderly couple and their extended family. It was smaller in size and basic, however there are plenty to choose from in the city. If you prefer more comfort then there is also the option to get a similar experience in a larger hotel.
The meals in a Ryokan are multiple courses in the traditional Japanese haute cuisine, known as Kaiseki ryori. You can have anywhere between 9 and 13 small dishes or bite-size appetizers during the meal. The dishes can be made up of soup, and then meat, fish or vegetables which can be grilled, boiled, deep fried, steamed, or vinegared, accompanied with rice and an assortment of pickled vegetables.
Staying in a Ryokan will allow you to experience the remote and traditional culture of Japan and its people.
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