Takayama sightseeing and day trips

Exploring Gifu Prefecture.

#Gifu.

Boasting a stunning hilltop castle, lovely parks and gardens, and some incredible temples and shrines, Gifu is certain to impress visitors. The city's proximity to Nagoya (less than 30 minutes), also make it an easy day trip from the Aichi capital.

Highlights - Gifu: Nobunga Plaza, Mizobata Park and Shrine, Kashimori Park (viewpoint), Inaba Shrine (pictured), Gifu Park, Kawara-machi Historic Street, Japan-China Friendship Garden, Kogane Shrine.
Transport: Trains run from JR Nagoya to JR Gifu and take less than 30 minutes. Travellers originating in Takayama can travel directly between JR Takayama and JR Gifu with the journey taking around 2 hours.

#Takayama.

Enriched with history and traditional Japanese culture, the city of Takayama lies within Japan's picturesque Gifu Prefecture.

Highlights - Takayama: Miyagawa Morning Markets, Hida Kokubunji Temple, Sanmachi Historical Houses Preserved Area, Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, Shiroyama Park, Shōwa-kan Museum, Hida Tōshō-gu, Hida Folk Village (pictured).
Transport: Trains run direct from JR Gifu and JR Nagoya, taking around 2 hours and 2.5 hours, respectively. For those staying in Toyama, direct trains run from JR Toyama and take around 1.5 hours.

#Gero.

Within the mountains of Central Japan lies the city of Gero where visitors are treated to spectacular scenery all around. Whether it be to enjoy one of the many excellent dining options, relax in one of the many onsen, or just stroll about, a trip to Gero is certain to be enjoyed.

Highlights: Atano Street (pictured), Sarubobo Shichifuku Shrine (dedicated to Japan's iconic Sarubobo Dolls), Osenji, Gero Onsen Gassho Village, Ujo Park, and several free public footbaths.
Transport: From JR Gifu, JR Gero can be reached in less than 1.5 hours. Visitors staying closer by in Takayama can reach Gero from JR Takayama in under an hour.
Gero Onsen is also doable as a day trip from Nagoya, with direct trains from JR Nagoya taking about 1.5 to 2 hours.

#Hida.

Growing in popularity with tourists, yet still quite relaxed, the city of Hida (generally referred to as Hida Furukawa) is a picturesque place that is definitely worth including on one's itinerary. During the warmer months the city's water-lined streets are filled with colourful koi carp, adding to the city's delightful atmosphere.

Highlights: Keta Wakamiya Shrine, Setogawa and Shirakabe Dozou Street, Setogawa Canal (pictured), Hida Crafts Museum (Hida no Takumi Bunkakan), Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall.
Transport: Just a short hop from Takayama, direct trains run between JR Takayama and JR Hidafurukawa, taking less than 20 minutes. Trains also run direct from JR Toyama (around 1H 15Min) and JR Gifu (around 2.5H).