Introduction

Located in the center of Japan, Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture is home to an old townscape and beautiful scenery that makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo period. If you visit this area, you should definitely experience the Takayama Festival, which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Along with the excitement of the festival, you can also enjoy the world-renowned gourmet food, Hida beef, and local sake made with pure water. This time, we will introduce you to a special trip to Hida Takayama, where the unspoiled scenery and delicious food of Japan come together.

1. The appeal of the Takayama Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Takayama Festival is the collective name for the spring Sanno Festival and the autumn Hachiman Festival. It is a festival that condenses traditional Japanese culture, with gorgeous floats, offerings of mechanical dolls, and festival music.

Gorgeous floats (floats)

The highlight of the Takayama Festival is undoubtedly the magnificent floats. With carvings that show off the craftsmanship of artisans down to the finest detail and curtains with intricate embroidery, they are so beautiful that they have been called the "moving Yomeimon Gate." In the spring, 12 floats are pulled together, and in the fall, 11 floats are pulled together, slowly making their way through the old townscape. At night, the floats are lit with lanterns, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

Karakuri dolls offered as offerings

Another highlight of the Takayama Festival is the offering of mechanical puppets on the floats. The puppets are skillfully manipulated with strings and gears to perform complex movements that make them appear almost lifelike. The techniques of these traditional mechanical puppets captivate the large audience, drawing cheers of applause.

The excitement of the festival and the smiles of the people

The Takayama Festival is the most important event of the year for the local people. Participants in the festival take pride in preserving traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Tourists can also experience the passion and energy of the festival and get a real feel for the depth of Japan's traditional culture.

2. Taste the world-famous gourmet food "Hida Beef"

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If you visit Takayama, you absolutely cannot miss out on Hida beef. Hida beef, raised in Hida's rich nature and pure water, and with the love of its producers, is characterized by beautiful marbling, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and refined flavor.

A variety of Hida beef dishes

• Hida beef nigiri sushi : Hida beef nigiri sushi melts in your mouth the moment you put it in your mouth, making it a classic Takayama dish. Eating it with wasabi and ginger brings out the sweetness of the Hida beef, making it an exquisite dish.

• Grilled Hida Beef with Hoba Miso: This local dish consists of grilled Hida beef and mushrooms on a magnolia leaf topped with miso. The aroma of the magnolia leaf blends with the umami of the miso and Hida beef, making it a perfect pairing with rice and sake.

• Hida beef steak : Eating steak simply with salt and wasabi is the perfect way to enjoy the true flavor of Hida beef.

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3. Local sake made with pure water

Hida Takayama is blessed with delicious rice and pure water, and has been a region where sake brewing has flourished since ancient times. The old townscape is dotted with traditional sake breweries, where you can enjoy tastings.

The appeal of local sake

• Wide variety of sake : Hida's local sake comes in a variety of types, from dry to sweet. It would be fun to try different types to pair with Hida beef dishes.

• From cold sake to hot sake : You can enjoy the crisp taste of cold sake (chilled sake) or the umami of rice with hot sake (warm sake). There are many ways to enjoy this sake.

4. The perfect pairing of Hida beef and local sake

The rich flavor of Hida beef and the delicate taste of local sake are the perfect combination.

• Hida beef nigiri sushi and dry local sake : Fatty Hida beef nigiri sushi goes perfectly with refreshing dry local sake. The two flavors complement each other so well that you can eat as many as you want.

• Grilled Hoba Leaves with Miso and Hot Sake : The fragrant aroma of grilled hoba leaves with miso and the mellow flavor of hot local sake will warm you from the inside out. This is a combination that is especially recommended during the cold season.

• Hida beef steak and fruity local sake : The delicate flavor of the steak goes perfectly with the fruity aroma of the local sake.

5. Recommended Hida Takayama Travel Plan

Two days to explore the history and gourmet food of Hida Takayama

Day 1

• Morning : After arriving in Takayama, stroll through the old town, enjoy sake tasting at a sake brewery, and shop for souvenirs.

• Lunch : Enjoy Hida beef nigiri sushi and other local dishes.

• Afternoon : Visit the Takayama Festival Float Hall and Hida Takayama Town Museum to learn about Takayama's history and culture.

• Dinner : Enjoy a Hida beef steak paired with local sake at a restaurant specializing in Hida beef dishes.

Day 2

• Morning : Stroll through the morning market and buy fresh local vegetables, fruits, pickles, and more.

• Lunch : Enjoy casual B-grade gourmet food such as Takayama ramen and mitarashi dango.

• Afternoon : We also recommend sightseeing in the surrounding area, such as Shirakawa-go and Okuhida Onsen-go on the outskirts of Takayama.

*This is only a plan recommended by the editorial department. Please check the actual traffic conditions yourself.

summary

The magnificent historical picture scroll of the Takayama Festival, the melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness of Hida beef, and pure local sake are not just delicious, but also an experience that touches the hearts of the people who have protected Hida's abundant nature and its past.

Why not experience a special journey weaving together tradition and fine cuisine in Hida Takayama, where the original landscape of Japan remains? It will surely become an unforgettable memory that will stay deep in your heart.