Takayama Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Visiting Shinhotaka Ropeway and Hida Folk Village
If you're visiting Takayama, two amazing spots to add to your trip are Shinhotaka Ropeway, a cable car that takes you high into the Japanese Alps, and Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum showing traditional mountain life. This guide shows you how to enjoy both in one day.
Let’s explore the best of nature and history in Takayama!
Take a Train to Takayama Station
To get started, make your way to Takayama Station, the town’s main transportation hub.
If You're Coming from Tokyo:
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station (about 1.5 hours).
Transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station (about 2.5 hours).
Total Time: Around 4–5 hours
If You're Coming from Kyoto:
Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (about 40 minutes).
Then follow the same route from Nagoya as above.
Grab a Quick Breakfast Before the Bus Ride
Before heading to the ropeway, eat something light near the station.
Breakfast Spots Near Takayama Station:
Café Don – Local café with toast, eggs, and hot coffee.
Café Ao – Fresh pastries and drinks in a cozy space.
Go to the Takayama Bus Terminal
Location: Right next to Takayama Station, just walk outside and turn left.
Look for the Nohi Bus Terminal sign.
Take the Nohi Bus to Shinhotaka Ropeway
Bus Name: Nohi Bus
Route: Takayama → Shinhotaka Ropeway
Travel Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Fare: Around ¥2,200 one way
Tip: Buy a round-trip ticket at the bus terminal and check the weather for clear views.
Arrive at Shinhotaka Ropeway Station
There are two ropeway sections:
📍 First Ropeway (Base to Nabedaira Station)
Short ride through the forest
You’ll reach a rest area with a gift shop and a small café
📍 Second Ropeway (Nabedaira to Shirakabadaira Station – Summit)
Double-decker cable car (only one in Japan!)
Takes you to over 2,150 meters high
Ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway
Ropeway Ticket Price: Around ¥3,000 round trip
Total Time to Enjoy: 1.5 to 2 hours
What to Do at the Top (Observation Deck & Trails)
✔ Go up the viewing platform for 360° views of the Japanese Alps
✔ Take amazing photos of the snow-capped mountains (snow lasts into spring!)
✔ Walk short nature trails (summer/fall only)
✔ In winter, enjoy the deep snow and fresh air
✔ Warm up with coffee or hot soup at the summit café
Eat Lunch at or Near Shinhotaka Ropeway
Alps Restaurant (inside the Ropeway Station) – Serves soba, curry, and warm dishes with views.
Restaurant Shirakaba – Local-style meals including noodles and Hida beef.
Vegetarian Option: Ask for soba (buckwheat noodles) or vegetable curry without meat. Dashi broth may contain fish, so ask the staff if needed.
Take the Bus Back to Takayama Station
Head back to the Shinhotaka Bus Stop (same place where you got off).
Ride the Nohi Bus back to Takayama Station.
Tip: Check return times carefully! Last buses usually leave by 3:30–4:30 PM.
Visit Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)
Once you're back in Takayama, head to the Hida Folk Village.
How to Get There from Takayama Station:
Walk: About 30 minutes (nice walk if you’re not in a rush)
Taxi: About 10 minutes, ~¥1,000
Bus: Use the Sarubobo Bus from the station. Get off at Hida no Sato stop (~10 min ride).
What to Do at Hida Folk Village
✔ Explore 30+ old houses from real mountain villages
✔ See how people lived with fire pits, tools, and handmade crafts
✔ Visit the craft hall to see woodworking, weaving, and other demos
✔ Take beautiful photos by the lake and old water wheels
✔ Rent a guidebook in English for deeper info
Eat Dinner in Takayama
End your day with a relaxing meal at one of these places.
Dinner Options:
Suzuya Restaurant – Warm meals like miso hotpot and sukiyaki
Kyoya – Japanese regional restaurant
Heianraku – Chinese restaurant
Uemura (Farm to table restaurant ) – Organic restaurant
Return to Your Hotel or Take an Evening Walk
After dinner, take a slow walk through Takayama’s quiet streets or head back to your hotel.
Evening Options:
Walk near the Miyagawa River or through the Sanmachi Suji area (the old town is peaceful at night).
Enjoy a soak if your hotel has a hot spring bath (onsen).
Reflect on the mountain views and history from your day.
