Takayama Overview
Takayama is a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 January 2019, the city had an estimated population of 88,473 in 35,644 households, and a population density of 41 persons per km2. The total area of the city was 2,177.61 square kilometers (840.78 sq mi) making it the largest city by area in Japan. The high altitude and separation from other areas of Japan kept the area fairly isolated, allowing Takayama to develop its own culture over about a 300-year period.
Takayama Key Statistics
Population85199
Area2178 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés67 / 27 / 43
Practical Essentials for Takayama
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Takayama.
Visit ↗Getting Around Takayama
Takayama Main Station & Rail Lines
高山 (Takayama)
Train Travel to Takayama
Takayama is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Takayama
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Takayama
Cover Your Trip to Takayama
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Takayama
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Takayama downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Takayama.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Takayama Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Takayama.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Takayama.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Takayama
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Takayama
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Takayama
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Takayama
When was Takayama founded?
Takayama was founded on November 1, 1936.
How old is Takayama?
Takayama is roughly 90 years old.
What is the population of Takayama?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 85,199.
What is the land area of Takayama?
Takayama covers roughly 2178 km².
What is the main railway station in Takayama?
The primary hub is 高山 (Takayama).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Takayama?
The city has roughly 67 parks, 27 museums and 43 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Takayama expensive to live?
Takayama is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Takayama?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Takayama?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Takayama has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Takayama?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Takayama?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Takayama?
Takayama hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Takayama?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Takayama?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Takayama?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Takayama?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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