Hida Takayama is one of the most well-known cities in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture, and it’s a popular destination during winter in Japan. There’s so much to see and do in Takayama throughout the colder months, from skiing high in the Japanese Alps to buying homemade goods at massive markets.
And in this blog post, our local Japanese experts explore six events to add to your to-do list. But first, let’s shed a little light on the weather you can expect and the main reasons to visit Takayama in winter!
Winter in Gifu Prefecture generally runs from mid-November to early March. The type of conditions you can expect depends on which part of Gifu you visit. The southern region, for example, experiences a fairly milder winter — though it’s still colder than Tokyo!
But the northern Hida region of Gifu Prefecture (home to Hida Takayama) gets plenty of snow throughout the season, and temperatures can drop as low as -6ºC. January is one of the coldest months of winter, so be prepared if you plan a post-Christmas trip!
Wondering if a winter getaway to Hida Takayama is right for you? There are a plethora of activities to enjoy in Hida Takayama all year round, but there are some that are specific to the winter season and will make your travels in Gifu especially memorable!
・ Wander a beautiful winter wonderland: Snowfall is common in Takayama during winter, and the area offers a plethora of stunning sights to enjoy.
・Try thrilling winter sports: If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Takayama, you can catch a bus to one of the nearby ski resorts for skiing and snowboarding.
・Take a relaxing soak in a hot spring: The Okuhida Onsen, including Hirayu Onsen, is a go-to spot for Japanese locals and tourists craving a dip in a hot spring. This is one of the top relaxing things to do in Gifu, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth!
・Feast your eyes on the views of Shirakawa-go: Shirakawa-go is a mountain village that was isolated from the rest of the world for many years. You can enjoy fantastic views of this area from Takayama, especially when they’re blanketed in snow.
See our recommended accommodations in Takayama: MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN TAKAYAMA
Our local Japanese experts have chosen six fantastic events to put on your to-do list when you visit Takayama to experience winter in Japan.
Located at Chubu Sangaku National Park (90 minute bus ride from JR Takayama Station), the Shinhotaka Crystal Snow Park is a wonderful site to visit.
While the Chubu Sangaku National Park is open throughout the year, the Shinhotaka Crystal Snow Park is a special event held during winter only (from December to February, though the dates for 2024 – 2025 aren’t available at the time of writing). It’s a terrific way to enjoy the Northern Japanese Alps’ immense beauty in an extraordinary setting.
As well as the amazing snowy scenery, you can browse a range of foods and traditional craft events. If you think a trip to this event belongs on your list of things to do in Takayama, you can buy tickets online.
In winter in Japan, Toshi-no-se-ichi is a must-see if you’re keen to do a little shopping. Takayama’s morning markets are considered one of the three biggest in the country.
There are two morning markets held year round (Jinya-mae and Miyagawa markets), but the markets from December 27 – 31 are considered special for a reason! Toshi-no-se-ichi offers visitors a huge variety of goods to choose from: fresh produce, traditional Japanese crafts, New Year decorations, and more! You’ll often see locals wandering the market stocking up for their own New Year celebrations at this time.
Misogi is a Shinto purification ritual: participants wash their whole body to cleanse their physical being, their mind, and their spirit. Many Japanese locals embark on misogi pilgrimages each year, visiting sacred rivers and waterfalls to purify themselves.
Misogi takes place in Takayama on December 30 at the Aragi River, located around 20 minutes from JR Takayama Station. It’s not just for locals, though — visitors are welcome to try it too. Water temperatures are as low as 4ºC, so if you want to take part, make sure you’re prepared for an icy chill!
The Niju-yokka-ichi market fair initially took place on December 24 in the old lunar calendar, but has been held on January 24 since 1872.
You’ll find the fair at Yasugawa Shotengai, and the shopping street is always closed to traffic for the day. While the standard shops are open as usual, plenty of stalls set up for the day to sell traditional crafts, foods, and drinks too.
If this is one of your top things to do in Takayama, be warned: it’s a long-held belief and expectation that weather can be snowy and chilly during this market fair day. Wrap up warm to stay comfortable and safe!
The Nakao Kamakura Festival is a magical event held in Shinhotaka Onsen (around 95 minutes from Takayama Station by bus), and it’s one of the most traditional things to do in Gifu. Many snow huts (kamakura) of different sizes stand around the grounds, containing bars, onsen baths, and other treats to enjoy.
The Nakao Kamakura Festival also features food stalls, music, craft stalls, and more. On February 1, 3, and 10, you can see the special Nakao Lion Dance too.
Illumination events are always a treat during winter in Japan: they’re one of the best ways to enjoy the spellbinding snowy views, featuring stunning displays created with great care. Numerous places in and around Hida Takayama offer winter illumination events:
・Hida Takayama (at Nakabashi Bridge over Miyagawa River) — December 1 – March 2
・Hida-no-Sato (at Hida Folk Village) — Jan 11 – Feb 28
・ Aodaru Illumination (at Fukuji Onsen area) — late December to late March (dependent on weather conditions)
