Takayama machiya (町家) are traditional two-story wooden townhouses that originated in the early 16th century when Hida Takayama (Takayama city) flourished as a castle town. These structures were built by skilled Hida artisans for wealthy merchants who held significant economic power in the area. Today, many machiya in Takayama's historic Sanmachi District (Old Town) remain preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and history.