Along the Eastern ridge of Takayama city, away from the throngs of tourists who come to see the more popular destinations, there are over ten shrines and temples dotting the landscape making for a beautiful escape if you feel like some peace and quiet. These important cultural assets are all within a few minutes walk of each other, creating a solid walking route in this less populated side of the city. Some of the most important temples of the Kanamori daimyo were built in Higashiyama, as well as graveyards enshrining some of the more important figures of Takayama’s history.
-
Starting off at the end of Sanmachi, you can follow the street along the Edogawa River and up a stone stairway to Unryuu-ji temple - the same gate that was relocated from the former Takayama Castle. One of city's oldest treasures lies on the further set of steps up to Higashiyama Hakusan Jinja Shrine where the float used in the annual festival is kept. After wandering through a small forest you will pass Daiou-ji temple, a hexagonal shaped temple with it's massive bell tower that is a popular viewing spot for autumn foliage.
![Higashiyama Teramachi Walk]()
Higashiyama Teramachi Walk
The picturesque path, with both Japanese and English signage, will lead you down an underground stairway beneath the R158 and up to Sogenji Temple - which used to be a chamber inside Takayama Castle. The neighbouring temple, Tensho-ji Temple, was constructed between the years of 1182-1185 but is still used today and even has it's own youth hostel that offers reasonably priced accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
![Higashiyama Teramachi Walk]()
Higashiyama Teramachi Walk
Follow the path to the right and you'll find Zennoji Temple. This beautiful wooden structure houses a Buddha that was sent from India to the Gifu area. In the southernmost part of the Higashiyama Temple route you will spot the massive Souyuji Temple at least five minutes before you reach it's gates. This 17th century temple with a backdrop of pine trees and a garden full of wisteria flowers is the perfect way to end your journey, and you can then head down to the city over Sukerokubashi Bridge. For the avid walkers keen to extend their route and cover more ground, it is possible to combine the Kitayama walking course with the route around Higashiyama Teramachi.
![Higashiyama Teramachi Walk]()
Higashiyama Teramachi Walk
The Kitayama walking route does a circle three kilometer course around Kitayama Park - situated between the border of the Daihachi Gawa River and the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall. Cherry blossoms bloom around the Ayuzuki Castle ruins at the bottom of the park in the spring, making it worth your while to include the Kitayama park to your route if you are in Takayama at that time. Although the climb up Yasugawa street to the gates of Unruuji is quite steep, the walking trail is not that treacherous and can be completed in one to two hours depending on when you’d like to end your route and stroll back to the town centre.
![Higashiyama Teramachi Walk]()
Higashiyama Teramachi Walk
![Higashiyama Teramachi Walk]()
Higashiyama Teramachi Walk
Hida Takayama Washington Hotel Plaza
5-20 Hanasato-cho, Takayama-shi Gifu
- 雲龍寺
-
-
- 岐阜県高山市若達町1-86
-
-
-
- 0577324323
-
View All
Sauna & Stay ののか Nonoka
鉄砲町32-2 Takayama
-
-
- 天照寺
-
-
- 岐阜県高山市天性寺町83
-
-
-
- 0577326345
-
View All
- Zennoji Temple
-
![rating]()
3.0
2 Reviews -
-
- Gifu Takayama-shi Soyujimachi 177
-
-
-
- 0577324516
-
-
-
- 6:00-18:00
-
View All
Kouya
117-12 Takayama
Go here
