Tucked away in central Japan, Hida Takayama is a charming historic town known for its well-preserved Edo-era streets, traditional crafts, and, most importantly, delicious local food. Whether you’re a meat lover, ramen enthusiast, or dessert fanatic, Takayama has something to satisfy every craving. From premium Hida beef to sweet potato vending machines, here’s a guide to the most mouthwatering foods you need to try when visiting Takayama.
1. Yakiniku (Grilled Hida Beef)
If you eat meat, Hida beef is a must-try in Takayama. This highly prized wagyu is known for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. One of the best ways to enjoy it? Yakiniku—grilling the beef yourself at a restaurant. I visited Akariya, where you can try different cuts and experiment with various dipping sauces. While it’s definitely a splurge at around 5,000 yen, the experience (and flavor) is worth every yen.
| Restaurant Name | Akariya (灯り家) |
| Address | 506-0017 Gifu, Takayama, Asahimachi, 11-4 Bara Bldg 1F |
| Business Hours | 5 PM to 12 AM |
| Budget | ¥5,000 – 7,000 |
2. Hida Beef Sushi
Beef sushi? Yes, and it’s surprisingly good. Unlike traditional sushi, Hida beef sushi is lightly seared and served medium rare. A popular set includes three pieces topped with takisumi salt, ginger soy sauce, and quail egg yolk. These come on a crispy senbei (rice cracker), which is also edible. Even if you usually prefer well-done meat, this dish is mild enough to enjoy, making it a must-try for first-timers.
| Restaurant Name | Kotte Ushi (こって牛) |
| Address | 82 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846 |
| Business Hours | 10 AM to 5 PM, closed on Tuesdays |
| Budget | ¥1,000 |
3. Beef Skewers & Beef Croquette
Takayama is full of street food stalls selling grilled beef skewers and crispy croquettes. I got mine from Jugemu, where you purchase food tickets from a vending machine. There are four types of beef cuts to choose from—I opted for the loin, which was incredibly soft and packed with umami flavor. The croquette was crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and undeniably satisfying. Just be warned: eating both together can feel quite heavy!
| Restaurant Name | Jugemu (じゅげむ) |
| Address | 72 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846 |
| Business Hours | AM to 6 PM (5 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) |
| Budget | ¥1,000 – 2,000 |
4. Gyuman (Steamed Beef Bun)
If you love Japanese meat buns, you’ll want to try gyuman. The most famous place to get one is Hida Gyuman Honpo, where they serve a version with melted cheese inside. It’s served hot and fresh, with a fluffy exterior and juicy, flavorful beef filling. A perfect snack for a cold day in Takayama.
| Restaurant Name | Hida Gyuman Honpo (飛騨牛まん本舗) |
| Address | 72 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846 |
| Business Hours | 9 AM to 6 PM (5 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) |
| Budget | ¥1,000 – 2,000 |
5. Takayama Ramen
One of the best parts of traveling in Japan is discovering regional ramen varieties. Takayama ramen is unique for its thin, curly noodles and light soy sauce-based broth, typically made with chicken. If you prefer light, delicate flavors over rich, heavy ramen, this will be right up your alley. Look for traditional ramen shops around the old town to enjoy an authentic bowl.
| Restaurant Name | Tenaga Ashinaga (てながあしなが) |
| Address | 3 Chome-38 Honmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0011 |
| Business Hours | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Budget | ¥1,000 – 2,000 |
6. Gohei Mochi & Mitarashi Dango
If you’re a fan of rice-based snacks, Takayama has some great options. Gohei mochi is a flat, grilled rice cake coated in a slightly sweet soy sauce glaze, while mitarashi dango are round rice dumplings skewered and coated with soy sauce and sugar. Unlike the more common glazed version, Takayama’s mitarashi dango is savory rather than sweet. I recommend getting both at Fukutaro, where you can also enjoy a relaxing tea break in a beautiful traditional café setting.
| Restaurant Name | Fukutaro (福太郎) |
| Address | 58 Shimosannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0841 |
| Business Hours | 9 AM to 6 PM |
| Budget | ¥1,000 |
7. Tofu Set Meal
After all that beef, you might want a break—and tofu dishes are a great palate cleanser. In the historic Kami-Sannomachi district, Noguchiya serves an incredible tofu set meal (moriawase), featuring various tofu dishes served with rice and miso soup. It’s light yet satisfying, and the owners even threw in an extra side dish on the house! If you love tofu, this place is absolute heaven.
| Restaurant Name | Tofu Cuisine Noguchiya (とうふ料理 のぐちや) |
| Address | 35 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846 |
| Business Hours | 10 AM to 2:30 PM, closed on Wednesdays |
| Budget | ¥1,000 – 2,000 |
8. Warabi Mochi (Matcha Set)
Time for dessert! One of Takayama’s most photogenic sweets is warabi mochi, a soft, jelly-like rice cake often covered in roasted soybean flour. At Kissako Katsute, they serve it in an eye-catching matcha set, with the soybean flour artfully arranged in the center. Paired with frothy green tea, it’s the perfect afternoon snack to recharge before more sightseeing.
| Restaurant Name | Kissako Katsute (喫茶去 かつて) |
| Address | 506-0846 Gifu, Takayama, Kamisannomachi, 92 |
| Business Hours | 10 AM to 5 PM, closed on Wednesdays |
| Budget | ¥1,000 |
9. Matcha Pudding
At Hanafuuka, you’ll find an array of beautiful desserts, but the matcha pudding stole my heart. The silky pudding is smooth, lightly sweet, and packed with matcha flavor. Topped with crunchy bean snacks, it’s a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, making it the perfect way to end a meal.
| Restaurant Name | Hanafuuka (花風華) |
| Address | 506-0845 Gifu, Takayama, Kamininomachi, 76 |
| Business Hours | 10 AM to 4 PM, closed on Thursdays |
| Budget | ¥1,000 |
10. Roasted Sweet Potato (From a Vending Machine!)
Yes, Takayama has a sweet potato vending machine! You can choose between hot or cold yaki imo (roasted sweet potato), served in canisters that resemble newspapers. The one I bought was creamy and naturally sweet, making it a great snack to eat on the go. I’ve pinned the location, so if you’re in town, don’t miss out on this fun and tasty find!
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A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Takayama is not just a feast for the eyes—it’s a food lover’s paradise. From premium wagyu to regional sweets, every bite here is a glimpse into the town’s rich culinary culture. Whether you’re a fan of hearty meats, delicate ramen, or unique desserts, there’s something in Takayama that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Planning a trip? Make sure to bookmark this list so you won’t miss out on any of these delicious finds. And if you’ve already been, what was your favorite Takayama food? Let me know in the comments!
