Explore the Timeless Charm of Sanmachi Street in Hida Takayama - Japan Travel Sights

Sanmachi Street, located in the heart of Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and history.

Once the central hub of the castle town, this well-preserved area offers a rich cultural experience that takes you back to the Edo and Meiji periods.

With its charming streets and historic buildings, Sanmachi Street is one of the top attractions in Hida Takayama, drawing both local and international visitors.

In this guide, we will introduce the key highlights of Sanmachi Street, its unique architectural features, nearby cafes and restaurants, as well as tips for parking and getting around the area.

What is Sanmachi Street? The “Little Kyoto” of Hida

Sanmachi Street, often referred to as the “Little Kyoto” of Hida, is a beautifully preserved street that reflects the architectural style and charm of Japan’s Edo period.

Not only does it offer a unique view of Japan’s past, but it has also become a popular spot for tourists from around the world.

The name “Sanmachi” refers to a set of six streets: Kamisan-no-machi, Kamini-no-machi, Kamisan-no-machi, Shimoichi-no-machi, Shimonino-machi, and Shimosan-no-machi.

Together with Hachiman-machi and Oshin-machi, these areas have been designated as an important traditional building preservation district.

• Name: Sanmachi Street
• Address: Kamisan-no-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• Official Site: Sanmachi Street Tourism

Architectural Highlights of Sanmachi Street

Sanmachi Street is known for its unique, historic buildings that give visitors a sense of having traveled back in time.

Below are some key features to look out for when exploring this picturesque street.

Skylights (Akari-tori)

The closely packed buildings of Sanmachi Street are designed with narrow fronts and deep interiors, which often results in limited natural light. To solve this, many roofs feature skylights that allow daylight to filter into the homes. This traditional method of lighting is a rare feature in modern buildings.

Lattice Windows (Degoshi)

One of the most distinctive features of Sanmachi Street’s architecture is the lattice windows (degoshi). These slightly protruding, lattice-covered windows provide privacy while still allowing light and air to pass through. The intricate woodwork adds to the beauty of these buildings.

Water Channels (Yosuiro)

Running beneath the eaves of the buildings, the water channels (yosuiro) serve an important purpose beyond aesthetics. Historically, they functioned as a fire prevention measure and were also used to cool the area during the summer and melt snow in the winter, making them an essential part of the street’s infrastructure.

Recommended Cafés Near Sanmachi Street

After soaking in the historical atmosphere, you’ll likely want to take a break at one of the charming cafés near Sanmachi Street. Here are a few standout spots to enjoy a coffee or snack.

Kissako Katsute Café

This café blends modern Japanese design with traditional aesthetics, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing break. The menu includes coffee, tea, warabi mochi, and delicious parfaits. The café has both counter seating and traditional Japanese tatami seating upstairs.

• Name: Kissako Katsute
• Address: 92 Kamisan-no-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• Website: Kissako Katsute

Hida Woodblock Café Balen

For something a little different, visit Hida Woodblock Café Balen. The café is housed in an Edo-period townhouse and features beautiful woodblock prints by local artists. From the second-floor seating, you can enjoy views of Sanmachi Street while indulging in homemade sweets like their signature red bean paste desserts.

• Name: Hida Woodblock Café Balen
• Address: 107 Kamisan-no-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture

Recommended Lunch Spots Near Sanmachi Street

Sanmachi Street is not only famous for its history, but also for its delicious food. Here are some of the best places to enjoy lunch during your visit.

Gyuman Café Kihachiro

Known for its mouthwatering Hida beef buns, Gyuman Café Kihachiro offers both take-out and dine-in options. The buns are filled with a savory mix of Hida beef and locally sourced vegetables, wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough. Enjoy the flavors of Hida with every bite.

• Name: Gyuman Café Kihachiro
• Address: 35 Kamini-no-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• Website: Gyuman Café Kihachiro

Sakaguchiya Restaurant

For something heartier, head to Sakaguchiya. Their specialties include the Hida Beef Ushi-Shi Donburi, a generously portioned rice bowl topped with succulent Hida beef. The restaurant also offers Hida beef curry and Hida beef noodle soup, all served in a rustic and traditional setting.

• Name: Sakaguchiya
• Address: 90 Kamisan-no-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• Website: Sakaguchiya Restaurant

Hida beef dishes at Sakaguchiya Restaurant

Discover the Local Sake at Harada Sake Brewery

For those looking to enjoy a more adult experience, don’t miss a visit to Harada Sake Brewery, known for its locally brewed Sansa Sake.

The brewery offers a unique opportunity to purchase a tasting cup, which gives you access to sample more than 10 varieties of sake and shochu. Takayama’s ideal rice-growing conditions and cold climate make it the perfect place for producing high-quality sake.

• Name: Harada Sake Brewery
• Address: 10 Kamisan-no-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• Website: Harada Sake Brewery

Find Tasty Ramen Near Sanmachi Street

If you’re in the mood for ramen, you’re in luck! The area around Sanmachi Street has some fantastic ramen shops where you can enjoy authentic Japanese noodles.

Mametengu Takayama Main Store

Mametengu Takayama is a popular ramen shop that prides itself on its carefully prepared broth and noodles. The restaurant was also the first in Takayama to introduce dipping noodles (tsukemen), which have become a local favorite. Their rich, flavorful broth has kept loyal customers coming back for more.

• Name: Mametengu Takayama Main Store
• Address: 62 Hachiken-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• Website: Mametengu Ramen

Tsudumi Soba

For those who prefer traditional ramen, Tsudumi Soba offers classic Hida Chuka Soba, featuring thin, wavy noodles in a clear, savory broth. This ramen shop has maintained its recipe for decades, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.

• Name: Tsudumi Soba
• Address: 52 Asahi-machi, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• Website: Tsudumi Soba

Parking and Access Near Sanmachi Street

Sanmachi Street is easily accessible by foot from JR Takayama Station, but if you’re driving, there are several parking options in the area.

Mikata Parking Lot

Located close to Sanmachi Street, this parking lot has space for 120 vehicles. The fee is ¥200 per 30 minutes, and the lot is open 24 hours.

City-Run Sora Parking Lot

With space for 128 cars, this parking lot charges ¥150 for every 20 minutes from 8:00 AM

to 8:00 PM, and ¥50 per hour from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

• Access: Sanmachi Street is a 12-minute walk from JR Takayama Station.

Sanmachi Street in Hida Takayama offers a unique and immersive experience of Japan’s rich cultural history. Whether you’re enjoying the traditional architecture, sampling local cuisine, or exploring nearby sake breweries, your visit to Sanmachi Street will leave you with unforgettable memories of this charming town.