Sanmachi Street
(Source: Ye Choh Wah/shutterstock)
Characteristics of Machiya-style Structures
The buildings standing in the old town are built in a Machiya (traditional merchant house) style. Takayama was a region under the Edo Shogunate's direct control. It was prohibited to build a building taller than Takayama Jinya, the magistrate of Hida region. Therefore, all the buildings are built low. Although the external appearance is simple with a symmetrical design made by a combination of straight lines of lattices, the interiors are quite luxurious. This is the style of this town.
(Source: 旅を通じて広がった世界100景)
Sake Breweries and Sake Storehouses
There are six sake breweries around Sanmachi Street. This area is blessed with water, rice and the climate for sake. Each sake brewery offers its original brand sake. You can sample some sake at the store to find your favorite. Every year from January to February, a sake brewery tour is held during which six local sake breweries take turns and open to the public.
(Source: gandhi / PIXTA(ピクスタ))
Street at Night
The townscape takes on a different air according to the time of the day and the season. The night view is highly recommended as the streets have less visitors at night. Most shops in this old town close in the evening and the street is sparsely lit after sundown. This relaxing atmosphere is very different from the busy streets from the daytime.
(Source: Q / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )
Hida Beef Sushi for Takeout
Sanmachi Street has a lot of takeout food perfect for snacking while you take a walk. Mitarashi Dango (sweet dumplings) and Hidaman (steamed buns with Hida beef filling) and rice crackers are famous local specialties. The most recommended is Hida beef sushi at Sakaguchiya. Takayama’s proud specialty, tender and fatty Hida beef melts in your mouth. The plate itself is actually a rice cracker that you can eat.
(Source: 食べログ)
Hand-pulled Rickshaw
If you want to enjoy Sanmachi Street from a different angle, why don’t you hire a rickshaw? Takayama is said to be the first place where rickshaws for sightseeing were introduced. You can enjoy not only the old townscape but also the central area of Takayama city. Rickshaws can be found around the crossroads of Kamisanno-machi and Yanagi-bashi or at the corner of Nakabashi near the old town district.
(Source: Q7 Days)
Hida Takayama Kimono Walk
An event called “Hida Takayama Kimono Walk” is held in every spring and autumn. Those who rent kimono during this period can get discounts on admissions for sightseeing spots in Takayama city. It is entertaining to walk on Sanmachi Street dressed in a kimono.
(Source: Ye Choh Wah/shutterstock)
Characteristics of Machiya-style Structures
The buildings standing in the old town are built in a Machiya (traditional merchant house) style. Takayama was a region under the Edo Shogunate's direct control. It was prohibited to build a building taller than Takayama Jinya, the magistrate of Hida region. Therefore, all the buildings are built low. Although the external appearance is simple with a symmetrical design made by a combination of straight lines of lattices, the interiors are quite luxurious. This is the style of this town.
(Source: 旅を通じて広がった世界100景)
Sake Breweries and Sake Storehouses
There are six sake breweries around Sanmachi Street. This area is blessed with water, rice and the climate for sake. Each sake brewery offers its original brand sake. You can sample some sake at the store to find your favorite. Every year from January to February, a sake brewery tour is held during which six local sake breweries take turns and open to the public.
(Source: gandhi / PIXTA(ピクスタ))
Street at Night
The townscape takes on a different air according to the time of the day and the season. The night view is highly recommended as the streets have less visitors at night. Most shops in this old town close in the evening and the street is sparsely lit after sundown. This relaxing atmosphere is very different from the busy streets from the daytime.
(Source: Q / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )
Hida Beef Sushi for Takeout
Sanmachi Street has a lot of takeout food perfect for snacking while you take a walk. Mitarashi Dango (sweet dumplings) and Hidaman (steamed buns with Hida beef filling) and rice crackers are famous local specialties. The most recommended is Hida beef sushi at Sakaguchiya. Takayama’s proud specialty, tender and fatty Hida beef melts in your mouth. The plate itself is actually a rice cracker that you can eat.
(Source: 食べログ)
Hand-pulled Rickshaw
If you want to enjoy Sanmachi Street from a different angle, why don’t you hire a rickshaw? Takayama is said to be the first place where rickshaws for sightseeing were introduced. You can enjoy not only the old townscape but also the central area of Takayama city. Rickshaws can be found around the crossroads of Kamisanno-machi and Yanagi-bashi or at the corner of Nakabashi near the old town district.
(Source: Q7 Days)
Hida Takayama Kimono Walk
An event called “Hida Takayama Kimono Walk” is held in every spring and autumn. Those who rent kimono during this period can get discounts on admissions for sightseeing spots in Takayama city. It is entertaining to walk on Sanmachi Street dressed in a kimono.
