Thinking of adding Gifu to your travel bucket list? Make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to Sanmachi area. This quaint district located in Takayama is dubbed ‘Little Kyoto’ for its historic and picturesque appeal that’s reminiscent of Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district that is still known today for retaining its old world appeal.

 

 

Its three main streets of Kamiichino-machi, Kaminino-machi, Kamisanno-machi are lined with traditional buildings and houses featuring wooden doors, latticed windows, and grey stone walls. A stroll on its nooks and crannies definitely gives the feel of being transported back to the Edo Period (1603 to 1867). 

Curious about the other charming sights and activities to explore when visiting Sanmachi Suji? Read on. 

 

• Discover Takayama Jinya
• Get a glimpse of the past at Yoshijima Heritage House
• Rent a yukata
• Ride a rickshaw
• Eat and buy souvenirs

 

1. Explore Takayama Jinya

 

 

• Formerly an important government office during the Edo Period 
• Now functions as a museum and tourist attraction 

 

The Sanmachi district was historically a merchant town surrounding Takayama Jinya, a government office complex headed by dispatched officials during the Edo Period. At present, Takayama Jinya serves as a museum and tourist attraction which can be visited by locals and tourists alike. 

The site features great halls that used to be conference rooms, interrogation rooms, residential areas, guest rooms, and more when it was still functioning as an office. Its main hall is a former traditional rice storehouse that’s known as one with the biggest storage capacities all over the country. 

 

2. Visit Yoshijima Heritage House

 

 

 

• Designated as a National Important Cultural Treasure 
• A former sake brewery that features amazing architecture 

Built during Meiji 40 (1908), the Yoshijima Heritage House is a former sake brewery that has sleek interiors featuring wooden pillars and panel doors that mimic a sense of ‘feminine beauty’. It also has windows high above the walls that allow the sunlight to shine through the inside, giving the place a bright and refreshing atmosphere. 

Aside from the exhibitions that showcase traditional sake brewery techniques formerly done on the site, the century-old heritage house is also a symbol of well-executed architecture and has been designated as a National Important Cultural Treasure. 

 

3. Rent a yukata or a kimono and feel briefly like a local

 

 

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Sanmachi area experience, rent a yukata or a kimono in the studios scattered all over the district and stroll around the streets in full gear. Exploring the town’s laidback atmosphere in traditional wear will definitely level up your experience. Plus, did we mention that donning traditional garb with Sanmachi Suji as your backdrop guarantees the most memorable and beautiful travel photos? 

4. Ride a pulled rickshaw

 

While walking the streets of Sanmachi area won’t exactly tire you out that much considering that it's just a small area, we still recommend riding a pulled rickshaw. You can ask your ‘driver’ to take you to shops and stalls that are highly recommended or you can simply enjoy a roundabout sitting like royalty in the traditional vehicle. It definitely adds to the historic charm of the district and is another must-not-miss activity once you’re there. 

5. Check out the traditional-looking shops for food and treats

 

The traditional-looking shops and inns in Sanmachi area are still very much alive, with shopkeepers selling different types of food, treats, and services for both locals and travelers to enjoy. Most shops open very early in the day, so whether you’re there traveling as soon as the sun rises or you spent overnight at one of the inns, the morning market is a great way to start the day. 

If you’re in the middle of exploring and start feeling hungry, many shops sell mouthwatering Hida beef sushi and meat buns, as well as fresh fruit juices made from local produce. Looking for souvenirs? Shops that sell trinkets, sake bottles, and more also stretch all over the district’s streets. 

Sanmachi area definitely captures the charm of traditional Japan. If you’re in for an impressively immersive experience, make sure you leave a space in your itinerary for this location. 

 

Address: Sanmachi area, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture Website: https://www.hida.jp/english/