Now, Hida Takayama in Gifu is one of the most popular tourist areas, largely renowned for Shirakawa-go and the Old Street. Visiting those places is a must-do thing while you are here.
But for me, shrine and temple hopping in Takayama is full of fun and curiosity. I ran into so many beautiful temples and shrines just around Takayama Station.
If you want to see what locals do, appreciate the culture, and feel the long history of Takayama, this blog post will help you. You can learn so much from the notice boards, the old buildings themselves, and the peaceful vibe on the grounds. It is really interesting.
I love spending my spare time wandering around these areas because it really helps ground my spirit. That’s exactly what I did during my stay here. Even though I am not religious at all, it really calmed me down and gave me a great feeling.
So, let me share a few shrines and temples that are definitely worth a visit while you are in Takayama!
1. Sakurayama Hachimangu
The massive Torii gate standing on the bridge is a real standout! It is located just past the famous morning market, Miyakawa Asaichi.
Sakurayama Hachimangu offers interesting trivia about local history. For example, it is connected to the story of a mythical figure called “Ryomen Sukuna”—which anime fans might know from Jujutsu Kaisen!
The quiet vibe of the shrine will catch your attention once you walk through the torii gate. It is decent, calming, and somewhat spiritual. The grounds are very well-maintained. A stony path goes straight to the main prayer hall. When you reach the building, which is surrounded by tall trees, the air feels totally different from before you stepped up the stairs. Standing here, you will find yourself breathing in and out calmly.
There is also a smaller shrine next to the main building that triggers your curiosity. To be honest, it looks a bit weathered and rustic—maybe even a bit “yakky”—but it’s really funny and unique! You don’t want to miss it.
Give yourself about 30 minutes to look around. It is totally worth visiting!
2. Hida Soja
This shrine looks relatively small compared to Sakurayama Hachimangu, but it is a very important shrine in the Hida region.
Surprisingly, all the deities (gods) in the Hida region are enshrined here at Hida Soja. This means once you visit this shrine, you are praying to all 18 deities of this area at the same time. It’s so efficient! Locals see it as a guardian that has been watching over their lives for a very long time.
The Haiden (prayer hall) is majestic. It looks simple but powerful. I realized that the tall trees sheltering the building are necessary to make it look more spiritual.
The path from the torii gate makes you feel a sense of peace. I also like the sacred stone placed next to the gate.
On May 4th and 5th, they hold a big festival. This is one of the biggest events in Hida, just like the famous Takayama Spring Festival. It is very traditional, so if you visit Takayama around the beginning of May, come over and experience it!
It is located only 10 minutes away from Takayama Station. It’s a nice walk to feel the local vibe and a good way to escape the busy crowds of the “Old Street.”
3. Hida Kokubunji
Hida Kokubunji has a very long history, dating back to the 7th century. Emperor Shomu built Kokubunji temples in every province of Japan to protect the country through Buddhism and to heal people from disasters, sickness, and famine.
This temple has been standing here since that ancient era. Today, a beautiful three-story pagoda and a massive, 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree will warmly welcome you.
Let’s pray here while thanking for the peace and prosperity of the modern Hida region!
I wrote an article about Hida Kokubunji, so take a look at this. (Experience Hida’s Kokubunji with All Five Senses)
4. Daiou–ji & Higashiyama Hakusan Shrine
This is a really interesting area because you can see a Buddhist temple and a Shinto shrine existing right next to each other, even though they are different religions. You can easily understand the difference between them by visiting both at the same time. Notice how the atmosphere, the items, and the buildings differ.
The things in the temple Daiou-ji are charming, and some are even cute! The garden is clean and beautifully organised, and the statues at the gate look very strong and powerful. It’s fun to look around.
As for the shrine, it is totally different. It is humble, solemn, and silent. It is nestled in a small mountain, sheltered by forests and moss, offering a real sense of “Zen.”
Also, take a close look at the two Komainu (guardian dogs). They look chubby and so cute! Every shrine has unique guardian dogs, but I think the ones here are the most adorable. It’s going to be a relaxing and refreshing time, so please stop by when you walk the Higashiyama walking route!
Conclusion
I love strolling around shrines and temples because of their serene vibe, where I can relax away from the noise of busy tourist areas. Even though I am not religious at all, I can always find peace there, surrounded by nature and beautiful Japanese gardens.
In history, Hida was an important region rich in nature and timber, and it was famous for its highly skilled craftsmen. The shrines and temples they built were a great opportunity for them to show off their amazing skills. If you look closely at the details of the wooden buildings, you can see how masterfully and beautifully they were made.
For locals, these spiritual places offer quiet moments to totally relax. It is like a retreat where you can find peace when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. It’s a “Zen moment” where you can reflect on yourself and be honest with yourself while praying.
It might look like a unique or even “weird” culture to foreign travelers, but please jump in! It will really help you understand the Japanese mindset. So when you visit the Hida area, don’t just go to Shirakawa-go. Make sure to visit these temples and shrines too! It is absolutely worth it!
