Make sure to visit Ajikura Tengoku for the best Hida beef in Takayama. A well-known restaurant specialized Hida beef in yakiniku style.
During my visit to Takayama, we went to taste the best Hida beef in Takayama. Many restaurants and shops are offering Hida beef on their menu. However, Ajikura Tengoku (味蔵天国) probably one of the best among all the restaurant in Takayama. It is specialized and served the Hida beef in Yakiniku style. A popular restaurant in Takayama among locals and visitors from all around the world.
For those looking for where to look for the best Hida beef in Takayama. Read on my dining experience for the best Hida beef restaurant in Takayama, Ajikura Tengoku.
Our Visit To Ajikura Tengoku
Getting to Ajikura Tengoku is very convenient. Located on the same side of the JR Takayama station, it is easy to find with less than 5 minutes’ walk from the station. Added, easy accessible from our hotel stay, Takayama Country Hotel.
While Ajikura Tengoku does not take booking during the weekend. So we decided to get there earlier after completed our 1-Day Takayama itinerary. We arrived in Ajikura Tengoku at about 5.30 p.m. But out of our surprise, there were already long waiting lists even before 6 p.m. We wrote down our name and waited patiently for our turn.
Ajikura Tengoku provided a waiting room with free WIFI for guests. So, we spend our time to study their menu while waiting for seated.
The menu of Ajikura Tengoku came with Japanese or English version. So no worry on how to order in Ajikura Tengoku. It offers a variety of beef options at different grades. You can ordered from an ala carte menu or combination platter. Good option for those don’t know what to eat in Ajikura Tengoku.
お得盛り Hida beef platter in Ajikura Tengoku
The most premium platter, 味蔵盛り with the best Hida beef cut cost about 10,000 yen. Alternative, you can go for lower range platter, お得盛り at 6,000 yen which mix with beef and pork meat. These two platters are best for 2 to 3 people.
After discussion, we picked お得盛り for a platter of Hida beef.
Side Order with rice bowl in Ajikura Tengoku
Besides, it also has other meat such as chicken, pork, and seafood if you are not fans of beef. You can also add on some side order such salads and rice into your meal. We added the rice bowl to complete our meal in Ajikuratengoku.
Best Quality Beef
Within an hour, we were comfortably seated at our table. The atmosphere inside the Ajikura Tengoku was very ambiance. There are Japanese styles with low tables on tatami floor or standard Western seating area for guests.
The staff seem like enjoy their job despite of large crowd. Service was good with prompt response. We ordered our Hida beef and ready for the meal.
Yakiniku style in Ajikura Tengoku
Without a long wait, our beef platter was served. Ajikura Tengoku is specialized in Yakiniku style which means you grill the meat your own.
The waiter was kind and explained how to cook the meat before we served ourselves. And then the option to dip it into a special yakiniku sauce which includes salt, garlic, and miso.
Yakiniku Hida beef in Ajikura Tengoku
We grilled our Hida beef and can’t wait to have the first bite. We let the beef in cooked for 70% maturity and then taste on it.
The Hida beef was so amazing. Honestly, though, I am not a professional beef eater. But I can feel how good of the Hida beef in Ajikura Tengoku. The layer of fat melted in my mouth. The quality of the beef was so excellent.
A very satisfying meal to end to our stay in Takayama.
Best Hida Beef in Takayama
Make sure do try on some local specialty when being in the Hida Prefecture. While Hida Beef is the must-try food for anyone visiting Takayama. We enjoy our meal in Ajikura Tengoku. The beef was so tender and juicy. For those who look for the best Hida beef in Takayama, Ajikura Tengoku got our vote.
Expected to pay at least 3000 yen for one person. But for A5 beef quality, the price is hard to beat. Prices are very reasonable and much cheaper than Wagyu or Kobe. Highly recommended for people when looking for what to eat in Takayama.
Lastly, this Takayama food blog is part of travel posts when visiting the Chubu region. Read also my Takayama travel stories if you are interest.
List of best things to do in Takayama that you should visit when you are here. My Takayama itinerary and what to eat in Takayama are included.
Located in Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is an authentic Japanese old town beautiful preserved for 1600 years. This historical city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama (飛騨高山). Being Japan’s “Little Kyoto”, Takayama retains its traditional touch with rustic charm. Most of the wooden buildings in Takayama are well-preserved since the Edo period and are still used today as houses and shops.
During my 7-Days itinerary in Chubu Japan, I traveled to Takayama from Nagoya and stayed here for 2 days. I had spent a wonderful time exploring the historical town and a day trip to Shirakawago. The best part of visiting Takayama is it does not pack with tourists compared to the other popular destinations in Japan. It is the best place to visit in Japan to enjoy the Japanese traditional culture and beautiful scenery.
To get the best view of Takayama, I would like to share on my Takayama itinerary the best things to do and see in this historic town. We will also cover what to eat and the best places to stay in this Takayama travel blog. Keep reading.
Getting to Takayama can be very simple. It is well-connected by train and bus from all around Japan.
Getting to Takayama By Train
If you are coming from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, the best way to reach Takayama is to get to Nagoya and then transfer to Takayama. Shinkansen (bullet train) on the JR Tokaido Line is running between these main cities. From there, transfer from Nagoya to Takayama Station via the JR Hida limited express train for about 2 hours train ride.
There are transport passes that can greatly save your budget. For travelers from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, it’s best to purchase a JR Pass for an unlimited free ride on the JR train and Shinkansen.
If your trip is mainly covered on JR Train, we highly recommend purchasing a 5-Day JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. This Pass will cover train rides connecting Nagoya with Takayama and Toyama, and trains from Osaka to Kanazawa and Tomoya. It even covered the Nohi bus ride within Takayama, Shiragawa-go, and Kanazawa.
While the bus is the budget way to get to Takayama. It is slower but has more coverage of some of the attractions in the Chubu region. The Shoryudo provided unlimited bus rides for 3 days (8,500 yen) or 5 days (14,000 yen) between Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Toyama, and Nagoya areas.
The best part when planning on the Takayama itinerary is most of the attractions in Takayama are located nearby. All the best things to do in Takayama are within easy walking distance and can be visited on foot.
We stayed in Takayama Country Hotel which is perfectly located opposite the JR Takayama Station. It is one of the best budgets to stay in Takayama with standard 3-star hotel facilities. From the hotel, it is a pleasant walk to explore the historical without long worry about the transport arrangement.
Takayama Itinerary: What To Do and Eat
Here’s the list of the best things to do in Takayama we visited that you should visit when you are here. Most important, the best food to eat in Takayama for your Japanese food hunt.
The following is a suggested Takayama itinerary with a detailed walking guide (what to do and eat):
Strolling in Sanmachi Suji and sample some delicious food (1-2 hours).
Visit Takayama Jinga or Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall (1 hour).
Natural walk in Higashiyama to Takayama Castle’s Ruin (1-2 hours).
Dinner with Takayama local specialties (1-2 hours).
If you have more days in Takayama? Plan a day trip to the UNESCO site, Shirakawago, or Okuhida Hot Springs Village for an onsen bath.
Visit the Miyagawa Market
We love visiting the market during travel to experience the local vibe. And this was what we did when we visited Takayama. Takayama is one of the biggest morning markets in Japan which is held at Takayama Jinya and Miyagawa Riverside.
We decided to get to Miyagawa Morning Market which is located on the side of the river bank.
From my hotel in Takayama Country Hotel, it was an easy 10-minute walk to Miyagawa Market. It is a pleasant morning market by the lovely river. The market was full of the bustle of energy with a combination of stalls and shops along the river. Lots of farm-fresh produce, local delicacies, local arts, and crafts are selling in the market.
Not a must-visit place in Takayama. But we enjoyed our time sample some food bought by the locals. In short, it was a pleasant visit and well worth the time spent in the morning.
Miyagawa Morning Market
Operating Hours: 7:00 to 12:00 and 8:00 to 12:00 in Winter (Dec to March)
Sanmachi Street (Takayama old town) is the iconic sightseeing in Takayama. Located at the center of Takayama city, Sanmachi Suji was once an important merchant center during old times. It is an easy-going town filled with a few quaint narrow streets lined with gorgeous wooden structures.
Most of the wooden structures had been converted to shops, tea houses, and restaurants. As you wander the beautiful old preserved streets, you can stop by some great shops with gorgeous art, nice food, and sake breweries.
Spend some time exploring Sanmachi Suji and you will find there are interesting things to see. We enjoyed our time wandering around and marveling at how well the historical house had been preserved.
We even spotted the Geisha were traveling in Rickshaw passing by in the Sanmachi street. A walk in the streets of the old town creates a nostalgic atmosphere.
Compared to Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Takayama was so much more refined, less crowded, quaint, and original. You can easily spend two to three hours wandering around. But be careful as this little gem can be crowded at noon when day-trippers come in. Come early if you prefer a stroll through the street.
Getting there: 5 minutes walk from JR Takayama Station.
Eat the Hida Beef
One of the must-try food in Takayama is Hida beef. It is a famous beef from the Gifu area in Central Japan. These beef are growing naturally and are classified as a high class in Japan. It produces a smooth and sweet flavor when you eat it. Be sure to eat the Hida Beef when you looking for what to eat in Takayama.
Many eateries are selling snack food with Hida beef. For example, Hida beef sushi, skewers, croquettes, steam buns, and steaks. We highly recommended trying the Hida Beef Sushi in Sanmachi Suji. The famous beef was so delicious and melts in your mouth. The taste is rare and so natural.
Besides, Takayama is also famous for Hida Gyuman. It is a tasty Hida beef steamed buns filled with Japanese vegetables and juicy Hida beef. Kihachiro (喜八郎) probably serves the best Gyuman in the Hida region. Drop by to taste one of the best food in Takayama.
Try The Local Snacks Food
Besides the famous Hida beef, many stalls are selling a variety of old-fashioned Japanese street food. You could try all different sorts of snacks along the street. My favorite local food is Mitarashi Dango. It is a savory skewer rice ball topped with soy sauce and sesame paste. Many people were queued up just for the Mitarashi Dango at SANGAWAYA. A must-try street food in Takayama.
If you are tired of walking, just grab the matcha ice cream and have some rest. Don’t forget to try this delectable local street food when you are in the area.
Taste The Sake
Hida Takayama is famous for producing excellent sake for over 400 years. It was once home to four dozen sake breweries and reduced to only a few famous sake shops in Takayama. You can easily identify a sake shop by the cedar ball (sugidama) hanging in front of the breweries. Or traditional sake barrels (sakadaru) located in front of the shops.
For sake lovers, we highly recommended visiting the Harada Sake Brewery. By paying a small fee for the sake cup, you can sample all the sake brewed probably up to 12 types. From then, pick a bottle from their range if you like the taste. A fun delicious sake tasting in Takayama.
Visit Takayama Jinya
A walk through the Sanmachi Suji will lead you to the Takayama Jinya. It is a well-preserved building that used to be the local government offices of Takayama. A good glimpse of how Japanese officials live in the 17th Century.
Inside Takayama Jinya, it is a self-guided tour to learn about the history of this building and item. The whole building includes a courtroom, storehouses and a very nice garden. Although not many signs are in English it was still good to see how things were in the past. Well worth a visit if you love to spend time on historical stuff.
Takayama Jinya
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:45 to 16:30 or 17:00 (depending on the season)
Takayama is well known for Takayama Matsuri (Festival) during April and October. It is said that it is one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. During this time, many visitors are coming to join the parade with magnificent floats (Yatai) parading through the streets. Together with musical performances, lion dances, marionette dances, and more.
Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall hosted and stored the floats in the rotating exhibition after the event. While the intricately carved floats are great craftsmanship. You can view the incredible floats closer from different angles. Added, a short film showed how the floats are deployed in the festival.
We did not visit the Exhibition but heard it is interesting. Let us know how it is if you have the chance to visit the Exhibition Hall.
Natural Walk in Higashiyama
We spend our late afternoon time for a nature walk in Higashiyama. It is a 3.5-kilometer walking trail meandering around the hill. The hike was not too strenuous with the middle slope along the trail. But we still recommended to wear comfortable and bringing some water if you are planning on these activities.
The hike eventually ends up at the ruins of Takayama Castle. It was built around 1600 and got abundant after the war. We also saw a temple with a beautiful torii gate and the hike ended at Shiroyama Park.
We feel nothing much to see if you purposely come for the castle’s ruin. But, it is one of the pleasant natural walks and the best to escape from the city life.
Buy the Sarubobo Doll As Souvenir
When visiting Takayama, for sure you will come across a faceless dolls all over the city. This popular doll is the mascot of the Hida Region, called Sarubobo. Sarubobo means a monkey baby. It is a charm blessing for good fortune for someone.
The traditional Sarubobo is in red. However, nowadays it comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Added, each color has a different meaning. While the giving of Sarubobo has a good meaning to the one you care about. So, don’t forget to get one Sarubobo as a souvenir when visiting Takayama.
Where To Stay
Wondering where to stay in Takayama during your visit? There are many accommodations in Takayama at different price ranges and budgets. Take a quick look at the best hotel and ryokan stay in Takayama. Below are our best pick of accommodation in Takayama.
Hida Hotel Plaza is one of the best onsen hotel in Takayama. Indoor and outdoor hot spring baths are fantastic. Their rooftop spa with mountain views is a plus for guests staying in the hotel. The location is also strategic between the station and Takayama old town.
Country Hotel is the most popular hotel in Takayama. Similar to most Japanese hotels, the room is pretty standard with limited space to move around. But Country Hotel is perfectly located opposite the JR train and bus station. Most importantly, all rooms are at an affordable price tag for budget travelers. So, it is the best place to stay in Takayama if you are looking for budget accommodation.
Hotel Wood Takayama gain its popularity in recent years. Located within the historical area in the central town, Hotel Wood probably is the only hotel situated on Sanmachi street. This brand new hotel has a beautiful contemporary design and traditional touch. Extremely popular and room easily fully booked.
If you want to experience Japanese culture, staying in a ryokan is a must. We highly recommended staying at Ryokan in Takayama for a unique Japanese stay experience. The traditional Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan offers traditional impeccable service, hot spring baths, and delicate delicious Japanese meals for your stay in Takayama.
Takayama Travel Tips
Here are some quick Takayama travel tips:
How many days in Takayama is enough?
One full day is the ideal amount of time to see the most important sight in Takayama. It allows you to slow down a bit and savor the things you’re seeing. Two days in Takayama allow you to plan for another day trip to an attraction nearby.
Is Takayama worth visiting?
If you love strolling in a Japanese town or have a particular interest in Japanese buildings, then definitely, yes. It is a small Japanese town but packed full of charisma.
How do I get to Takayama from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka?
If you are coming from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, the best way to reach Takayama is to get to Nagoya and then transfer to Takayama. Shinkansen (bullet train) on the JR Tokaido Line is running between these main cities.
How far is Takayama from Nagoya?
Nagoya to Takayama took about 2 hours train ride via the JR Hida limited express train.
What food is Takayama famous for?
The top three famous food in Takayama are locally raised Hida Beef (飛騨牛), Hida Brewery Sake, and Hoba Miso (朴葉味噌).
Overview: Planning on Takayama Itinerary
All in all, we spend about one day on the Takayama itinerary and have a wonderful visit to the old town. A visit to Takayama can be as short as 3 to 4 hours for a brief view of the city. But the historical city is worth slowing down and exploring in detail.
Takayama is a great base to visit the places nearby Takayama. There are many attractions worth planning together into your Takayama itinerary. We spend Day-2 at Shiragawa-go and Day-3 at Okuhida Hot Springs Village. Keep reading on how to spend my time in the Takayama region.
Lastly, hopefully, my Takayama travel guide blog can give you some idea of planning the Takayama itinerary. Happy travel to Takayama!
Continue Read On
How to spend Your holiday in the Chubu region by visiting one of the most exciting prefecture in Japan.
Keep reading below the Shirakawago travel guide on how to plan your trip to Shirakawa-go. This includes transportation to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and things to do in Shirakawa-go.
Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go (白川鄉) is a popular travel destination to visit in central Japan. It is one of the must-go bucket lists for many travelers to Japan. Listed in UNESCO Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is known for its Gassho-style traditional houses which feature steeply pitched roofs surrounded by lush nature. It’s like a Japanese version of a fairy tale town with its charm.
In this Shirakawago travel guide, we will introduce you to this quaint historic village with a unique architectural building. So read on!
First of all, it is not so straightforward to get to Shirakawa-go. Nestled in a valley and geographically remote from other habitation, there is no direct train that can get you to Shiragawago. However, Shiragawa-go is still accessible by several types of transportation. It is advisable to make your way to its nearest town such as Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama. Then, transfer to a bus to Shirakawa-go.
Getting to Shirakawago by bus Bus probably is the most budget way. Nohi bus (濃飛巴士) is running between Shirakawago, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Toyama. The traveling time from Takayama and Kanazawa is about 40 minutes. While the Toyama is required 80 minutes. Reservation is required to board the Nohi bus.
Getting to Shirakawago by self-driving Probably the best option to get to Shiragawago. Renting a car to visit Shirakawago is the best way to travel at your own pace, especially for families with kids and the elderly. Parking is available with fees applied. We recommend using RentalCars.com to reserve your car as they have the best selection and prices.
Getting to Shirakawa-go by train Again, Shirakawago is not accessible by train. Depending on which city you’re coming from. You need to transfer to the nearest city and then ride the Nohi bus to Shirakawa-go. If you are coming from Tokyo or Osaka, consider going to the Kanazawa or Takayama via Shinkansen which is covered by Japan Rail Pass. The train ride normally takes around 2 to 3 hours.
Day Tour to Shiragawago
Shirakawa-go can be explored by public transport but if you prefer a hassle-free visit then consider taking a day tour. Klook provide day trip to Shirakawago with transportation and a professional guide. Therefore, an easy way to help you explore Shirakawago without worry on too much.
Best Time To Visit
Shirakawago is best to visit any time of year and each season has its charm. Similar to many places in Japan, Shirakawa-go is filled with sakura in full bloom during spring. In summer, the village is surrounded by green and flowery rice fields and plants growing. Moreover, it gets painted with colorful autumn leaves in the fall.
But one cannot deny, that Shirakawago is extremely beautiful during winter. The scene is like walking into a fairy tale when the Gassho house is thickly blanketed with white snow. Truly one of the most picturesque places and best scenes in Japan.
Where To Stay in Shirakawago
For a unique lodging experience, consider spending one night at Gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawago. Most of the guest houses are run by owners. Enjoy the intimate and authentic experience of living in a traditional Japanese home. Have a taste of home-cooked meals at low tables and tatami floor with the host family. While there is only a limited guest house around the Ogimachi village, please make sure to book in advance, especially during peak season. You may check on the availability of guesthouses in Shirakawa-go at Japanese Guest Houses.
Alternatively, consider staying in accommodation nearby Shirakawa-go and walking to the village after the day-tripper leaves.
Shirakawago Guest House Kei is only 600 meters from the village. This accommodation has a dormitory room, private double, and quadruple Japanese room for your best stay in Shirakawago.
Onyado Yuinosho is a cozy ryokan that perfectly bled in traditional and modern facilities. Featuring with mountain view, guests can access to the sauna and hot spring. One of the best places to stay in Shirakawa-go.
CURIO Shirakawago is a newly open accommodation in the village. The location is superb and just a step from the Shirakawago heritage site. Good sizing room and clean. Everything is clean and perfect for a relaxing stay in Shirakawa-go.
Besides, Takayama is the best place to stay if you are planning for a day trip to Shirakawa-go. It has many unique Ryokan, hotels, and hostel in different price ranges and budgets. During my visit to Shirakawa, I was staying in Country Hotel Takayama and had a wonderful day trip to Shirakawago by Nohi bus.
What Is So Special About Shirakawa-go?
Shirakawa-go is a serene historical village that sits in a beautiful river valley. It is UNESCO’s cultural heritage with a unique architectural design that is preserved today.
The located mountainous village, Shirakawago is developed independently from Japanese society, resulting in a unique culture and lifestyle. The most well-known is their Gassho-zukuri which is made of woof without a single nail. The roof is characterized by a steep slanting thatch roof with praying hands construction style. As a result, its unique design is exceptionally strong to withstand heavy snowfall and wind.
Their community system is very strong. Everyone is helping each other during the planting and harvesting season, and taking care of the natural environment surrounding. One of the perfect examples is the thatched roofs. While the roof can last for 30 years and it needs community effort to change on it. During this time, everyone will be gathered and help with these activities. Villagers are working together to protect their Gassho-style houses and the culture.
Things to Do in Shirakawa-go
Meanwhile, many travelers are visiting Shirakawa-go when getting to Chubu Japan. Most of them are only spent on few hours inside the village. But, there are many things to do and awaiting you to slowly discover.
We will cover all the best things to do in the Shirakawago travel guide including the special event and festivals.
Visit The Gassho-zukuri House
View On Village at Shiroyama Viewpoint
Cross the Deai-bashi Bridge
Wandering Around The Historical Village
Pray at Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine
Join the Doburoku Matsuri Festival (Fall)
Witness the Winter Light-Up (Special Winter Event)
Eat the Local Snacks
Visit The Gassho-zukuri House
The impressive Gassho-zukuri houses the top attraction in Shirakawago. It has been well preserved since its establishment in the early 19th century. The cultural structures are made without a single nail. There are three houses open to the public for viewing for a nominal fee. We recommended choosing at least one of the houses to visit.
Firstly, Wada House is the largest and one of the oldest among Gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawa-go. Constructed in about 1800, Wada House is recognized as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese Government and is perfected preserved. It was the home of the Wada family who was prominent and resided in the village. This 3-story wooden building with the second floor and part of the first floor is open to the public.
Another worth visiting is Kanda House. This is where you can appreciate the ancient architecture of the house from the inside. It is also the only Gassho house that allows visitors to climb up to level 3. Added, there is also a lovely fireplace where you can enjoy freshly made hot wild grass tea. Having a cup of tea on the tatami is like bringing back to the old Japanese Edo period.
View On Village at Shiroyama Viewpoint
Shiroyama Viewpoint is the best place to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Shirakawa-go village. It is an excellent vantage point with an observatory deck above the village. Depending on the season, you can have a beautiful panoramic view of the village clothed in different colors. In winter, it is also the best place to view the world heritage thatch-roof house coated in snow.
While the Shiroyama Observation Deck is located high on a hill. To get there, you need to take a 15 minutes hike by foot from the main village. It is a relatively easy trek with a mild slope. Alternatively, just take the shuttle bus for ¥200 for one way. Do take note that during heavy snowfall periods, the trail to walk up may be closed.
Cross the Deai-Bashi Bridge
The mountain location is surrounded by stunning views with a beautiful landscape. There is a long river running across with suspension Deai-Bashi bridge over the river. It is a delightful and lovely walk across this Deai-Bashi bridge. When the season changes, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery behind with flowing water and fresh air.
This area is also the best place to enjoy the sakura in spring and autumn foliage. However, please make sure to be careful when taking the photo on the bridge. It can be very slippered, especially during winter with snow.
Wandering Around The Historical Village
Next, another best thing things to do in Shiragawa-go is freely wandering around the village at no cost. Take your time to walk within the village paths, view the buildings, and explore the character houses.
That is to say, the center town of Shirakawa Kaido Street is the busiest street in the village. It features many souvenirs shops and local snack stalls. It can be crowded and full of visitors during noon. Take a detour and walk through the side valley to experience the simplicity of the village. Clearwater streams through the canals along the roads with possible fish inside. Shiragawa-go is a quaint village with a picturesque view.
Pray at Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine
One of the local points of interest is the Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine. It is an important and well maintain shrine in Shirakawa-go. For a long period, Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine has served the local villagers for many generations. Take some time to pray at Shirakawa Shinto Shrine and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Additionally, it is also the main venue to hold the Doburoku Festival during October every year. During this time, villagers gather here to offer prayers to the local mountain gods for a good harvest and thanks for protection.
Join the Doburoku Matsuri Festival
At Shirakawa-go, there is a yearly festival that takes place in the quaint village. During the Doburoku Matsuri Festival, villagers are gathered in the shrine to conduct sacred processions, pray for the mountain gods and thank them for their protection. There are also lion dances, a parade with songs, and dances by villagers.
Besides, one of the unique things to do during the festival is try on Shirakawa-go’s specialty product, Doburoku sake. It is a home-brewed unrefined sake with white and opaque like rice porridge. Enjoy the vibrant festivity like a local with an unlimited flow of sake with villagers.
Witness the Winter Light-Up
Credit: Shirakawa-go
Like a fairy tale come to life, Gassho-zukuri houses in the Shirakawa-go are lit up at night during the winter season. The rustic village is so dreaming with illuminated lights twinkling under the heavy snow.
This exclusive Winter Light Up Event is held between January and February every year. It is very popular among visitors and even locals. Due to overwhelming, the regulations of joining the event are changes with reservations required starting from 2019. Guests are restricted to access the village without permission. Do make sure to plan early and check for information at the official website.
Eat the Local Snacks
Not to forget to introduce on best food in this Shirakawago travel guide. There are only a few local food restaurants in the village if you are looking for what to eat in Shirakawago. Most restaurants are only serving simple local dishes with limited food selection. For example, a hot bowl of udon with seasonal vegetables or shrimp on top.
Additionally, plenty of food stalls selling a variety of local snacks along the main street. We recommended grabbing some snacks to try on. The Hida beef on a stick is the best in the Takayama region. Another worth recommendation is gohei-mochi. It is a savory sticky rice cake made from pounded rice.
To try on other local delicacies, you can have the doburoku sake ice cream, beef bun, croquettes, or red bean soup. Price is reasonable even in the famous place among visitors.
Overview: Shirakawago Travel Guide
To sum up, Shirakawa-go is the hidden gem in the protective arms of the surrounding mountains. Planning a visit to this rustic village can be easy by day trip with a few hours of visit. But there are many things to do and see in Shirakawago.
Lastly, hopefully, this Shirakawago travel guide can give you some ideas and inspire you to plan for the coming trip. Happy visit to Shirakawa.
Looking for what to do in Jeju? Here are the best things to do and places to go to Jeju Island. Dedicated some best for nature lovers, family with kids, and elderly with places to visit at different seasons.
Jeju Island is one of my favorite places in South Korea. It is rich in natural wonder, historical and cultural attraction. I have spent an amazing self-driving road trip in Jeju with my friend. There are many things to see and do on this tiny island. But your Jeju itinerary can be different depending on your interest.
We have the best pick some best things to do in Jeju Island and wanted to share our Jeju travel guide. There are Jeju attractions are best to visit by family, hiker, or nature lover. Feel free to include those Jeju best sights to keep your version of the best Jeju itinerary.
I hope this list of places of attractions in Jeju has helped you with your trip planning. If you would like to check out my self-driving in Jeju, this travel post will show you a 6-day Jeju self driving itinerary of my places to visit and foods to eat in Jeju.
To ease your Jeju itinerary planning, we’ve outlined the things to do in Jeju into different areas. Added, best places to visit by family or hiker. Each area has it’s own charming and must-see attractions. Read through and pick the attraction as a starting point to plan your own Jeju trip.
Most people visit Jeju Island as part of the Seoul Korea trip. Depending on how long you have for Jeju Island. We recommended allowing 3 or 4 nights in Jeju for a great start to know about the island. But for people who prefer slow travel, Jeju Island can easily plan up to 6 to 7 days for a relaxing trip. It is best to visit Jeju for couples, friends and family trip in Jeju.
Where To Stay in Jeju Island
The beautiful Jeju Island features a wide variety of accommodations from a luxurious sea-view hotel, budget hostel to a local pension stay. The majority of the hotels are located in Jeju City and Seogwipo. Most of the attractions can be easily accessed within 1 to 2 hours.
Astar Hotel: centrally located with public transport accessible. It is a perfect stay in the downtown area with lots of restaurants and facilities within walking distance. Check prices now
The Shilla Hotel: is located nearby Jungmun beach with a comfort room, infinite pools, sauna with an incredible view. It is the best area for a relaxing gateway in Jeju. Check prices now
Jeju Solarseado Pension is a lovely guest house stay run by a friendly and helpful lady owner. Located nearby Seongwipo city, this pension features with amazing sea view and beautiful sunrise. Check prices now
Jeju Travel Tips: When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Jeju, check prices for Jeju Best Hotel from Booking.com. We found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.
Best Way To visit Jeju Island
Jeju can be explored by public transport with intercity buses connected all around the island. However, it is often time-consuming with some attractions that are not reachable by public transport. Renting a car in Jeju is the best way to visit the island at your own pace.
Driving in Jeju is relatively easy and flexible. During my Jeju self-driving trip, we rented our best car rental through RentalCars from Booking.com. It has all the best selections of cars in Jeju with price comparison. Our rental car is rented from AJ Rent-A-Car which is a budget Avis in Jeju. It is the cheapest price based on the similar car range that we’ve found.
But, make sure to reserve your car rental one month in advance to ensure the availability of your ideal car.
Jeju Day Tour
If you are visiting Jeju for a short visit and lazy to plan on your Jeju itinerary. We recommended you take the day tour without worry on too much. The tour is running by an experienced tour guide and you can choose the day tour for East, West or South Coast. Either one is a good option to plan on things to do in Jeju.
Jeju Private Car Charter – Chose where you want to go and when; your itinerary is under your control!
Jeju Travel Guide
Here are some of the recommended top things to do in Jeju Island. We help to split it into Jeju city at North, Seogwipo city at South, West coast and east coast of Jeju Island. Hope this Jeju travel guide can give you some brief idea on best things to do in Jeju island.
What is the Top Things To Do in Jeju City?
We recommended visiting the Yongduam Rock, mysterious road, Dongmum market, food hunting and also watch some variety shows in Jeju city.
What is the Top Things To Do in Seogwipo?
We recommended visiting the three famous waterfalls such as Jeongbang Fall, Cheonjeyeon Fall, Cheonjiyeon Fall, Daepo Jusangjeolli, and Oedolgae Rock, and some unique museums.
What is the Top Things To Do in West Coast Jeju?
We recommended visiting Hallim Park, O’Sulloc Tea Museum and Innisfree’s Jeju House, Sanbangsan, and Yongmeori coast.
What is the Top Things To Do in East Coast Jeju?
We recommended visiting Seongsan Ilchulbong, Udo Island, Manjanggul Lava Cave, and Seopjikoji coast walk.
Things To Do in Jeju City
Connected with Jeju airport, the city area is the busiest city on Jeju Island. It is the most convenient location to stay on for those visiting Jeju using public transport. Many famous restaurants are located in Jeju city. There are even black port streets, sashimi street, Guksu Geori (Noodle Street) to try on that delicious food in Jeju.
Things to do in Jeju City:
Yongduam Rock, volcano rock formation.
Mysterious Road
Dongmun Market, a traditional local market.
Yongduam Rock
Situated nearby the downtown and airport, Yongduam Rock is a popular sightseeing scene to see volcano rock formation. It is easily accessed by public transport with car park to cater to the visitors. The shape looks like a dragon’s head, created by strong winds and waves over thousands of years.
Enjoy the good views of the coast from the viewing deck. There are Haenyeos, women sea-divers are selling their fresh-caught if you getting down to the coast. It is best to visit during sunset time. At night, there will be lighting to bring out the features of the dragon head.
Mysterious Road
Credit: VisitJeju
As the name suggests, part of the Mysterious Road/Dokkaebi Road is “mysterious”. It is caused by optical illusion that made you feel looks uphill while running downhill.
Just turned off your car engine and let gravity do its work. Interesting place if you’ve never seen one before. A great pit stop if you are passing nearby.
Dongmun Market
A traditional market where you can shop for local produce, souvenir and sample some snacks and food here. Dongmun Market is well organized and divided into rows for fruits, meat, seafood, and some other stuff. At night, stalls are selling some local Korean street food such as fried chicken, rice cake, and snack food. The best place to experience the local vibe.
Jeju Travel Tips: There are variety of unique shows available in Jeju city. Take a look below if you are interested.
Jeju Nanta Show: The Korea’s longest running kitchen-based show performance – BEST Seller!
The Painters Show: The World’s First and Only! The Best-selling Show for Audiences for the three consecutive years.
Things To Do in Seogwipo, South Coast
The South of the island is the ideal place to visiting the top attraction in Jeju. Seogwipo is the second-largest city on the island. It is full of Jeju’s most incredible sights. Pick the best things to do in Jeju into your itinerary.
Things To Do in Seogwipo:
Three famous waterfalls such as Jeongbang Fall, Cheonjeyeon Fall, Cheonjiyeon Fall
Volcano rock formation in Daepo Jusangjeolli and Oedolgae Rock.
Teddy Bear Museum and Alive Museum are best to visit with family and kids.
For a unique experience, plan for the visit to Seogwipo Submarine to marvel at the underwater world.
Situated at a high cliff by the sea, Jeongbang Falls is the only waterfall in Asia to fall directly into the ocean. It is one of the most visited famous waterfalls in Jeju Island.
There are flights of stairs to get to the Jeongbang Falls. You can get even closer to this grand waterfall by venture in with some loose rocks. But please be extra careful as it can be dangerous. There is another Sojeongbang Waterfall located at east of Jeongbang Falls if you want to spend more time on the waterfall.
Cheonjeyeon Falls
While Cheonjeyeon Waterfall is known as “The pond of Emperor of Heaven” with the legend behind on how seven fairies took care of the king by playing in the pond every night.
Being one of the three famous waterfalls in Seogwipo, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall is a three-tier waterfall and the largest one among the three falls. You will need to have a walk for some long trail to see all the three tiers. It is surrounded by rare species of subtropical flora which value for scientific research.
There is a famous arch bridge called the “Seonimgyo Bridge” which means the seven nymphs bridge. It connects Cheonjeyeon Falls with the Jungmum Tourist Complex. This bridge provides visitors a spectacular view of all three falls.
Cheonjiyeon Falls
Not to mistake by Cheonjeyeon Falls, the Cheonjiyeon Falls is a peaceful stop to see the gushing waterfall. Known as Pond of God which derives from the legend that seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to the pond and bathed in the waters. It is a beautiful waterfall with light illumination up at nigh.
You can also take a glimpse of tropical nature by taking a relaxing stroll at the 1-kilometer walking path.
Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff
The eruption of Mt Hallasan formed up this one of the best sights in South Jeju. This spectacular Daepo Jusangjeolli is a cliff formation when the lava erupted into the Jungmun sea.
You can walk to the viewing platform to see the beautiful cliff. There are various shapes such as pillar, hexagons and cubes rock with blue water keep crashing on the rock. A great scenery for pictures and relaxing stroll.
Oedolgae Rock
Known also as Changgun Rock, Oedolgae Rock is a quirky rock formation rises above the sea. This towering natural wonder is surrounded by cliff and best to visit during sunset. A short walk will lead you to the view the Oedolgae Rock from different angles.
It is worth a brief stopover or plan for a lovely walk along the coast. It is part of the Olle Trail No.7 in Seogwipo, the popular walking trail at Jeju Island. So if you are coming for trekking, be prepare for 2 hours for it.
Besides, the beauty of Oedolgae Rock has been filmed under the famous Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace”. So Korea drama fans must be happy to see it.
Teddy Bear Museum
For sure Teddy bear lover go crazy here. The Teddy Bear Museum is a dedicated place with hundreds of teddy bears from all over the world. It truly is a fun time to find such many teddy bears throughout the museum. Some of the teddy bears are designed and created by hand.
You can walk through the history of teddy bears in Main Hall, spot the smallest teddy in the world or meet the Mona Lisa Bear in the museum. It is a great place for families with kids and anyone who loves furry bears.
A new experience in life to discover Jeju’s underwater world by submarine. The Seogwipo Submarine will bring you down to depths of 40 meters to see the undersea world without getting wet. It is a great place to marvel the marine life and surrounded by colorful sea life.
If you’re tired for all the natural scenery, consider for riding the Go Cart in Jeju. The pleasure of stepping on the accelerator while listening to the motor sound is so much fun! The thrill of riding the cart while looking at Hallasan Mountain make this a pleasure driving experience. It’s super fun!
You can get the discount price for Wind 1947 Go Cart from Klook at cheaper price. It was nice to be able to make reservations faster and cheaper than other places
Jeju Travel Tips: There are variety of unique shows available in Seogwipo. Take a look below if you are interested.
Hello Kitty Land: Heaven for Hello Kitty fans, adults, kids and who always have a little princess by heart.
Teddy Bear Museum: Dedicated place with hundreds of teddy bears from all over the world.
A well maintained tranquil botanical garden with a nice collection of flowers, cacti and bonsai trees. Hallim Park has many beautiful views inside for photo opportunities. Visitors can take slowly strolling through the different sections for plants and visit the underground caves.
There is also a very small folk village showing the olden days of Korea. Small animals such as peacock are roaming around you inside the park. A place best to spend leisurely for family with kids or senior citizens.
Besides, Hyeopjae Beach is located nearby. It is also best to visit beautiful beaches together and enjoy the ocean.
Hyeopjae Beach and GeumNeung Beach
Hyeopjae Beach is one of the best beaches in Jeju Island with glistening white sand and crystal clear blue sea. Dipped your toes into the water and enjoy the waves. It is the best place for relaxing stroll along the sandy beach.
Summer is the best time for water activities when the weather is not so cold. Else, it has also great scenery in winter too. Many Korean families with young children and couples are coming to enjoy their beach vacation here. Plenty of seaside café and restaurants around. So you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and admire the surrounding. You can also walk to the GeumNeung Beach which located adjacent to the Hyeopjae Beach.
O’Sulloc Tea Museum
Don’t get mistaken for the name of the museum. O’Sulloc Tea Museum is a tea house with an exhibition for green tea and teacups from different countries. You can learn about Korean tea culture and try on different types of tea in the O’Sulloc Tea Museum. But most of the people are visiting the O’Sulloc Café for their green tea dessert and drinks.
Enjoy a Hallabong (Jeju Mandarin orange) drink or green tea-infused desserts in the indoor garden or on the observatory deck. After the snack, take a short walk to the tea plantations opposite the museum.
You can visit the Innisfree’s Jeju House besides. This is where you can buy their product or join the handmade
Sanbangsan Mountain
Similar to most of the best attractions in Jeju, Sanbangsan believed to be formed by the volcanic lava from Mt. Hallasan. It houses a nice temple at the base of the mountain called Sanbanggulsa (산방굴사). Further up to the mountain with some flights of stairs, there is another Bomunsa Temple with Buddha sitting in the cave. It takes a little effort to get up to the cave and can be a little tough for the elderly.
It is a great place for a photo with a stunning view of the town and ocean. During March, this area is very beautiful with a canola field in front of the mountain. There are paid fields if you want to take photos with better view costs around ₩1,000.
Yongmeori Coast
Also, know as Dragon Head cliff, Yongmeori Coast is a rocky coastline where Mt Sanbangsan stretches into the ocean. It is named due to it look like the dragon head goes into water.
Yongmeori coast is a unique cliff erosion and fantastic lava rock formation. You can enjoy beautiful coast walk with a stunning view along the rocky trail. But be careful as it can be rather slippery due to waves keep on slashing to the shore. Added, there are steep stairs when you go to the left entrance/exit.
Hanyeos are selling seafood if you want to try out some special food in Jeju. It is also the best place for canola flowers scattered around during March. But be prepare to pay for money to get into the flower field.
Things To Do Nearby Mt Hallasan
Mount Hallasan
Listed as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, Mt Hallasan is located in the center of Jeju Island. It is a dormant volcano with 368 parasitic volcanoes called Oreums (peaks) scattered around the main mountain.
Many hiking enthusiasm is coming to Jeju Island to conquer this highest mountain in Jeju Island. While Mount Hallasan only can plan for a day hike as it can be very dangerous at night. It has many hiking trails but the most common are five hiking routes that official listed. Hikers are rewarded with a huge beautiful crater lake as well as breath-taking views of Jeju at the peak. However, please take not only Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa can reach to the peak.
For those not up for a hike to the peak, Mount Hallasan also has seven scenic trails, each less than 10 kilometers. There are also nearly 6000 species of plants and animals in the area, so nature lovers can knock themselves out! Do make sure you check the weather conditions before going and dress warmly as the winds can be quite strong.
Sangumburi Crater
Credit: VisitJeju
An extinct volcano crater with a well-designed park to view on it. To get to Sangumburi Crater, you need to take an easy walk to the high viewpoints overlooking the crater. The view along the path to the crater is beautiful especially during sunset. Sangumburi Crater is also a UNESCO heritage site in Jeju.
In fall, there will be a silvery wheat field along the path which is amazing.
Things To Do in East Coast
For the most stunning and unique experience in Jeju, visit the Jeju east coast. There are a lot of interesting places to visit and see the unique part of Jeju’s cultural heritage.
The Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jeju. It is an extinct volcano with a huge crater at the top. It rose from the sea more than 100,000 years ago in a series of volcanic eruptions. This UNESCO Heritage Site is one of Jeju’s must-see natural attractions.
Known as Sunrise Peak, Seongsan Ilchulbong is also the best place for its incredible sunrise views. Korean are coming here to celebrate their New Year with the first sunrise of the year. Depend on your physical fitness, the hike to the peak of Seongsan Ilchubong is rather steep. It is a mix of paved paths and wooden stairs. But still can be manageable at about 30 minutes to one hour. We highly encourage you to climb up to the peak as the scenic view is well worth it. It is the best place to visit the beautiful geographical landscape in Jeju. Remember to bring along a jacket as it can be windy.
The best time to visit Seongsan Ilchubong is early morning as the tour buses normally arrived in the afternoon. But if you’re there during the afternoon instead, remember to catch the haenyeo performance at 1:30 pm.
In spring, the Seongsan Ilchubong is surrounding with yellow rapeseed flowers in full bloom.
Udo Island
The U-do means ‘the shape of laying down cow’. It is a miniature of Jeju with beaches and coastal scenery surrounded island. A 15 minutes ferry ride from Jeju will get you to Udo Island.
The round island journey can be tour within 4 hours or even a whole day. There are several types of transportation for you to choose from. For instance, Hop-on-hop-off buses, electric cars, motorcycles, electrical bicycles and even walking. International driving permit required for motorized vehicles.
In Udo Island, you can just go with the round island flow and stop at leisurely. There are several stops worth staying for pictures taking. Be sure to try its delicious peanut ice cream when visiting Udo Island.
Manjanggul Lava Cave
Jeju is well known for its natural monuments and thus visiting the Manjanggul Lava Tube. For geological features to experience, considered to visit this finest lava tunnels in the world. It is one of the top 10 longest lava tubes in the world and stretches for 13.4 kilometers long. But for natural protection, only one kilometer is accessible to explore for visitors.
The visit to Manjanggul Cave is indeed a unique experience. It is well maintained and informative. There are proper explanation on how it was formed in Korean, English & Chinese language.
The temperature inside can go down to a range of 11°C to 21°C. So please along jacket as it can be chilly can cold. Added, make sure to wear shoes with good grip as the ground is uneven and slippery.
Seopjikoji Coast Walk
Located at the end of the eastern shore, Seopjikoji is a beautiful coastal area with cliffs and lighthouse. It is famous among KPOP fans as its appearance in Korean television dramas. But one can’t deny that the Seopjikoji coast walk is a stunning scenic walk for beautiful scenery. The view is very breathtaking during sunset.
This area is cover with canola flower is in blooms during Spring (March and April).
Aqua Planet
The Aqua Planet is one of the largest aquarium in Asia with many varieties of fishes and a huge aquarium. There are plenty to see and can get closer with marine animals such as stingrays, sharks, seals, penguins, and more.
The entry is including with live shows such as animal feeding and female divers diving. Don’t miss it as it’s very interesting. Families can easily spend a few hours inside the aquarium. The best place for a family to bring their kids to spend the day in Jeju.
The admission fee is excessive, so it is recommended to book the Aqua Planet Discount ticket online via KLOOK. Easy to use and simple ticket redeemption by using the mobile or printed voucher. For people who love to visit the aquarium, this is the place to go.
Jeju Olle Trail Route
These outdoor activities is getting popular among travelers to Jeju. The island has a trail system called Jeju Olle Trail Route. It is a walking trail where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the island. The trails will take you to the climb up the hills, rivers, beaches, into the woods, or walk along the coast on foot. There are even Jeju Olle Walking Festival organized every year.
Well, the most popular is Olle route 6 and 7 which classified as the most scenic and easiest route to walk on. You may check with the tourism organization for route recommendation which suitable for you. Highly recommended to natural lover to join at least one of the Olle trail.
