Takayama (高山)

 Historical street in Takayama.

Takayama is a city in the Hida region of Gifu, Japan.

I visited on a day trip while based in Kanazawa. The train trip through the mountanous region was one of the more scenic I have taken.

During the Edo Period (1600-1868) Takayama gained a reputation as a source of high quality timber and skilled carpenters. Because of this it came under the direct control of the Tokagawa shogunate.

Takayama Old Town

Takayama is noted for the preservation of many buildings and even whole streets from the Edo Period. Many were the homes and business premises of wealthy merchants. They can be found in the vicinity of Sanmachi Street, which is on the opposite side of the Miyagawa River from the railway station. Scenes of Takayama streets and architecture will be distributed throughout the page.

 Takayama Old Town
Edo Period Style Buildings in the Old Town

Being a Japanese city, Takayama also has several Buddhist temples.

Shorenji Buddhist Temple

Shorenji Temple was initially built in nearby Shirakawa-go during 1504. Originally a Zen temple called Jorinji, its main hall was rebuilt in 1737 in the style of a Pure Land Sect of Buddhism. In the 1960s it was moved to Takayama to avoided being flooded by the construction of a dam.

It is noted for its large entrance gate and the main hall which is made from one cedar tree.

 Gate to Shorenji Temple
Gate to Shorenji Temple
Main Hall
Main Hall of Shorenji Temple

Another feature is its Korean bell. The copper bell was made in Korea during the Koryo period(918-1392). Dating from 963 it is one of the oldest Korean bells in Japan.

Korean Bell
Korean Bell
 Takayama Old Town
Edo Period Style Building in the Old Town

Sarabobo Dolls

While in Takayama you will come across dolls shaped similar to a human but with no face, sarabobo dolls. Grandmothers made them for their grandchildren and mothers would give them to their daughters to wish them a happy marriage with good children. Traditionally red, they now come in six colours each with a differnt wish. A variation on the theme, is a doll shaped like a rabbit. A mother may give it to her daughter to wish her many children.

Sarabobo Dolls
Sarabobo Dolls

Hida Kokubunji Temple

Returning to the railway station I stopped to look at one more temple, the Hida Kokubunji Temple.

Hida Kokubunji Temple, is a Shingon sect temple. Its main hall, believed to date from the Nara period(710-784), is the oldest building in Takayama.

 Main Hall of Hida Kokubunji Temple
Main Hall of Hida Kokubunji Temple

In the yard are standing images of Kannon-the Godess of Mercy and the medical Buddha.

Goddess of Mercy  Medical Buddha
Kannon
Medical Buddha

Also in the yard is a 22 metre high three-tiered pagoda. Unique in the Hida region it has been designated a prefecturally important cultural property. Originally built in 1615 by Kanamori Arishige, ruler of Takayama, it was blown over by wind in 1791. The current pagoda dates from 1821.

 Three-tiered Pagoda
Three-tiered Pagoda

Another cultural property is the Kokubun-ji Bell Tower which was constructed during the Azuchi-Momoyama period(1573-1603). The temple bell was originally cast in 1514 for the Juodo temple. It was recast in 1761 and donated to the Kokubun-ji

Bell Tower Gate
Kokubun-ji Bell Tower

Near the center of the grounds is a Ginko tree believed to be about 1200 years old. Its height is 28 metres and its circumference, 10 metres. It is cherished by local residents because it can indicate the change in seasons.

 Ginko Tree
Ginko Tree

Reflections

One day is not long enough for Takayama. I think at least two, maybe three days are required to have a decent look. More, if you are planning trips into the nearby country side.

 Takayama Old Town
Edo Period Style Building in the Old Town

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