Takayama Food & Sake Tour: Morning Markets, Rice Cracker Making

Old town, market stalls, a rice cracker you make yourself, and sake from the biggest brewery in the area

A walking tour of Takayama's old town, morning markets and Hirase brewery, the oldest and largest sake producer in the region. You'll see traditional craftsmanship sites, walk through the market, make a rice cracker by hand, and taste sake at the brewery. The tour runs 2 to 3 hours with a local English-speaking guide. Food and all experience fees are included. Minimum two people. The rice cracker workshop sometimes closes, so the operator confirms availability when you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Takayama city food and culture tour

• See old township and history
• Take photo on bridge
• View old Japanese government office
• Explore Takumi traditional crafts
• Visit Takayama morning market
• See old city hall exterior
• Make your own rice cracker
• Browse more at morning market
• Tour and taste at sake brewery

The experience

The tour starts in Takayama's old town, where the guide walks you through the streets and explains the history and culture of the area. You'll pass the old government office (one of only a few of its kind left in Japan), and see traditional craftsmanship sites where Takayama's skilled artisans worked. A wooden bridge offers a good photo stop, and you'll visit a shrine to experience Japanese religious practice firsthand.

The morning markets are where you see the most traditional goods and local life. You'll walk through twice during the tour, browsing what vendors have set out. At the rice cracker workshop, you make your own cracker using a heater. The operator confirms this activity is available when you book, as the workshop sometimes closes. Then you head to Hirase brewery, the oldest and biggest sake producer in the area. You walk through the brewery and taste sake as part of the experience.

The tour is a walking route around the city, so wear comfortable shoes. It works in the rain. If you need a guide in a language other than English, or if you want to book a private version for your group, let the operator know when you reserve. Groups must be at least two people.

What’s included

• Local English-speaking guide.
• food and experience fees for the rice cracker workshop and sake tasting at Hirase brewery.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to11h before

AgesAdult (12 to 88 years) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Happy Tour

Is this one for you?The tour is a walking route through Takayama's old town and markets, so it suits anyone staying in the city or arriving by train without a car. The fixed 2- to 3-hour schedule fits into a morning or afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I make at the rice cracker workshop?

You make your own rice cracker using a heater. The workshop is part of the tour, though it sometimes closes unexpectedly, so the operator confirms it's open when you book.

Is the sake tasting included in the price?

Yes, the tasting fee at Hirase brewery is included, along with all food costs and the rice cracker-making experience.

What is the Takayama Morning Markets like?

The morning markets are where locals sell traditional goods and produce. You walk through them twice during the tour and see what vendors have set out that day.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 2 to 3 hours, walking around Takayama's old town, the markets and the brewery.

Can I do this tour if I don't speak English?

The standard guide speaks English. If you need a guide in another language, contact the operator when you book to arrange it.