Takayama Foodie Tour
Joined 2017
Do you want to explore Takayama like a local? Maybe you aren’t sure where to find the best eats or quality Japanese cooking utensils and vessels. On this private tour, you can take a culinary adventure and get the best of Takayama’s unique food culture! The cold climate is ideal for making miso, pickles, sake, and many other traditional Japanese food. Get ready to go on a delicious journey where you can learn about Takayama through its authentic cuisine.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or a location that is convenient for you in central Takayama
Morning market
Start your day with a visit to the morning market, one of the three largest markets in Japan. Your expert guide will not only help you find the best products but also introduce you to the local vendors, the important faces of Takayama’s food scene!
Miso shop
You will learn about Hoba Miso, Takayama’s must-try local cuisine!
Knife shop
Check out a wide selection of knives, kitchen utensils, and cutlery used in Japanese cooking (available for purchase).
Shunkei lacquerware
Learn about Hida Shunkei, beautiful lacquerware unique to the Hida region.
Dango-ya (dumpling shop)
Get a taste of savory dango (Japanese dumplings), one of the most popular street foods in the Hida region
Local supermarket
Get recommendations on a variety of regional and seasonal products with from your local guide!
Ending Point
At your hotel or a location that is convenient for you in central Takayama
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, hotel pick up in central Takayama
Local street foods
Transportation (if necessary),
Tour Important Information
・You can purchase additional food samples not included in the tour.
・Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options are available. Please write your allergies/dietary restrictions and any other requests you may have.
・Please contact me for evening food tours. I can also take you to the best eats in town, including sushi bars and izakaya (casual Japanese pubs) offering seafood specialties for fish fanatics, and sukiyaki joints and Japanese BBQ restaurants offering Hida beef for meat lovers.
・Please note that I cannot take responsibility for any accidents that occur during the tour. I highly recommend getting travel insurance before you come to Japan.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2017
About Tour Guide Mika S.
My interests include art, architecture, food, sake, wine, and sustainability.
In the past, I had the opportunity to visit destinations around the world. My passion for traveling and experiencing other cultures helped me recognize the beauty in my own culture, and inspired me to become a tour guide. I’m a fun, energetic, and passionate guide who’s ready to show you an unforgettable time in Japan, whatever your interests may be!
Hida is a beautiful region tucked away in the Northern Alps, and its location helped preserve Takayama’s old town constructed by local master carpenters. On your tour, I’ll give you tips on what you should look for to appreciate traditional Japanese architecture. If you’re a sake lover, Hida is the place for you because the cold climate makes it suitable for brewing quality sake. I’m a licensed Sake Sommelier, and I’d love to take you to the breweries in town and give you some recommendations. I’ve also been trained to host art tours. If you’re interested in contemporary Japanese art, I recommend visiting Kanazawa, where you can find inspirational creativity in every corner!
My goal is to help you discover the authentic Japanese way of life while feeling comfortable like a local rather than standing out like a tourist. Please let me know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and I will happily tailor a unique experience just for you.
Fun facts about me!
I was sponsored to travel around the world twice
I was a torch runner in the 1998 Nagano Olympics
I grew up in nature, eating wild plants and seeing many wild animals
Reviews
Sierra T.
“Exceeded My Expectations”
We booked this tour with Mika and were blown away with how incredible it was. She is so sweet and kind, we felt comfortable throughout our entire tour. She is very knowledgeable and explained many things about the history of Takayama and the sake-making process. As a sake-sommelier, she really elevated this experience with her exceptional knowledge. The tour of the sake brewery was informative and the tasting was delicious. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to have a unique and informative sake experience - thank you Mika!!
Mika S.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review, Sierra! I’m truly glad the timing aligned, and it was a pleasure to host the sake experience for you and your parents. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared a part of your time in Takayama and to introduce you to something I’m so passionate about. I hope our paths cross again on another tour in the future!
Thierry A.
“Exciting Sake Tour in Takayama”
Thank you for the tour of the sake brewery. Your knowledge and passion made this tour really enjoyable.
Mika S.
Thank you for the kind review, Thierry. I was pleasantly surprised by your extensive knowledge of sake! It was a pleasure sharing my passion for sake with you, and I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour.
Deborah I.
“A Wonderful Half-Day with Lovely Mika”
We enjoyed strolling and learning about Takayama with Mika. We went thru the market, visited the local shrine and most fascinating was visiting the historic house. Mika was obliging and helpful and a great companion.
Mika S.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed our stroll through Takayama. It was a pleasure showing you the market, local shrine, and historic house. I’m glad you found them fascinating. I enjoyed being your companion for the day and am happy to have been of help. I hope to see you again on another tour in the future!
$122/ per person
More tours by Mika S.
Sake Sensations: an Exclusive Tasting with a Sommelier
Sake Sensations: an Exclusive Tasting with a Sommelier
Best of Takayama & Shirakawa-go Expedition
Best of Takayama & Shirakawa-go Expedition
