JapanTravel Tips

Transportation and Navigation around Hida Folk Village, Takayama

1. What are the most popular means of transportation used to travel to Hida Folk Village?

The most popular means of transportation used to travel to Hida Folk Village are by train, bus, and car.

2. How do you get to Hida Folk Village by train?
To get to Hida Folk Village by train, you can take the JR Takayama Line from Nagoya Station or Toyama Station. Get off at Takayama Station and transfer to the Nohi Bus bound for Hirayu Onsen. Get off at Hida no Sato bus stop, which is a short walk from the village.

3. How long does it take to reach Hida Folk Village by train?
It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to reach Hida Folk Village by train from Nagoya Station, and around 2 hours from Toyama Station.

4. What bus line do I take to go to Hida Folk Village?
You can take the Nohi Bus bound for Hirayu Onsen from Takayama Station and get off at the Hida no Sato bus stop. You can also take a direct bus from major cities such as Nagano or Kyoto.

5. Can you drive to Hida Folk Village?
Yes, you can drive to Hida Folk Village. The village has a large parking lot for both regular cars and buses, with a fee of 500 yen per vehicle. It takes around 25 minutes from Takayama Station and 1 hour from Shirakawa-go by car.

2. Are there any specific routes or modes of transportation that are recommended for getting around Takayama and the surrounding areas?


1. The best time to visit Takayama is from April to November when the weather is pleasant and cool. This period also coincides with several festivals in the area, such as the Takayama Spring and Autumn Festivals.

2. Takayama can be accessed by train or bus from major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The closest major airport is Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport, which is about 2 hours away by bus or train.

3. While in Takayama, the best way to get around is on foot or by bicycle. The city center is compact and easily navigable, making it ideal for exploring on foot. There are also several rental shops where you can rent bicycles for a day or half-day.

4. For longer distances or excursions outside of the city, taking a bus or taxi may be more convenient. Buses connect Takayama with nearby towns and attractions like Shirakawa-go and Kamikochi. Taxis are convenient for short trips within the city, but can be expensive.

5. If you plan on visiting multiple destinations in the region, purchasing a JR Pass might be a good idea as it will allow you to travel on JR trains unlimitedly for a set period of time.

6. During peak seasons or popular festival periods, it’s recommended to book transportation tickets (such as buses) in advance to avoid missing out on your desired schedules.

7. It’s also worth noting that some attractions in Takayama have limited access due to traffic restrictions and are only accessible by local shuttle buses or walking trails.

8. Lastly, if you’re planning to visit during winter months (December-February), make sure to check transportation schedules beforehand as severe weather conditions may affect services.

3. Is it easy to find parking near Hida Folk Village, or should visitors consider taking public transportation instead?


It can be difficult to find parking near Hida Folk Village, especially during peak tourist season. Visitors may find it easier to take public transportation, such as a bus or taxi, to the village. There is a designated parking lot for visitors at Hida Folk Village, but it can fill up quickly.

4. How far is Hida Folk Village from the nearest train or bus station?


Hida Folk Village is about a 15-minute walk from Takayama Station, the nearest train station. There are also buses that run from Takayama Station to the village.

5. Are there any walking or cycling paths that lead to Hida Folk Village from Takayama City?


Yes, there are walking and cycling paths available to reach Hida Folk Village from Takayama City. One option is to take the 30-40 minute scenic walk along the Miyagawa River, starting from the Kaji Bridge near Takayama Old Town. Another option is to rent a bicycle and follow the designated bike path from Takayama Station to Hida Folk Village, which takes approximately 20 minutes.

6. What types of navigation tools are available at Hida Folk Village for visitors who want to explore on their own?


Hida Folk Village offers a variety of navigation tools for visitors to explore on their own, including:

1. Maps: There are maps available at the entrance of the village and scattered throughout the site, showing the layout of the village and different buildings.

2. Signage: The village has signs in multiple languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean) that indicate important information about each building or area.

3. Audio Guide: Visitors can rent an audio guide device which provides information about the history and significance of each building in different languages.

4. Guided Tours: The village offers guided tours in Japanese, English, and other languages upon request.

5. Guidebook: A free guidebook is available at the entrance which includes information about each building and its history.

6. Smartphone App: The village has a smartphone app that provides a virtual tour with 360-degree panoramic images and audio commentary on various points of interest.

7. Staff Assistance: There are staff members stationed throughout the village who are available to answer any questions and provide guidance if needed.

7. Are there any guided tours offered at Hida Folk Village for those who prefer a more organized experience?


Yes, guided tours are available at Hida Folk Village for those who prefer a more organized experience. The guided tour will take visitors around the village and provide information about the history, culture, and traditional buildings of the area. These tours can be booked in advance or onsite at the tourist information center located within the village. English-speaking guides are also available for international visitors.

8. How long does it typically take to travel from Takayama City center to Hida Folk Village?


It takes approximately 30 minutes by car or bus from Takayama City center to Hida Folk Village.

9. Is the public transportation system in Takayama reliable and easy to navigate for foreign visitors?

Yes, the public transportation system in Takayama is reliable and easy to navigate for foreign visitors. The city offers a well-connected network of buses and trains that cover all major tourist attractions and neighborhoods. Signs and announcements are also available in English, making it easier for foreign visitors to understand and navigate the system. Additionally, there are also local tourism information centers that can provide assistance and guidance to travelers.

10. Are there any boat rides or river cruises available as a form of transportation to Hida Folk Village?


No, there are no boat rides or river cruises available as a form of transportation to Hida Folk Village. The village is located in the mountains and can only be accessed by land transportation such as buses or taxis.

11. Is it necessary to have a car in order to visit the nearby attractions around Takayama and Hida Folk Village?


No, it is not necessary to have a car in order to visit the nearby attractions around Takayama and Hida Folk Village. There are public transportation options available such as buses and trains that can easily take you to these destinations. Additionally, some attractions may offer shuttle services or organized tours for visitors without cars.

12. What type of payment methods are accepted for purchasing tickets for transportation in Takayama?


The type of payment methods accepted for purchasing tickets for transportation in Takayama may vary depending on the specific mode of transportation. Generally, cash is widely accepted for purchasing tickets for buses and trains. Some train stations and bus terminals also accept major credit cards. In some cases, pre-paid transportation cards such as Suica or Pasmo may also be used to purchase tickets. It is best to check with the specific transport company or station for their accepted payment methods before purchasing a ticket.

13. Can visitors rent bicycles near Hida Folk Village as a way to explore the area?


Yes, visitors can rent bicycles near Hida Folk Village as a way to explore the area. There is a bicycle rental shop located at the entrance of Hida Folk Village, where visitors can rent bicycles for a fee. The rental fee is typically around 500-800 yen per day, and helmets are also provided. This is a great and convenient way to explore the surrounding villages and countryside of Hida Folk Village.

14. Are there any shuttle services available between tourist spots in Takayama and Hida Folk Village?

Yes, there are shuttle services available between Takayama and Hida Folk Village. The most convenient option is the Takayama-Hida Folk Village Bus, which operates daily and takes approximately 15 minutes. Other options include taxis or private car hires.

15. What is the cost difference between taking public transportation versus driving a private vehicle to reach Hida Folk Village?

The cost difference between taking public transportation versus driving a private vehicle to reach Hida Folk Village can vary depending on the starting point and mode of transportation. However, here is an estimate of the cost for two people:

Public transportation:
– Train from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station: approximately 5,320 yen round trip (2,660 yen per person)
– Bus from Takayama Station to Hida Folk Village: 900 yen round trip (450 yen per person)
Total cost: 6,220 yen (~$56 USD)

Private vehicle:
– Gasoline for a round trip from Nagoya to Takayama (approximately 360 km): estimated at 5,400 yen ($49 USD)
– Expressway toll fees (round trip): estimated at 6,000 yen ($54 USD)
Total cost: 11,400 yen (~$103 USD)

As you can see, taking public transportation is more cost-effective than driving a private vehicle. Additionally, there are also costs associated with parking at Hida Folk Village, which can add up depending on the duration of your visit.

16. Are taxis readily available in Takayama and how much do they typically charge for rides to Hida Folk Village?


There are taxis readily available in Takayama and the fare for a ride to Hida Folk Village from the city center can vary between 1500-2000 yen, depending on traffic and the specific location within the village. It is recommended to negotiate a fixed fare with the driver before getting into the taxi. Alternatively, many visitors choose to take a bus or walk to Hida Folk Village.

17. Is it possible to book train or bus tickets online in advance before visiting Takayama and Hida Folk Village?

Yes, it is possible to book train and bus tickets in advance for Takayama and Hida Folk Village. You can book train tickets through the Japan Rail Pass website or online travel agencies such as Japanican or HyperDia. Bus tickets can be booked through the Nohi Bus website or other online platforms like Willer Express or Japan Bus Online.

18. Are there any designated parking areas at Hida Folk Village or is parking available on the street?


Parking is available at designated parking lots at Hida Folk Village. There is no street parking available in the village.

19. How long does it take to walk from Hida Folk Village to other popular tourist spots such as Old Town Takayama or the Matsuri-no-Mori festival site?


It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to walk from Hida Folk Village to the Old Town Takayama area. The Matsuri-no-Mori festival site is located a bit further, about a 20-minute walk from Hida Folk Village.

20. Can visitors purchase a transportation pass that covers multiple modes of travel in and around Takayama, including Hida Folk Village?


Yes, visitors can purchase a Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass which covers multiple modes of transport including trains, buses, and the shuttle bus to Hida Folk Village. This pass is available for 5 consecutive days and can be purchased at major train stations in the area.