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From Hida beef to handmade noodles, this Takayama food guide showcases the best of Japan’s mountain cuisine.

A box of food in a kitchen, reminiscent of the delicious food in Takayama.

Exploring Takayama Through Its Food

Takayama may be a small mountain town, but its food scene is rich with tradition, flavor, and seasonal freshness. We spent our days wandering through the historic streets, and each meal brought something new to the table. From melt-in-your-mouth wagyu to comforting noodle soups, the local specialties gave us a deeper appreciation for the region.

Hida Beef (飛騨牛): The Pride of Gifu

A piece of marbled Wagyu steak, wrapped in plastic, is displayed on a black plate with a 5,000 yen price tag in a store showcase—highlighting premium food in Takayama. Japanese labels are visible beside the steak.

No visit to Takayama would be complete without tasting Hida beef. This premium wagyu is raised in Gifu Prefecture and held to strict standards. Only the highest quality beef earns the official Hida Gyu label.

We stopped by a local shop called Tengu (天狗), just around the corner from our ryokan. The display case was filled with exquisitely marbled Grade 5 Hida beef. In addition to steak cuts, they sold condiments, shabu shabu dipping sauces, and bottled dressings. Since we couldn’t take fresh meat with us, we picked up Hida beef jerky. It was soft, rich, and packed with flavor—a perfect souvenir snack!

Gyu-man Kihachiro (牛まん喜八郎): Steamed Hida Beef Buns

Another must-try is Gyu-man Kihachiro. Our ryokan recommended this popular spot known for its Hida beef buns, and it didn’t disappoint. And who doesn’t like buns? The buns were freshly steamed and served piping hot. The bread was soft and fluffy, and the savory beef filling was rich, juicy, and full of flavor.

They also sell frozen beef buns to take home (within Japan), but nothing beats enjoying one straight from the steamer. It ended up being one of our favorite casual bites in Takayama.

Yayoi Soba: Takayama’s Unique Noodle Style

Two bowls of ramen, a signature food in Takayama, with sliced pork, green onions, and dark broth sit on a wooden table. One bowl features fried tofu. White ceramic soup spoons rest inside each bowl.

One afternoon, after visiting the Kusakabe Heritage House, we walked over to Yayoi Soba for lunch. This long-standing local shop has been open since 1948 and serves a regional twist on ramen called chuka soba (中華そば).

Inside, it felt like a cozy neighborhood diner with a few tables and a small counter. We ordered both the hot and cold options. The warm chuka soba came in a light, soy-based broth with tender slices of pork. The cold zaru version reminded us of hiyashi chuka with its dipping sauce and refreshing texture.

We loved how the noodles had a slightly chewy bite. They were flatter and firmer than buckwheat soba, but still light and satisfying.

Nogawa Udon: Handmade Noodles by the Bridge

A person uses a large knife to cut dough into strips on a floured wooden board, preparing homemade noodles—a scene reminiscent of traditional food in Takayama.

Another memorable stop was Nogawa Udon, a small restaurant right next to the red Nakabashi Bridge. We were drawn in by the sign promising handmade noodles—and sure enough, we could watch the chef knead and slice the dough near the kitchen window.

We tried three dishes during our visit:

  • Cold zaru udon, served with dipping sauce and a side of pickles—simple and perfect on a warm day.
  • Miso udon, with a rich broth that had extra depth and umami.
  • Hida beef udon, served in a clear dashi broth with slices of tender wagyu.

The texture of the noodles was incredible—soft but springy, clearly made by hand. Our daughter especially loved the cold udon, which became her favorite meal of the day.

Our Take on Takayama’s Food Scene

We honestly can’t recommend the food here enough! This Takayama food guide only scratches the surface of all the amazing flavors you’ll find.

The region’s cuisine is flavorful, seasonal, and steeped in local tradition. Whether you’re savoring high-grade wagyu or watching handmade noodles come to life, the food here is a delicious reflection of Takayama’s charm and craftsmanship.

More to Explore Nearby

After sampling Hida beef and other local specialties, explore these nearby spots where Takayama’s food culture and history come alive:

  • Miyagawa Morning Market – Snack your way through riverside stalls selling pickles, fruit, and freshly grilled skewers.
  • Nogawa Udon – Slurp handmade udon noodles at this cozy, family-run favorite in the heart of town.
  • Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji) – Sample sake, sweets, and regional delicacies from traditional storefronts.
  • Yume Kojo Hida – Roast your own senbei rice crackers and enjoy hands-on food fun just outside the city center.