A peaceful shrine surrounded by nature in Takayama City, Japan.
Serene and calm, you will find Hie Shrine an oasis surrounded by tall trees in the mountain city of Hida Takayama, in Gifu prefecture Japan. This shrine, dedicated to family safety, is most well-known as the host of the famous Takayama Spring Festival, or Sanno Festival. The karakuri, or marionette, figures and floats used for the annual festival are located here when not in use.
It is said that this Shinto Shrine has a history spanning back to 1141. The large cedar trees on the grounds are also over 1000 years old!
Local Travel Tips
To enjoy this shrine to the fullest, be sure to schedule your visit in April or October to coincide with the Takayama Festival, held at Hie Shrine. Takayama Festival is hailed as one of the most beautiful festivals throughout Japan, and is one of the premier events in Hida Takayama, so is definitely worth scheduling your visit around. If you’re having trouble deciding between a spring or fall visit, we recommend the Spring Sanno Matsuri!
Hie Shrine
English Address : 156 Shiroyama, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture Japan 506-0822
Japanese Address : 〒506-0822 岐阜県高山市城山156番地
Opening Hours:
9:00 – 16:00
Access
Hie Shrine is about 1.2km , or a 20 minute walk, from JR Takayama Station. Although there are a couple buses to shorten the trip, we recommend walking to truly take in the beauty of Hida Takayama City. On the way to Hie Shrine, you’ll pass by the Miyagawa River, picturesque historical streets, and Takayama Jinya.
Where to stay
To get the best access to Hie Shrine and other local attractions, we recommend staying at an accommodation nearby, with access to JR Takayama Station for your other travel needs.
The perfect mix of traditional and modern, this boutique hotel is located near Takayama Old Town, and is a leisurely 8-minute walk from JR Takayama Station. A renovated traditional Japanese architecture (machiya) with 14 exclusive rooms, you can choose to stay in a spacious western-style room or a classic Japanese tatami room. If you are traveling to Takayama city with family or a group of friends, we recommend staying in THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA’s suite or loft-style rooms!
THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA also has a private machiya villa, THE MACHIYA HANARE – a traditional Japanese two-story machiya house – exclusive for one group per day. This private machiya villa has a luxurious hinoki wood Japanese bathtub, 2 bedrooms, modern kitchen, and views of the Miyagawa River.
