Takayama is a city located in Gifu Prefecture in central Japan. As of September 2025, it had a population of approximately 81,968 residents spread across 36,815 households. With a total area of 2,177.61 square kilometers (840.78 square miles), Takayama is the largest city by area in Japan, though its population density remains relatively low at 41 persons per square kilometer.
The city's geographic isolation at high altitude historically allowed Takayama to develop a distinct cultural identity over roughly 300 years. This separation from other populated areas of Japan enabled the city to maintain unique local traditions and characteristics that distinguish it from more centrally-located Japanese urban centers.