is a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 81,968 in 36,815 households, and a population density of 41 persons per km<sup>2</sup>. The total area of the city was making it the largest city by area in Japan. The high altitude and separation from other areas of Japan kept the area fairly isolated, allowing Takayama to develop its own culture over about a 300-year period.
Etymology
The city is popularly known as in reference to the old Hida Province to differentiate it from other places named Takayama. The name 'Takayama' means 'tall mountain'.
Geography
Takayama is located in northern Gifu Prefecture, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Mount Hotakadake is the highest point in the city at . The city has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan.
Neighboring municipalities
- Fukui Prefecture
- Ōno
- Gifu Prefecture
- Gero
- Gujō
- Hida
- Shirakawa
- Ishikawa Prefecture
- Hakusan
- Nagano Prefecture
- Kiso
- Matsumoto
- Ōmachi
- Toyama Prefecture
- Toyama
Climate
The city has a climate characterized by hot and humid summers, and mild winters (Köppen climate classification Dfa). The average annual temperature in Takayama is . The average annual rainfall is with July as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around , and lowest in January, at around .
Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Takayama peaked around the year 2000 and has declined since.