Sometimes called "Little Kyoto's Philosopher's Path", the Higashiyama Walk threads through the eastern hills of Takayama, linking around a dozen temples, shrines, and small graveyards over about 3.5 kilometres. It is rarely crowded, even when Sanmachi is heaving — the temples are small but characterful, with cedar groves, moss-covered Buddhas and a strong sense of how rural Japanese towns layered their religious life on the outskirts.
Allow about two hours at a relaxed pace. The route is well signposted in English; a free map is available from the tourist office at the station.