Takayama

In Japan’s prettiest treasure trove of old towns and heartfelt traditions, the snow falls more brightly and gatherings are cordial. Set in the mountainous western region of Japan, Takayama has everything travelers look for in terms of a cozy small-town setting. It brims with authentic cultural expressions.

If it is nature you seek, Takayama is undisputedly the place to be, with the translucent Miyagawa river on one side and the snowy peaks on the other, providing an atmospheric backdrop to a town much-preserved in its flow of life. It is also where traditions come into being in festivals, markets, and the many Hidan architectural delights that pop up every corner. Visit the Hida Folk Village, where you will observe the thatched-roof houses and the rural life at its most happening.

Takayama’s traditional morning market is the perfect start for tours in the city, sprawling ten minutes away from the villages. Browse at the stalls for intriguing local crafts and fresh farm produce, and don’t forget to try and exchange in a conversation with the cheerful vendors. At the town center, a maze of museums and historical buildings takes visitors on a journey through Japan’s glorious history. Among the most valuable ones is Takayama Jinja Building, a national historic site celebrated for its sublime wooden architecture. Another site worthy of seeing is the Merchant House. The merchant places and storehouses in Takayama reflect the old-world spirit of the town like nowhere else. The old sake breweries scattered in between provide an aromatic finish to walking tours.