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TOYAMA
In the heart of Japan,
beautiful Toyama Prefecture
passionately loves its
splendid ancestral ways
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More Info:http://www.info-toyama.com/
english/index.html
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| WORLD HERITAGE SITE GOKAYAMA |
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Time stands still in the history laden villages where nostalgia permeates the soul.
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Ainokura "Gassho" - style House Community
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Spanning 4 centuries, the unique, traditional
homes in Suganuma and Ainokura villages are
called 'Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Villages', so
registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since
1995 along with 'Shirakawa-go' in Gifu. Nestled in
the picturesque Shogawa River Valley, the
history-laden site, with nine thatched houses in
Suganuma and about 20 in Ainokura, straddles
the border of Toyama and Gifu Prefectures. Constructed in architectural
style known as 'gassho-zukuri', the houses are characterized by a
steeply slanting thatch roof reminiscent of two hands joined in
prayer. Built with three to four floors to house large extended families,
the thatching and exceptionally strong frame are ideal to withstand
the region's abundant winter snowfalls.
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In Ainokura the surrounding
bucolic environment including fields, forests and roads are
designated a special retention zone to ensure succeeding generations
will forever enjoy the marvelous scenic landscape of the village
with its sparkling mountainous backdrop. Several times yearly, the
village is illuminated imbuing the area with a fairy tale aura. Visitors
desirous of a truly memorable experience can book a stay at a
'gassho-zukuri' house and are welcome to interact with friendly
villagers. The Gokayama Folklore Museum
displays ancient utensils used daily by local
folks; Murakami and Iwase 'Gassho-zukuri'
Houses are open to public viewing, too. At
the 'Gokayama Washi-no-sato', beautiful
'washi' paper artcrafts are displayed and
available for purchase, as well as 'washi'
paper-making hands-on activity.
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| >> Go To Top [ TOYAMA ] |
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| ZUIRYUJI TEMPLE |
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Japan's traditions and peerless architecture eloquently speak of a sumptuous ancestral 'mode de vie'
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The Third Lord of the Kaga Clan
commissioned a splendid
temple for the peaceful repose
of Maeda Toshinaga, founder of
Takaoka City. The prosperous
Edo Period (1603-1867) was
conducive to the inception and construction of such grandiose
projects; at least two decades in its building, the resulting
splendor was a sight to behold then as now. 'Shichido Garan' (7
halls for aesthetic practices) features an incomparable
symmetric style. 'San-mon' main gate, 'Butsuden' Buddha hall
and 'Hatto' main hall, are designated National Treasures and
other structures in the impressive
compound are designated Important
Cultural Assets. Several days a
year the temple is bathed in
ethereal illuminations.
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More info:http://www.city.takaoka.toyama.jp/sangyo/0402/kankou/index.html
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| >> Go To Top [ TOYAMA ] |
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| KUROBE GORGE |
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Gouged out of cragged cliffs, Japan's deepest gorge dazzles with eye-catching alpine scenery
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Atobikibashi Bridge
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Kurobe River flows powerfully through the steep cliff
confines of v-shaped Kurobe Gorge achieved over time
uncounted via nature's patient erosion work. A train
excursion is comfortable to view, unfolding breathtaking
scenery; the rail line pierces through 41 tunnels and spans 22
bridges in the 20 kilometers between Unazuki Hot Spring and Keyakidaira in a truly
exciting 80 minutes. The once-remote region was
made accessible thanks to brave workers who, at risk of
life and limb, developed electricity power. As a result,
the splendid gorge and limpid mountain waters
beckon nature lovers to spine-tingling sights, such as
the Atobikibashi Bridge with an awesome 60 meter
drop and the magnificent autumn foliage seen from
the vantage point of Kanetsuribashi Bridge.
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The gorge
is noted for many unexplored hot springs, however.
Unazuki Onsen, the starting point of the train trip, is the
finest thermal waters resort in Toyama Prefecture. Here,
delighted visitors enjoy splendid scenery from open-air
baths and dine on seasonal delicacies.
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Kanetsuribashi Bridge |
Unazuki Dam |
Unazuki Onsen |
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More info: http://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/index.html
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| >> Go To Top [ TOYAMA ] |
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| TATEYAMA KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE |
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Nature at its most awe-inspiring offers grandiose views of Japan's majestic Northern Alps
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Yuki no Otani(snow canyon)
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Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, linking Toyama and
Nagano Prefecture, is a world class sightseeing roadway
soaring through Mt. Tateyama heights that along with Mt.
Fuji and Mt. Hakusan is one of Japan's three most beloved
mountains. Snow is so abundant the route closes during
winter to re-open in mid-April
when snowplows blast
through creating 'Yuki-no Otani' (snow canyon), an
extraordinary snow corridor up to 20-meters-high which
is a spectacular sight for travelers until the end of May.
The 3,000 meters high mountain range can be traveled
via bus with cable cars and ropeways offering more
options for visitors to enjoy grandiose views along with
splendid summer alpine flora and an artist's palette of
multi-colored foliage in the fall. Witnessing the drainage
of Kurobe Dam, Japan's most lofty at 186 meters high, is
a must do excursion between June 26 and October 15.
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Alpine Flower |
Mikurigaike |
Kurobe Dam |
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More info: http://www.alpen-route.com/english/index.html
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| >> Go To Top [ TOYAMA ] |
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| Access to Toyama |
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