infomapJAPAN Free Travel Guide. Maps, Sightseeing, Access Guide, Accommodation, Events, Japanese Trends, Gifts

Old private houses located on three narrow streets grace the historic center of the city. Sake breweries and merchants' homes, stores and restaurants offer local goods and delicious food. Several buildings are now museums and galleries offering attractive items. This area is designated as a 'Nationally important historical building preservation area'.

This 'authentic' village is made up of a collection of various old houses from the Hida area, chosen for uniqueness and reconstructed in this location. In each building are displayed a collection of important documents and materials refl ecting the daily life and culture of mountain farming villages. Demonstrations of traditional living crafts such as straw work, weaving and dyeing at arts and crafts centers are presented by talented artisans. Visitors also can participate and take a craft lesson in Hida folk-art such as making straw crafts and plant dyeing. See, touch and experience the way of life in a Hida folk village.

A quick side trip to Okuhida spa resort allows visitors to enjoy a beneficial and relaxing dip in a hot spring accompanied by a gorgeous natural view. The spa resort boasts of a number of open-air and indoor baths located in five different hot spring areas each with a unique flavour.

After the Tokugawa Shogunate took direct rule over Hida in 1692, this house was used as prefecture area offices for 176 years until the Meiji Restoration. Twenty-five generations sent from Edo as administrators, accountants and police served in the present main building. Including the Rice Storage (a depot for holding rice taxes) it is the only authentic government offi ce from this period in Japan. Historical displays are open to the public.

Near Sakurayama Hachimangu shrine, this exhibition hall displays four parade floats used in the Takayama Festival. Expert craftsmen called 'Hida no Takumi' pass on their traditional skills used in building temple or palace to new generations. These fl oats are the best of their craft and are designated 'Nationally important cultural properties.'

Started 200 years ago for selling rice, flowers and mulberry trees, the markets gained momentum during the Meiji Era. They became known as 'Morning Markets' when farmers' wives started to sell fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers and other seasonal produce at Jinyamae Morning Market and Miyagawa Morning Market along the Miyagawa river.

Built around 1250 years ago within this great, ancient temple stands 'Triple Pagoda' and 'Bell Tower Gates' believed to originate from Takayama Castle, also the huge cornerstone of the Seven-story pagoda. The main hall (circa 1500) is the oldest building in the city; admire the huge 1250 year old ginko tree.

Japan's first double deck ropeway gondola whisks the visitor on a sensational ride above the clouds to 2,200 meters above sea level. The observation deck is ideal to view Mt.Yarigatake(3,180 m) and Mt.Hodaka (3,190 m) and a panoramic view of Japan's Northern Alps. The visitor center offers hiking event to enjoy each season's special flavour.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go, a village of 110 ancient farm houses is well-known for 'gasshozukuri' (steep thatched roof ), a unique architectural style developed to survive severe winter snowfalls and to provide for a large households' daily requirements. Harmonized into a magnificent mountain site, many of these historic houses offer Japanese style B & B ('Minshuku') where one can enjoy a rural atmosphere such as traditional 'tatami' mats, sleeping on 'futon', and tasty local dishes. Besides enjoying the beautiful landscape, visitors can experience a Japanese farmers' daily life such as handmade buckwheat noodles, weaving, dyeing and pottery.

Higashiyama Temple Area begins at the top of Yasugawa Street. When Lord Kanamori Nagachika built this fine castle town, he had many temples located on a scenic, hilly site in the eastern part of town. These historical buildings are also designated cultural assets by the prefecture and the city. The walker will surely appreciate the beautiful scenery while visiting peaceful temples bathed in an aura of serenity and silence.