Takayama

Nestled in the mountainous Hida region of the Japanese Alps and only a short train ride from Nagoya, Takayama boasts a traditional, rustic charm not found in other Japanese cities. The old town – an absolute treat to stroll through – remains a buffet of fabulously-preserved wooden merchant homes and sake breweries dating from the Edo period (1620-1868). Many houses are open to the public and some breweries may provide a taste or two. Lovely little canals coat the old town’s alleyways and brightly colored bridges shuttle people across.

In the winter, the falling snow creates an enchanting, almost poetic, tableau. Cedar branches slightly brushed with snow, the soft sounds of clear water running under half-formed ice, window-shoppers huddled together stalking the most exquisite of handy-crafts – these sights coalesce into an image of inviting warmth.

Takayama is a small city in Gifu Prefecture. If you like classic Japan, it is marvelous. When you arrive, you get the feeling like you have traveled back in time, to discover the most mundane in the country. It is a city for walking around and perfect for a day of relaxation away from the bustling tokyo. Beautiful landscapes, old houses, because although it has almost 100,000 inhabitants, whenever I think of Takayama, I think "That wonderful little town." WIth that being said, I recommend going there for a couple days. You will not be disappointed.