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Historically a castle and merchant town, Takayama is a beautiful city in the mountains of Gifu prefecture. Famous for carpentry and its local foods, the atmosphere is best enjoyed whilst taking a stroll through the streets, where you may feel like you have been whisked back to the Edo period.
Places of interest in Takayama
- San-machi Suji:
In the centre of town, these three streets offer traditional wares created here in Takayama. Some of the private homes have also been turned into museums.
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- Takayama Morning markets:
A ten minute walk from Takayama Station, the Takayama Jinya and Miyagawa markets operate from seven am to noon. The markets offer locally-sourced produce which varies according to the changing seasons in the surrounding mountains.
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- Hida no Sato:
This beautiful open air museum has 30 farmhouses and other traditional housing from the Hida region. It is a 30 minute walk or ten minute bus ride from Takayama station and one of Takayama's main attractions.
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For more information on Takayama, visit Hida-Takayama
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Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage listed village nestled in the mountains outside Takayama. It is a village of traditional houses with steep rafter roofs.
Places of interest in Shirakawago
- Gassho-zukuri Minka-en:
This outdoor museum is an old folk village of houses moved and preserved from other parts of Shirakawago. The houses were built in the Gassho-zukuri style and a temple, coalhouse and a horse paddock have also been added to preserve the traditional look of the village. Here you can experience traditional industrial arts such as weaving and dyeing cloth. At the "Soba Dojo", you can also try making Japanese soba noodles.
- The Doburoku-matsuri:
A festival held in autumn every year, during which white and cloudy sake called Doburoku is served to visitors. You can see performances of "Shishi-mai", a traditional lion mask dance in the Doburoku-matsuri Hall within Shirakawa Hachiman-jinja Shrine.
- Shiroyama Lookout:
A panoramic view of the village can be gained from this viewpoint.
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For more information on Shirakawa go, visit Gifu Prefecture Tourism Federation
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Make your way on to Kanazawa to enjoy some time out exploring the castle and gardens. Kanazawa, in Ishikawa prefecture, sits on the Sea of Japan and is bordered by the Japan Alps, Hakusan National Park and Noto Peninsula National Park. Kanazawa prospered as a castle town for 300 years from the late 16th century when feudal lord Maeda Toshiie built the castle. It is still the buzzing centre of the Hokuriku region and boasts one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, Kenroku-en.
Places of interest in Kanazawa
- Higashi Chaya District:
A Chaya, (literally "tea house") is a traditional place of feasting and entertainment, where geisha perform dances and play traditional musical instruments. The Higashi Chaya District is one of the largest Chaya Districts in Kanazawa and has been designated a national cultural asset. (15 minute bus ride from Kanazawa station)
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- Kenroku-en:
About 15 minutes by bus from Kanazawa station, this tranquil garden is located adjacent to Kanazawa castle. This garden is particularly famous in winter when ropes are stretched from the top of trees to the lower branches, to look like an umbrella. The ropes protect the branches from the heavy weight of the snow. Kenroku-en can be appreciated in all seasons.
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- Kanazawa Castle Park:
Adjacent, to Kenroku-en and built in the late 16th century then destroyed by fire some years later. The buildings there today are replicas of the originals but in the past have been used as a Japanese military base and a university campus. An interesting history lesson.
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- Gold leaf making:
The gold leaf itself is 0.0002mm thick and here you can not only see and touch gold leaf products on display, you can make your own gold leafed product in the hands-on experience section.
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For more information on Kanazawa, visit Kanazawa City Tourism Association
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