Takayama

　■　HOKKAIDO

　■　TOKYO

　■　HAKONE

　■　FIVE LAKES

　■　TAKAYAMA

　■　KYOTO

　■　HIROSHIMA

　■　OKINAWA

　■　WORLD HERITAGE

Takayama

During the Edo Period, Takayama was the center of commerce and culture of the area.
The well -preserved architectures emit a distinct aura even today.

http://www.hida.jp/english/index.htm

Photo by Heiwa ga Ichiban

http://heiwa-ga-ichiban.jp/

Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a settlement registered as a World Heritage located 2 hours by bus from Takayama Station.
The A-frame architect or Gasshozukuri is a unique style found in this area with extremely heavy snowfall, and has a triangular shaped thatched roof.

* Visiting Shirakawa-go covered with snow would surely be a memorable experience.
* The settlement is lit up on Saturdays from mid-January to mid-February, awaiting you with its mystical beauty.
* Every year three to four houses have their thatched roof renewed. This is quite an experience to watch.

http://www.shirakawa-go.org/english/index.html

Takayama Matsuri

Takayama Matsuri
Known as one of the Three Most Beautiful Japanese Festivals, Takayama Matsuri consists of the Spring Sanno Matsuri on April 14 & 15 and the Autumn Yawata Matsuri on October 9 & 10.
The highlight of the festival is the elaborately decorated Yatai or Japanese floats accented with noble red cloths.

* The Yatai which parade during the Autumn Yawata Matsuri are exhibited in the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan (Festival Floats Exhibition Hall).
* The morning market where the local people gather to sell their products is interesting.
* The Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day Celebration) is celebrated on April 3rd instead of March 3rd, as is more common. From March 1st to April 3rd, there are many places exhibiting the Hinamatsuri Dolls which are a pleasure to see.