高山 Takayama
Takayama is a city located in the heart of the Japanese Alps. The city, also referred to as Hida-Takayama, is one of Japan's most atmospheric townscapes.
The pride of Takayama is the beautifully preserved old town, said to be dating back to the Edo Period.
The high altitude and separation from other areas of Japan kept Takayama isolated, allowing the mountain city to develop its own culture over about a 300-year period.
Takayama is easily explored on foot and you should dedicate at least a day to wander in this charming city.
The best is to start early with the morning markets that are held everyday across the old town and along the Miyagawa river. Then enjoy the afternoon walking quietly in this surprising and charming picturesque town.
Takayama also makes the perfect start point for trips into the Japanese Alps!
For us, Takayama was the place to experience traditional Japan even more than in Kyoto! And we found the perfect place for our 3 nights in the mountain: a traditional Ryokan in the Zenkoji Buddhist temple, with our room facing the inner Zen garden! I rarely recommend hotel or guesthouse, but this one is surely not to miss if you intend to spend some time in Hida-Takayama!
(And if you remember the photos we took of my vintage kimonos, this was the place that turned out to be the most magical background!)
