Find the original Japan in ancient town of Takayama
Once thrived as a wealthy town of merchants, Takayama in Gifu Prefecture now is a wonderful choice for those looking for a thoroughly authentic traditional village of old Japan. Its nicely preserved old town is lined with many buildings and whole streets of century-old merchants’ homes and sake breweries dating from the Edo Period (1600-1868), making for a pleasant exploration on foot. There you can step inside some homes opened to the public and witness what Japan looked like one or two centuries ago, marvel at some fine temples and shrines, taste the local products at a brewery or head to a food stall for a bite of the famous Hida beef sushi. Another unique experience for a quintessential taste of original Japan is to stay overnight in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn. The low tables and chairs, sliding shoji doors, and tatami flooring will absolutely make you feel like transporting back in time to the bygone era.
