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Hida Folk Village, near Takayama
Cherry blossoms and pagoda, Takayama
Market trader, Wajima, Noto Peninsula
Nakasendo Highway, Kiso Valley
Takayama & Shirakawago
Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the
northern Alps, the traditional Sanmachi district
of Takayama possesses a charming old-world
atmosphere and some fine Edo-period
architecture. A highlight of the region is the
twice-yearly spring and autumn festival, when
impressive floats are paraded through the streets
to the sound of taiko drumming and singing.
Nearby, hidden in deep mountain valleys, is the
UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago,
home to the few remaining traditional mountain
farmhouses in the gassho-zukuri style.
Shirakawago
Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa
Kanazawa & Noto Peninsula
The highlight of the convivial modern city of
Kanazawa, within easy reach of Takayama or
Kyoto, is Japan’s number one garden, the
magnificent Kenrokuen. Built in the classic ‘stroll
garden’ style, this is a wonderful place in which to
observe and enjoy the six elements that combine
to form the perfect Japanese garden. While in
Kanazawa it is also well worth exploring the
Samurai district with its craft museums, and
perhaps even visiting Ninja-dera, a temple famous
for its association with this shadowy clan of
assassins. Within striking distance of Kanazawa is
the windswept, rugged Noto Peninsula, a world
away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo or
Kyoto. The Noto Peninsula is accessed by car or
plane, offering beach drives, swimming, walking
and relaxing in one of the many hot spring resorts
that pepper the coastline.
Kiso Valley
This scenic region of central Honshu is one of the
most beautiful and accessible ways for the visitor
to experience the ‘real’ Japan. Here lies one of
the few remaining sections of the historic
Nakasendo Highway, the route by which the
Samurai travelled between the Emperor’s base at
Kyoto and Tokyo, the seat of real power during
the reign of the Tokugawa Shoguns. The towns
here have been preserved in their original glory,
with construction subject to strict regulation to
prevent their unique style from being spoilt.
Tsumago, a small village in the Kiso Valley is one
of our favourite spots in Japan, made even better
by the warm welcome at one of the simple but
atmospheric traditional Japanese inns, such as the
travelling Samurai would have stayed in over
200 years ago.
Tsumago, Kiso Valley
www.audleytravel.com/japan ● 01993 838 210 ● Central Japan 11