Old City in Takayama

Exploring Japan's Mountain Towns of Takayama & Shirakawa-go

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November 27th 2009
After four and half days of sightseeing in and around Kyoto, and what felt like seven straight days of endless walking, it was time to relax. At the recommendation of Kyoko, my host from Tokyo, I decided to check out Takayama up in the mountainous countryside of Japan. Now Takayama is not some off the map destination, but having come from places such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, this city, a ... read more

Asia » Japan » Gifu » Takayama

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more