Takayama

An open-air museum displaying traditional houses from the Hida region; admission is 700 yen.

Climb up to the Takayama Castle ruins for a scenic view over the town.

The museum has a bit of everything — signs, medical mannequins, arcade machines; admission is 900 yen.

Every morning in Takayama a small market operates where you can find everything from souvenirs to flowers and fresh fruit and vegetables. Afterwards you can stroll through the town center — some houses date back to the Edo period.

You can get from Takayama to Shirakawa-go by bus departing from the Nohi Bus Center. The trip takes about 50 minutes; a one-way ticket costs ¥2,800. Tickets must be booked online in advance, especially during peak season.

The Shōwa-kan houses various artifacts from the past cherished by the owner — signs, posters, toys. Admission is 1,100 yen.

A little off the city center is a shrine considered one of the oldest Shinto sanctuaries — it was founded in the 5th century. It is especially beautiful in autumn, during the chrysanthemum season.

A small tea house where you can try traditional matcha whipped by an elderly Japanese woman by hand. A cup of matcha costs 500 yen.