風吹くままに

Hida-Takayama has preserved the feeling of a castle town, apparent by its history-filled streets. With the latticed bay windows and linked eaves of merchants' houses in Sanmachi Suji, the enduring historical temples and shrines of Higashiyama, and the reproduction of Hida's traditional mountain farming villages of sloped-roof houses at Hida Folk Village, the town itself could be called a sightseeing spot. The Takayama festival held in spring and fall is known as one of the three most beautiful festivals of Japan (the other two are the Gion Festival of Kyoto and the Chichibu Night Festival of Saitama Prefecture). Ornate floats crafted by Hida artisans are pulled around, and Takayama becomes truly energetic. When visiting Takayama, you can certainly savor the arts and culture of traditional craftsmen while enjoying the feel of the ancient city.

Oku Hida Hot Springs Village
The Oku Hida Hot Springs Village is the collective name for five scattered hot spring resorts. Immediately below the Northern Alps, the Shin-Hotaka Hot Springs are surrounded by nature on a grand scale. The Tochio Hot Springs, which serve as a “base point” of the village, have a homely atmosphere. Located in the center of Oku Hida, the Shin-Hirayu Hot Springs are flourishing. The Fukuji Hot Springs have a retrospective and nostalgic atmosphere. Having been prosperous throughout its long history, the Hirayu Hot Springs have an air of elegance. In this area, you can feel the clear air with your skin, listen to the murmurs of the rivers, and extend your arms and legs fully in a wide open-air bath, bringing a deep sense of relaxation.