On our way to Shirakawa-go, we made it a point to halt at and experience Takayama, a quaint little city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu prefecture. It was a lovely cool March afternoon just perfect for a leisurely stroll through the beautifully preserved old Edo period town lined with shops selling everything from snow boots to wooden handicrafts of Takayama. This place is remarkably different from what we had ever seen all through Japan. There is a calmness in the air and a touch of heritage and history in every shop and house, every street and handicraft.
