Cultural Rustic Charm - Takayama

Takayama was one of the destinations for high school students participating in The American School in Japan's JUMP program.  The Hida area is set within the mountains of Gifu Prefecture and has developed a unique culture.  Takayama City is located in the center of the Hido region.  Takayama was founded in the 1500's.  As soon as the local warlord Kanamori Nagachika put Takayama under his control, he built Takayama Castle on the Shiroyama Hill.  He modeled the town after Kyoto so that Takayama is often called the "small Kyoto of Hida."  It still remains largely untouched by time.  Its temples and shrines are indeed reminiscent of Kyoto on a smaller scale but in some ways Takayama has scenic and historical delights that even Kyoto cannot match.

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