'Takayama' means 'Tall Mountain', and the name refers to the town's setting high in the Japanese Alps. The town is known to have been inhabited when Nara was the capital of Japan (between 710 and 784 AD), but it was only when Takayama Castle was built in the late 16th century that it really began to take shape. The town was always governed along with the rest of Japan but, being high in the mountains and therefore harder to access, it enjoyed a level of relative independence and developed its own culture.
Whilst it is a modern, 21st century city, Takayama has retained its traditional charm. Known historically for its carpentry craft, there are still numerous surviving examples of this today. Along with larger public buildings such as temples and shrines, there are also whole districts of immaculately preserved houses and buildings from a couple of centuries ago.
(15 reviews)
22/01/2020 · By Rashmi Guha Ray
Holidays are a time to unwind, reminisce, and return to the carefree days of childhood, all the while exploring new destinations and making new friends. Add to that a few romantic rail journeys and we’ve got the recipe for the perfect getaway.
Read more
24/10/2019 · By Georgia Shipley
With the Japanese Rugby World Cup and Joanna Lumley bursting onto our television screens recently, we’ve been lapping up all things Japan.
Read more
27/03/2019 · By Katie Shaw
From its futuristic bullet trains to spiritual Kyoto and neon-lit Toyko, join Tony Robinson as he discovers the quirks of Japan, on part five of his adventures around the world by train.
Read more
06/12/2018 · By Katie Shaw
While it’s well known that here at Great Rail Journeys we are passionate about rail travel, it just so happens that we believe aviation is something to be celebrated, too!
Read more