Mountains in Japan were once believed to be the sacred dwelling places of divine spirits and the Hida, Kiso and Akaishi ranges of Mountains, known collectively as the Japan Alps rise majestically in northern Honshu. Takayama, in the heart of the Hida Mountains is a delightful town, established in the 16th century as the castle town of the Kanamori family and now known as the "Little Kyoto". The old town contains many well-preserved inn, tea houses, shops and merchants houses with the latticed windows and overhanging roofs characteristic of the Edo period. Takayama’s morning market on the bank of the Miyagawa River is famous and well worth a visit. Stands sell local produce, flowers and crafts.

Scenic mountain roads by the Shokawa River lead to Shirakawago, a world heritage site. Here you will find the unique Gassho- Zukuro or joined hands farmhouses with their steeply pitched roofs which prevent the build up of snow in winter

Another historic town in the Japan Alps is Kanazawa, a city which came to prominence in the 15th century and now consists of both modern and old parts. The main attraction of Kanazawa is Kenrokuen Garden, considered by the Japanese as one of Japan's three most beautiful traditional gardens. Visit the Nagamachi samurai district with its well preserved houses and winding streets framed by two canals, and one of the many craft workshops where the traditional crafts are fostered.