Day 9 — Matsumoto → Takayama
During the Edo period, Hida Takayama was a castle town known as a bustling trading center filled with merchants. The historic center, where glimpses of its pre-modern past can still be seen, is a highly popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the old row houses and other buildings constructed from the late Edo period to the late 19th century. The Takayama Jin'ya government building, which is a nationally designated historic site, is the only building of its kind to survive from the Edo period, making it a highly important historical palace. The "morning market," held at Takayama Jin'ya and Miyagawa, is also a specialty of this neighborhood and has been passed down since the Edo period. Even now, visitors can purchase fresh vegetables, pickles, miso, folk crafts, and much more. The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is said to date back to the mid-17th century. This spectacular festival, which involves the participation of hundreds of people, is a must-see event with wonderful stalls to explore. The Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall displays various artifacts related to the festival and the city of Takayama, as well as four fantastic floats. One of the most famous places in Hida Takayama is the Hida Great Limestone Cave, which, at 900 meters in height, is the tallest limestone cave in Japan. The cave's illumination, which extends for about 800 meters, welcomes visitors into a world of mysticism and wonder. Don't miss the Ohashi Collection Hall, where the discoverer of the limestone cave, Toyoshi Ohashi, has gathered art and ornaments from around the world. The Shinhotaka Onsen district, accessible by the Shinhotaka Ropeway, is a beloved destination for hot spring enthusiasts from all over Japan. There are also inns with hot springs registered with the "Secret Hot Spring Protection Society of Japan," and you can relax in an outdoor bath with a magnificent view surrounded by the mountains of the Northern Japanese Alps.