Shinhotaka Ropeway | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

Hida Takayama has long been known as “Little Kyoto.” It prospered during the Edo period thanks to its woodworking craftsmanship and commerce under direct shogunate control, and its old streets have fully preserved their rustic appearance, with traditional black wooden lattice windows.

Strolling through the old streets, you’ll find unique craft shops everywhere. Sake breweries display round sugidama cedar balls outside, signaling that new sake is ready and inviting visitors in to taste the smooth sake. Freshly grilled senbei are crisp and fragrant, while Takayama miso, brewed using traditional methods, is a must-buy souvenir.

When you’re tired from exploring, I personally recommend visiting the long-established Suzuya (寿々や). In its rustic, cozy atmosphere, enjoy a steaming pot of Hida beef shabu-shabu. The beautifully marbled beef melts in your mouth after a quick swish through the broth, warming both your heart and stomach during your trip.

Stepping into Takayama Jin-ya feels like traveling back through centuries of history. It is also the only Edo-period magistrate's office in Japan that remains fully preserved today. After the shogunate placed Hida under its direct control, this became the central institution overseeing politics, taxation, and judicial matters, bearing witness to the disciplined government culture of the Edo period.

Inside the jin-ya, glimpses of history are everywhere: the impressive main hall reflects the authority officials once held; traces of interrogations and old instruments of punishment offer insight into the Edo-period judicial system; and Japan's largest and oldest surviving onkura rice storehouse tells the story of storing rice collected as annual tribute.

One highlight during your visit is the makimuki usagi nail covers on the beams and pillars, which symbolize protection from fire and evil. Don't forget to look for them—the craftsmanship and ingenuity are evident in every detail.

If you like quieter small cities, I recommend Tajimi, just about a half-hour train ride from Nagoya. The moment I stepped off the train, I fully felt the charm of this historic pottery town, far from the hustle and bustle and filled with a relaxed atmosphere. It has long been one of Japan's major pottery centers and is known nationwide for Mino ware, a tradition passed down for a thousand years. Its deep-rooted craftsmanship can be felt throughout the streets and alleys.

Besides strolling along the historic Honmachi Oribe Street and browsing the tasteful pottery shops lining both sides, you can feel the artisans' dedication everywhere.

When you get tired, enjoy fragrant soba noodles or charcoal-grilled eel over rice at the century-old restaurant Unagi no Uoseki. In the afternoon, stop by Kissahishiya Bunguten, which combines stationery with a retro space, for coffee and experience the pottery town's unique slow pace and cultural charm.

It's a small town with a rich cultural heritage that's worth visiting.