The villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are still home to historic Gassho-style houses traditionally constructed in areas of Japan with heavy snowfall. The Gassho-style architecture, characterized by a thatched and steeply slanting roof allowing snow to fall straight off, resembles two hands joined in prayer which is said to be the origin of the name Gassho, meaning “prayer hands” in Japanese. With some houses built over 300 years ago, the villages received UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1995. Japan’s rural landscapes which showcase the beauty of the four seasons are an immensely valuable asset.
◎Shirakawa Village Office (official website)
http://shirakawa-go.org/english/
◎Gokayama Tourism (official website)
http://www.gokayama.jp/english/index.html
◎Shirakawa-go Tourist Association (official website) Japanese only
http://www.shirakawa-go.gr.jp/

Unazaki Hot spring is a resort within the expansive natural environment of the magnificent Kurobe Gorge. The colorless, clear hot spring waters that bubble forth in abundance is soft on the skin and known for its skin-beautifying effects.
◎Toyama Prefectural Tourism Association (official website)
http://www.info-toyama.com/foreign/english/

The Tateyama Ropeway offers one of the most stunning vistas along the vast mountain sightseeing route of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This ropeway, which has an altitude gain of roughly 500 meters and covers a distance of roughly 1,700 meters in about seven minutes, operates without any support towers between the lower and upper stations, making it Japan’s longest one-span ropeway. Besides the 360-degree panoramic experience from the windows, the observation deck atop the Daikanbo Station offers a sweeping view of Kashima yarigadake—one of Japan’s 100 celebrated mountains, and Kurobe Dam—Japan’s tallest dam at 186 meters tall.
◎Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (official website)
http://www.alpen-route.com/en/

Situated at an elevation of 2,405 m, this crater lake is surrounded by rare species of flora and fauna such as alpine plants and ptarmigans that are designated a nationally protected species. Like the reflection of the multi-colored foliage on the surface of the lake in fall, Mikurigaike Pond displays nature’s glory in all four seasons.
◎Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (official website)
http://www.alpen-route.com/en/

With a bank height of 186 m, Kurobe Dam is the tallest of its kind in Japan. You can get a full view of Kurobe Dam from the observation deck which is also one of the best spots to observe the awesome display of gushing water when the floodgates of the dam are opened during tourist season.
◎Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (official website)
http://www.alpen-route.com/en/
◎Kurobe Dam (official website) Japanese only
http://www.kurobe-dam.com

The historic townscape of Takayama that flourished as a castle and merchant town in the old days still remain to this day giving visitors the sensation of traveling back in time. The streets are lined with a wide variety of business establishments such as sake breweries producing sake which is recently gaining popularity around the world, stores specializing in folk art, and various places to eat. We recommend a ride in a rickshaw for those of you who want to explore the streets of the old town in elegance. The professional rickshaw drivers who know Takayama like the back of their hands will show you the unique features of the city. At the daily morning markets, you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables as well as folk art and other souvenirs.
◎Takayama City Tourist Information (official website)
http://www.hida.jp/english/

Hida beef is one of the best known foods of Takayama. Hida beef, raised in an ideal climate and environment under the meticulous eye of producers, is regarded as top quality beef.