J-Hoppers Kyoto Hostel  official website 

 8 minute walk from Kyoto Station. Friendly and informative staff ,  Dorm from 2500 yen, Private from 3000 yen

J-Hoppers Osaka Hostel  official website

15 minute walk from Osaka Station, Finest hostel in funniest city. Dorm from 2500 yen, Private from 2900 yen

J-Hoppers Hiroshima Hostel  official website

3 minute to A-Bomb Dome and good access to Miyajima Worldheritage. Dorm from 2300 yen, Private from 3000 yen

August 9, 2007

A charming city in central Japan

It was during "Tanabata" festival


Kyoto is the most popular city for people who want to see something traditional old Japanese.
I recommend Takayama city as well as Kyoto. If you have time, please visit.
I just dropped by there by car on the way back home (Hiroshima) from Tokyo. It is in Hida mountain region (North of Gifu Pref).


Hida-no-sato area (outskirts)



What I like for Takayama is the unity as a town. Both the city and the local residents are very much mindful of the "cityscape", which they understand as the most important tourism resource.

Quiet residential area


Once you go to Takayama, you would easily find the deference in cityscape from other major tourist cities of Japan. About cityscape, I always think Japan has to learn from the western countries. A key factor is how each resident in the community could have a sense of public spirit.

Tourist info office in front of the station


Anyway, when you still have time after visiting Kyoto and Hiroshima, please visit the charming small city in central Japan

From Nagoya
2.5 hours by JR local Express train (6070 yen)
3.5 hours by JR local train (3260 yen)


Yakiniku of Hida beef

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