By Aoi Travel Video
In this charming travel vlog, Aoi Travel Video takes us on the second day of a memorable 3-day journey through the Hida region, focusing on the historic beauty and cultural richness of Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. The wintery setting adds a serene atmosphere to the beautifully preserved architecture that dates back to Japan’s Edo period. The video begins with a stroll through the famed Old Town (古い町並み), where traditional merchant houses line the cobblestone streets. The expansive layout and historical ambiance make it one of Japan’s best-preserved historic districts.
Next, the video dives into the bustling Miyagawa Morning Market (宮川朝市), a riverside market beloved by locals and tourists alike. Here, viewers are treated to glimpses of local produce, snacks, and traditional crafts sold at various stalls. A highlight is a visit to the iconic Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine (櫻山八幡宮), a spiritual and cultural hub nestled amidst the tranquil winter setting.
The host explores a wide array of street food, from skewered delights to sweet treats, showcasing Hida’s reputation for excellent regional cuisine. The food crawl emphasizes the area's culinary allure, as the traveler joyfully samples unique flavors throughout the day.
The journey also includes a tour of the historic Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋), a former government office from the Edo era and a rare example of such structures still standing in Japan. The video concludes with a visit to the Hida Folk Village (飛騨の里), an open-air museum that displays traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and cultural exhibits, offering a deeper understanding of Hida’s rural lifestyle and heritage.
This vlog offers a perfect winter itinerary for anyone planning to explore rural Japan’s cultural heart, with a harmonious blend of history, architecture, food, and local life.