LEODESTRAVELOZZ

17-12-25 We all piled into the car for a 45-minute drive to visit the historic town of Shirakawa-go. Its history centres on a unique, isolated mountain way of life that led to the development of the distinctive gasshō-zukuri style of architecture—meaning “constructed like praying hands.” This building style first appeared in historical records around 1176, with evidence of human life in the region dating back between 7000 BC and 2300 BC. What an incredible village, one that has held onto its traditions along with its communal living and farming practices, which led to its World Heritage status in 1995. Since then, the village has been protected under a strict “no sell, no rent, no destroy” policy to preserve its centuries-old character and communal spirit. Shirakawa-go is surrounded by the Hida Mountains to the east and southeast, and the Ryōhaku Mountains to the west and southwest—a volcanic mountain range that includes Mount Hakusan, one of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains. Mount Hakus...

20251215 We settled into Mina’s Samurai House with 4 Bedrooms, 9 Beds and 1 car Parking in one of the Ancient Towns in Japan. Phil and Sharyn take a short walk for supplies and much needed wine after a long trip with three boys, as we settling in for a movie before a good night’s sleep. The history of Takayama is rooted in its success during Japan Edo, a period (1603–1868), a time when Japan was ruled by the shoguns (military leaders). It thrived as a timber-rich strategic town governed directly by the Shogunate. The government established the  Takayama (magistrate’s office) and designed the town’s orderly, grid-like streets, leading to its nickname, “Little Kyoto.” The town was originally developed in the late 1500s by Kanamori Nagachika, who constructed Takayama Castle and its surrounding castle town. Supported by abundant high-quality wood, skilled carpenters, and rich natural resources, Takayama grew into an important center for administration, tra...