The Kusakabe family, prosperous merchants under the Tokugawa shogunate, built their current residence in 1879. Constructed by renowned Hida artisan Jisuke Kawashiri, the house exemplifies traditional machiya architecture with its cypress wood, gable walls, and intricate details. Recognized as a significant cultural property, it now serves as a folk museum, preserving Takayama's history and inviting visitors to experience its charm.
Kusakabe Traditional House (日下部民芸館): Edo Period Living (YouTube link)
Takayama's Transformation: From Village to Castle Town
Hida Takayama, surrounded by Mt. Norikura, Mt. Ontake, Mt. Hakusan, and Mt. Tateyama, was once a small village called Yasukawa-mura. In the early Edo period, Nagachika Kanamori, a retainer of the Oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa clans, became the first ruler of Takayama after the Battle of Sekigahara. He modeled the city after Kyoto, creating a grid plan, gathering temples, and constructing samurai mansions and a craftsman district.
In 1692, the Kanamori clan was transferred, and Hida came under Tokugawa (江戸幕府, Edo bakufu) control, leading to Takayama’s growth as a city for merchants and craftsmen, fostering a unique local culture.
Kusakabe Traditional House (日下部民芸館): Edo Period Living
In the Kusakabe kitchen, a hearth evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of past dining scenes
Takayama is renowned for its twice-yearly festival, featuring ornate floats and puppet shows
Panoramic Nishihotakadake (西穂高岳) from the Summit observation deck
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Northern Alps, including iconic peaks like Nishihotakadake (西穂高岳), Kasagatake (笠ヶ岳) and Yari-ga-take (槍ヶ岳). Enjoy nature's beauty year-round, from vibrant spring foliage to winter snowcapes. Conveniently located and offering unique amenities, the Shinhotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ ⭐) is a highlight of any visit to the region. However, be prepared for crowds and weather changes.
Ride to the Top: Shinhotaka Ropeway Experience (YouTube link)
Shinhotaka Ropeway’s 360-Degree Panoramic Views
I had initially planned to visit Kamikochi (上高地), a well-known destination about an hour from Takayama city in the Okuhida region, but it was closed for the season. Instead, I chose to take the Shinhotaka Ropeway. On April 7th, 2024, a 40-minute bus ride on the Nohi Bus (濃飛バス) brought me to the cable car station. Despite the early season and heavy snowfall, the panoramic view from the mountaintop was absolutely breathtaking.
There are three stations between the base and the summit. The second station offers nature trails.
Snow tunnels reaching a person's height
The middle station, accessible by car, provides access to the summit via the upper ropeway segment.
Smoke rose from the riverbed, a product of the hot spring water, as the sun set
Interior of the Hôtel Tassel in Brussels (Credit: by Henry Townsend - Self-photographed, Public Domain, Link)
Art Nouveau, or "New Art" in French, was an international art style that flourished in Europe and the United States from the 1890s to World War I. It was a reaction against the historicism that dominated 19th century art and design, and was characterized by its use of organic lines, asymmetry, and modern materials. Art Nouveau was inspired by nature, with motifs such as plant and flower curves, tendrils, and swirling lines. It was often used in architecture, interior design, jewelry, glass, posters, and illustration.
Discover Art Nouveau's Soul in an 1894 Home (Fondation Frison Horta; watch the video below)
Victor Horta's Tassel House: Built in Brussels in 1893, this house is considered one of the earliest examples of Art Nouveau. Horta designed the architecture, interior, and furnishings, creating a Gesamtkunstwerk, or total art work.
While Art Nouveau was a widespread movement, Gaudí's work stands out for its extreme originality and complexity. His buildings are often described as organic, with forms resembling plants, animals, and even human figures.
Gaudí's Masterpieces
Sagrada Familia: This unfinished basilica is Gaudí's most famous work and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique architectural features, including its towering spires and intricate facades, have made it a global icon.
Casa Batlló: This remodeled house is a prime example of Gaudí's organic style. Its undulating facade, colorful tiles, and imaginative details create a truly mesmerizing building.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Another iconic building, La Pedrera is characterized by its wave-like facade, sculpted rooftop, and innovative interior design.
Hida no Sato, Takayama: Home to Three Enchanting Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses
Shirakawa-go (白川郷), captivating with its iconic gasshō-zukuri (合掌造り) farmhouses, may be a renowned destination, but Hida no Sato (飛騨の里⭐⭐) offers a hidden gem of equal value. Established in 1971, Hida no Sato transcends the label of a mere open-air museum. Dedicated to preserving traditional architecture and ways of life, the museum serves as a vital custodian of the Hida region's rich heritage, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
Exploring the Village Grounds (1/ 2; YouTube link)
Stepping Back in Time at Hida no Sato
On April 10th, 2024, I wandered through the village, marveling at over 30 relocated buildings, each meticulously transported from various corners of the Hida region. Gabled houses with distinctive thatched roofs, known as gassho-zukuri (合掌造り), stood alongside houses with shingled roofs, showcasing the diversity of architectural styles.
Living History: Stepping Back in Time at Hida no Sato
Stepping inside these dwellings, I let my imagination paint a picture of life in the past. Everyday tools and household items were meticulously displayed, offering a glimpse into the daily routines of the Hida people.
Traditional Japanese Architecture: The Gassho-style Farmhouse (YouTube link)
Alps as a Backdrop: A Picturesque Gassho Farmhouse
What Makes a Gassho Roof Special? A Look Inside
Traditional Japanese Gassho house with an open fire pit fireplace in the floor
Beyond the Thatch: Exploring the Gassho Roof's Interior
The Engineering Marvel of a Gassho Farmhouse Roof
Artisan Carries on Timeworn Craft
Throughout the village, I encountered skilled artisans demonstrating time-honored crafts. Witnessing their mastery and intricate techniques, I saw how they breathe life into traditional arts, ensuring these practices continue to flourish.
Keeping Traditions Alive: A Skilled Artisan at Work
