The Japanese Alps

Both Takayama and Kanazawa are nestled within the magnificent Japanese Alps in the Hida mountain range. The ski season is similar to that of Europe, with heavy snow falling in late December and lasting till early April. These towns are both worth visiting throughout the year though!To get to Takayama from Tokyo you can hop on one of the speedy trains which takes about four and a half hours. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the Japanese countryside. If you visit in the Summer, Takayama will be a vision of lush green fields, picturesque farmhouses and idyllic shrines. Perhaps your visit may occur at the same time as the Takayama festival in both Spring and Autumn. Thousands of costumed locals line the street for an exciting parade. In Winter, the city is in a great position to use as a base for skiing, with the Honki Daira resort just 40 minutes away, some are even closer.If you head towards the coast from Takayama you will come across Kanazawa – best visited in winter, the city truly becomes a winter wonderland. Its famous gardens (the Kenrokuen) look stunning with handmade bamboo Yukitsuri protecting the pine trees and framing their branches into unique sculptures. At night, their frames are alight and glowing beautifully. Straw mats are hung over the residences in the Samurai district – turning the village into a thatched paradise. There is even more LED lights around the Omicho area, where thousands are put up especially for Winter. After wandering the streets in the snow, warm up with a steaming bowl of Oden with the delicious Kanazawa speciality – snow crab. If you fancy going for a ski, the small resort of Iohzan is also nearby.