Sanmachi-suji, the historic old town of Takayama

Sanmachi-suji is the best-preserved historic district in Takayama and one of the most authentic Edo-era urban ensembles in all of Japan. Its three parallel streets —Ichi no Machi, Ni no Machi and San no Machi— keep intact the dark wooden facades of the old inns, sake shops and merchant houses that were inhabited during the Edo period and the Meiji era. The most striking feature is the cedar balls hung above the doors of the sake breweries (sugidama), which indicate that the season's new sake is ready. Along the three streets you will find shops selling local sake, Hida lacquerware, ceramics and traditional sweets such as mitarashi dango (rice balls with soy sauce). Strolling the streets is completely free. The best time is dawn or first thing in the morning, before the organised groups arrive. It is a ten-minute walk from Takayama station, crossing the Miyagawa river. Designated an Important Preservation District for Historic Buildings by the Japanese government.