Japan's fourth-largest city was almost completely destroyed during the war, but today it's a bustling city. There is little of interest to visitors—even the Atsuta Shrine, which holds one of the three sacred Japanese regalia (stored out of sight), is a modern reconstruction. The 17th-century wooden castle in Nagoya was largely destroyed by U.S. bombing raids—the modern replica is cast in concrete. However, Nagoya is a good base for exploring nearby destinations—including original feudal castles. To the south is the Ise-Shima National Park (also listed in this report) and Mikimoto Island, where you can watch pearl diving and shop for pearls. To the north is the Kiso River area, where the adventurous can ride the rapids in flat-bottomed boats guided by oarsmen. Meiji Village is a living museum of 19th-century buildings from throughout Japan, including the reassembled frontage and lobby of the original Imperial Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Nearby is
Inuyama and Inuyama Castle, which is the oldest surviving fortress in Japan (built in 1440 and preserved in its original state).
Takayama, about 70 mi/115 km northeast of Nagoya, is an isolated country town known as "Little Kyoto." Lack of farmland in this mountainous region forced residents to turn to crafts as a means of support, and the town still is known for woodwork and lacquerware. Takayama itself is best seen by foot, bicycle or rickshaw; it's filled with shrines, bridges, museums, breweries, boutiques and markets. Don't miss Shorenji Temple (built in 1504) just outside town—the garden and surroundings are breathtaking. You should also spend at least half a day at Hida Folk Village, about a 20-minute walk from town. It's a collection of towering thatch-roofed houses and other buildings brought in from around the region, and locals demonstrate wood carving, weaving and other local handicrafts there. Other nearby attractions in the Hida Mountains, often known as the Northern Japan Alps, include the Shirakawa-go area (lovely scenery and more thatch-roofed villages—some of which you can stay in); Matsumoto famed for its samurai fortress known as the Black Crow Castle); and Nagano, a ski area best-known as the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics (and also home to a massive Buddhist temple). Nagoya is 70 mi/115 km east of Kyoto.
