I wanted to explore also the countryside without to be so far from the Capital. This is for the reason that i chose to explore Japanese Alps. This area is beautiful and show us again the diversity of landscapes in Japan.Shirakawa-go is a village totally preserved like few centuries ago. The architectural style was developed over many generations.  The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms. Here it is many traditionnal farmhouses, with outside  the paddy fied. It is very peacefull and except the few cars that we can see on this location, really we have the feeling to be returned many centuries in the past.

It was the only day where i had really rainfalls. And strong rainfalls. So even with an umbrella, a rain coat and waterproof shoes, it was not easy to advance. We start the trip crossing a  bridge above a river. And after we enter in the ancient time. In despite of the weather, i realized how this village was so charming, and definitely a place to not miss in Japan.

After i went to Takayama. Takayama  is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Takayama retained a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. So again this is a location to see in the rural Japan. The old streets is full of taditional shops, souvenir shops, traditional houses and restaurants. One more time you can imagine what Japan looked like around the turn of last century. And this was that i liked, old area in traditional city.

And a third nice places that i would like to talk is Kamikochi. This place is located in the heart of the northern Japan Alps about 40km northeast of Takayama. It is a stunning alpine sanctuary. From there you can find the start point for some of the best hikes in the Japan Alps. I walk on the  valley on a path along the river  and it was perfect. The valley itself is beautiful. It was the occasion to cross regularly the monkeys on the valley just beside you. It is a pleasant place for a stroll, for hiking, or simply in order to relax.

All those places are great, but unfortunately it is not easy to reach without the car or the bus. Train is more difficult to use on this place, and when it is possible the duration is long for just few kilometers sometimes.