Hidden high in the mountains of central Japan, far from the hustle and bustle of metropolises like Tokyo and Osaka, lie the quaint and well-preserved townscapes of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Once a direct land holding of the Shogun, Takayama will enthrall you with its beautiful woodwork and traditional streets that offer a more relaxed beauty than cities such as Kyoto and Kanazawa. Shirakawa-go, on the other hand, offers a great example of the village-life experienced by Japanese farmers of ages past, and still experienced today by those lucky few who call it their home. Led by a locally-based and English-speaking guide, this experience will enthrall you with visions of life in Japan during an era very different from our own.