Takayama is a picturesque city situated in the Japanese Alps. The town prides itself on the inhabitant’s expertise in carpentry. The history of Tatayama is preserved in a number of small museums dotted throughout the city. Visit the historic district of San-machi Suji that is known for its sake breweries indicated by huge cedar balls hanging on the outside of shops. Visitors go inside for a tasting and a chat with sake makers. Don’t miss the Higashiyama Walking Course through a forest and past temples and cemeteries. East of the city is Japan’s highest snow cave known for its impressive stalactite and helictite formations.