Takayama is surrounded by mountains and has an old world feel. It was a big supplier of timber during the Edo Period, the feudal period from the early 1600’s to mid 1800’s when the town was under shogunate control. During that period, Takayama was a wealthy town with many merchants. A relatively large, intact area of merchants’ shops and houses from that period survived because of the town’s isolated mountain location. That area now is called the Old Town or the Sannomachi District. Sake brewers also are located in the Old Town. Takayama’s pure mountain water is ideal for the production of high quality sake.
Takayama is located in the mountainous Hida region. The town often is referred to as Hida-Takayama to distinguish it from other places named Takayama.
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