Location: Takayama 飛騨高山, Gifu Size: 7 x 10 x 1.5 cm Takayama's 古い町並 (Furui Machinami) is a beautifully preserved historic district that transports visitors back to the Edo period. Located in Gifu Prefecture, this charming area, also known as Sanmachi Suji, features narrow streets lined with traditional wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and artisan shops. The district exudes an old-world charm with its dark wooden facades, lattice windows, and noren curtains swaying in the breeze. Many of the buildings date back to the 17th century, showcasing Takayama’s rich history as a thriving merchant town. Strolling through the streets, visitors can explore locally brewed sake, sample regional delicacies like Hida beef skewers, and browse handmade crafts, from lacquerware to sarubobo dolls. Tsuko-Tegata is a kind of wooden passport that was used in the Edo Period as an identity card for travelers when passing from region to region. They had been sold a lot in Showa period as mingei type souvenirs all over Japan. It's also a protector for safety and peace for family.
