Up in the far reaches of Gifu Prefecture, nestled in Japan's Northern Alps, lies Hida-Takayama, more commonly known simply as Takayama. It means tall mountain (高山), which applies to a few places here and there in Japan. But this Takayama is No. 1 in terms of tourism, and it's a must-hit spot for people with a train pass and more than a few days in Japan.

Takayama City boasts history, culture and great food. It even have its own style of ramen, which alone is worth a pilgrimage to the countryside town! And the high quality of the water in Takayama makes the ramen taste amazing!