[samokan]

Originally Posted by samurai007

Ah, ok, now a search turned up Hagi. I'd never heard of it before, but it sounds interesting. There are several similar places in Japan where you can see traditional style houses and shops. Takayama's old town has many such buildings, as you can see here:

Takayama Travel: Old Town

http://www.japan-guide.com/g5/5903_21.jpg

http://www.japan-guide.com/g5/5903_23.jpg

And just outside Takayama is the Hida Folk Village with even older style buildings. I walked all through Takayama's old town, and it was very nice.

darn, this was my plan last winter vacation... but got sooooo sick i spent the whole time in bed