Japan
Takayama 
I visited Takayama, in Gifu province in February of 2000. It's a pretty
little
town tucked away in the mountains. I guess those friends of mine who
prefer
things to be a bit more gritty would call it "Twee", and it's a fair
description,
there are parts of the town where every second shop is an antique store
and
in between there's a coffee shop ! Still, being a deeply shallow person
I enjoyed
it there as I went into a shameless tourist mode.
Takayama is well known in Japan as it has a major celebration in the
Spring and
Autumn which involves a large night-time procession of enormous colourful
carts.
During this time, the town doubles in population, unfortunately (or
maybe fortunately)
I wasn't there then. Hmmmm.....maybe I'll try and catch it in the Autumn.....
Which way do you prefer ?
Outta
here
or
on to the next page....