Little Kyoto

Zhang Lei soaks in the onsen in Takayama in Central Japan and considers its unsophisticated sincerity and laid-back charm.

Like most small towns in Japan, Takayama, Gifu, in Central Japan has a serene look. Except for the Nohi bus terminal and the JR railway station, it has virtually no traffic, even though the town functions as a hub that connects some of Japan's most famous tourists sites like the historic UNESCO village Shirakawa-go, the Okuhida Onsen-go and the Japanese Alps.

It was my first visit to this region with my cousin. If any-thing else, Takayama made us fall in love with Japan.