When we decided on visiting Japan, it was the intention to visit Nagano to see the snow monkeys. However, the monkeys did not fit into our travelling schedule as we too wanted to see the old townships in Tsumago/Magome and Shirakawago. Seeing the beauty of these old villages (part of the Samurai Trail) in winter, we decided to travel to Nagoya as the main point of stay for this visit. I had much difficulties choosing a photo to represent my gallery and after much deliberation, I decided on this cottage taken at the Hida Folk Village at Takayama.