Journeys in Japan

Himi, Takaoka and Gokayama, Toyama (2x6)

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In this edition of "journeys in japan", our reporter Vincent Giry visits Toyama Prefecture, known for its abundant snowfall. He learns how people have adapted to living in the long snowy winters-wisdom accumulated over hundreds of years. Himi He starts out in the port town of Himi. The port is bustling with fishing boats bringing in their catch early every morning. The prized fish here is the yellowtail. In midwinter, yellowtail is in season, and is a popular delicacy. Vincent observes the fish market's auction. Takaoka Then, Vincent moves south to Takaoka, which has a history of more than 400 years. The city has preserved much of its traditional architecture, and is Japan's biggest copperware production center. One workshop welcomes visitors to observe copper casting. He learns about ingenious engineering-on the street and in the home-to help cope with the area's heavy snow. Gokayama Vincent will spend time in Gokayama, a World Heritage site isolated deep in the mountains. Many visit even in the extreme cold of winter for the snow-blanketed scenery. In Ainokura village in Gokayama, the 20 Gassho-style houses there date back 250 years. Gassho-style houses are characterized by their steeply pitched thatch roofs. Gokayama residents make use of the extreme weather of winter to produce top quality washi paper. A few of Gokayama's gassho-zukuri houses provides lodging for visitors.