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With continuous reinvention and greatly improved access, Japan has never been a more attractive incentive destination. Build on the excellent ground support and service culture in Japan and deliver a breakthrough experience for your group. Here’s an itinerary to help you get started.

3 d ays in... Bay area > tokyo > yokoHama The metropolis of Tokyo represents the cutting-edge of science, industry, art and gastronomy, while neigbouring Yokohama and Chiba offer the perfect complement, blending history, tradition and recreation. This three-day itinerary captures some of Japan’s most iconic impressions.

day 1 cHiBa 千葉 Home to the Narita International Airport, Chiba stands on its own with a wealth of visitor attractions. The prefecture itself is an economic powerhouse, with an economy comparable to Hong Kong’s.

unique venues

©Disney ©Disney/Pixar Unique venues for a group Zen meditation at fruit picking moonlight helicopter tokyo disney resort function or cocktail party naritasan Many farms in Chiba cruise over tokyo You can have fun, stay, include an airplane hangar, a small island or the retired How about experienc- offer fruit picking Nothing compares to dine, shop and much Antarctic research expedition ing heavenly peace opportunities to seeing the glittering more at Tokyo Disney ship Shirase. Japanese-style at visitors. Strawberries, city lights of Tokyo resort. You’ll find two one of Japan’s largest blueberries, pears, from the sky in the theme parks, unique and oldest temple grapes and loquats evening. Get a bird’s dining, a variety of grounds? Groups can can be enjoyed for a eye view over the shops and accommo- access arrange for a class at fee. The time of the un- dations including the Narita International Airport, the main gateway Naritasan Shinshoji year in which a par- Disney Hotels. Come to Japan, is located in Narita city in Chiba der a starry sky — an Temple, amid a sur- ticular fruit is available experience only a very stay at Tokyo Disney Prefecture. This means almost all attractions in rounding reminiscent depends on the loca- special few have had resort, and experi- Chiba are accessible immediately upon arrival of the . Or tion and the weather. the privilege to enjoy ence a multitude of fun without additional travel. With Tokyo less than drop in during one of Generally, fruit picking while visiting Japan. and excitement in this an hour away and easy accessibility to all major the many traditional is available year-round Some call it a “stroll in place where dreams cities in Japan, Chiba is a fitting first stop for an celebrations taking in Chiba and overseas the sky”! come true. extraordinary journey of discovery. place throughout the visitors are always im- http://www.tokyodisneyre- http://www.excel-air.com/ local contact years. pressed by the quality english/ sort.jp/en/about/index. www.naritasan.or.jp/ of Japanese fruits. html Chiba Convention Bureau english/index.html Yumi Yasuda E: [email protected] T: +81-43-297-2752 www.ccb.or.jp/e/

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TTGmice1502JTA6ppF.indd 2 1/13/15 10:39:51 AM INSPIRING THE BEST TTGmice advertorial day 2 tokyo 東京 BUr EAU The number one city in the world for global travellers Glorious food Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tokyo has more than according to TripAdvisor World City Survey is synonymous 100,000 restaurants BUr EAU with a steadfast focus on quality. The drive for excellence and the most Michel-

rS ENTION & vISITO lin stars in the world. has propelled this high-achieving city to the forefront of Everything from a v CON innovation, art and culture. bowl of hot steaming

ramen to the finest rS ENTION & vISITO OKYO JAPAN : T make sushi sushi is prepared There is no better v CON

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INSPIRING THE BEST HOTO P place to learn sushi- Freshness, quality OKYO

making than in Japan. : T

: TAIKO and presentation are Design a team-building hallmarks of Japan’s HOTO P HOTO activity around it and P culinary tradition and enjoy the results made it’s no wonder that with fresh ingredients traditional Japanese and great camaraderie. cuisine or “Washoku” www. businesseventsto- has been added to kyo.org/social-programs- UNESCO’s Intangible cultural-events/ Cultural Heritage list.

BUr EAU incentive scHemes for planners If you are considering Tokyo for corporate taiko drummers – Glamorous shopping meetings or incentive tours and expect to all for one at Ginza book at least 100 visitor nights, you can Japanese-style team- One of the world’s take advantage of the special privilege

building that is also most elegant shopping rS ENTION & vISITO programmes from the Tokyo Convention & a fun exercise, Taiko districts, Ginza is lined visitors Bureau.

drumming requires with grand depart- v CON www.businesseventstokyo.org/special-offer-for- precise individual mental stores, famous corporate-events/ OKYO

actions to produce a restaurants, stylish : T powerful distinctive cafés, modern galleries HOTO beat. Be impressed by and chic lifestyle bou- P access the amazing results tiques. Here, beautiful Tokyo’s two international airports at Narita and when everybody presentation, great Haneda are served by major carriers from al- works in sync. A fitting service and exquisite most every capital city and major cities in Asia. experience in the land atmosphere elevate unique attraction where group har- shopping to an art and robot restaurant It’s technology, art and dining rolled into one local contact mony has produced a dazzling showcase of Tokyo Convention and visitors Bureau an admirable legacy of Japanese creativity. entertaining experience. At the robot restau- rant in Shinjuku, the fun-filled show features Hironobu Fujimura excellence. www.gotokyo.org/en/ E: [email protected] www. businesseventsto- tourists/areas/areamap/ dancers, robots, vivid lighting effects and 3 d ays in... heart-pounding music. T: +81-3-5579-2684 kyo.org/social-programs- ginza.html www.businesseventstokyo.org/ cultural-events/

Tokyo Bay area day 3 yokoHama 横浜 cHiBa > tokyo > yokoHama Cupnoodles Museum Bay and surrounded shops, shows, restau- The metropolis of Tokyo represents the cutting-edge of science, industry, art and gastronomy, by nature, this beloved rants, a marina and while neigbouring Yokohama and Chiba offer the perfect complement, blending history, tradition attraction features lovely gardens. not only exhilarating www.seaparadise.co.jp/ and recreation. This three-day itinerary captures some of Japan’s most iconic impressions. rides but also specialty english/

cupnoodles museum at the Kaikoh-an tea This museum was room on the 65th floor designed for children of Yokohama royal to enjoy the fun of dis- Park Hotel, located in covery and invention. Japan’s second tallest unique venue Through colourful dis- building—Yokohama yokohama minato mirai manyo club plays and interactive Landmark Tower. At the Minato Mirai waterfront area of Yoko- hama, this venue includes a banquet space programmes, visitors www.welcome.city.yoko- for up to 300 people and an outdoor spa with learn the creative hama.jp/eng/convention/ views of the bay and Yokohama’s signature thinking process of program/ Momofuku Ando, the ferris wheel. Guests can even choose to attend inventor of the world’s receptions in the casual “Yukata” kimonos. first instant noodles. www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/convention/ The best part: visitors receptions/ can make their own Cup Noodles by designing a cup and matching soups and access ingredients and bring Yokohama can be reached in 30 minutes by The first port in Japan to be opened it home as a souvenir. train or road from Metropolitan Tokyo. From It’s a favourite for Haneda Airport, it’s only 15 munites by taxi to foreigners and international trade visitors of all ages and or 24 minutes by limousine bus. From Narita in mid-19th century, Yokohama has groups are welcome. yokohama Airport, Yokohama can be reached in 90 www.cupnoodles-museum. Hakkeijima munites by limousine bus or train. since grown to become Japan’s jp/english sea paradise This is a new-genera- local contact second largest city. However, parts tea ceremony tion sea-theme amuse- Yokohama Convention & visitors Bureau of old Yokohama have been carefully Experience the ment park featuring Yuki Hori preserved, making modern Yokohama preparation and one of Japan’s top E: [email protected] presentation of aquariums. Located at T: +81-45-221-2111 a delightful blend of old and new. powdered green tea the tip of Yokohama www.yokohamajapan.com

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TTGmice1502JTA6ppF.indd 3 1/13/15 10:40:04 AM 2 d ays in... Sapporo Discover some of the tastiest foods and drinks in Japan in resource-rich Hokkaido. Its capital Sapporo is also the gateway to some of Mother Nature’s most impressive gifts – splendid fields of flowers, stunning mountain sceneries, cozy hot springs and breathtaking ski resorts.

Hokkaido Shrine

Sapporo city

day 2 sapporo 札幌 sake brewery and especially lavender. Housui Winery There are many visitor Learn and taste sake, facilities too, such as the Japanese rice a lavender museum, King crab wine, at Kitanonishiki distillery, perfume Museum, where workshop, gallery, Hokkaido’s famous cafés and gift shops. Kitanonishiki brand of furano-shizenjuku.com/ sake was first made english.php in 1880. Hokkaido’s www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en/ Housui Winery is also noted for its fine teambuilding at wines made with local Historical village of day 1 sapporo 札幌 grapes. At the winery, Hokkaido guests can tour the Plan a group activity wine-making facility at the Historical vil- cherry blossom: the scenes at one and taste practically lage of Hokkaido, an Hokkaido shrine of the oldest and all of the wines sold. outdoor museum that Every May, 1,200 most famous beer Don’t miss the wine- recreates the indus- cherry trees blossom brands in Japan. After at this most important flavoured ice cream. tries, lifestyles and touring the exhibits, cultures of Hokkaido’s and historic Shinto sample Sapporo Beer www.kitanonishiki.com/ shrine in Hokkaido, housui-winery.co.jp/ frontier era. Be trans- at the beerhall-style ported 100 years back drawing visitors from Sapporo Beer Garden near and far for the natural wonders in time and sightsee where the Genghis on a horse-drawn spectacular blooms. Khan lamb BBQ is the at furano At NPO Furano Field carriage and take part It’s the perfect time specialty. for a picnic under the (Furano Shizenjuku), in workshops making www.sapporobeer.jp/ go on a nature trail for traditional crafts. cherry tree. brewery/s_museum/ http://www.hokkaidojingu. the environmental edu- www.kaitaku.or.jp/ or.jp/eng/index.html cation workshop. After unique venue that, visit Farm Tomita, tour and taste: the Glass pyramid which is noted for its sapporo Beer The Glass Pyramid at Moerenuma Park is an colourful flower fields, museum elegant setting for dinner. Designed by artist One of Sapporo’s Isamu Noguchi, the park itself can be regarded most popular as a giant sculpture combining art and nature. attractions, the The expansive ground is noted for its geomet- Sapporo Beer ric designs and dramatic vistas. Museum takes www.sapporo-park.or.jp/moere/english/ visitors behind

Sapporo Beer Museum

Furano / Biei

White lovers chocolate access The “White Lovers” Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport is served by (Shiroi Koibito) cookie several direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, with chocolate filling Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Bangkok and etc. is a Hokkaido icon. At Frequent flights also connect it to all major the factory where it cities in Japan. Tokyo Haneda–New Chitose is is made, groups can the busiest air route in the world. view the production line, design their own local contact cookie in a workshop Sapporo Convention Bureau and have their photos Dima Azarov custom-printed on the E: [email protected] packaging. T: +81-11-211-3675 www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/ www.conventionsapporo.jp/

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TTGmice1502JTA6ppF.indd 4 1/13/15 10:40:16 AM INSPIRING THE BEST TTGmice advertorial 2 d ays in... Sapporo OKINAWA It’s sun, sand and sea and the leisurely island lifestyle. Subtropical Okinawa has always been known for its cheerful character but the legacy of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom has given this chain of islands a history distinct from the rest of Japan.

day 1 okinaWa 沖縄 day 2 okinaWa 沖縄

the kerama islands national park The Kerama Islands is the perfect image of Okinawa as an island paradise— crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, beautiful corals and rich marine life. No wonder visitors have nothing but praise for it. Less than an hour by boat from Okinawan’s main island, it’s an excursion everyone from children to first-time snorkellers to advanced deep-sea divers can all enjoy. There are more than 100 dive spots. en.okinawastory.jp/enjoy/okinawanblue/kerama/

The Kerama Islands

Shurijo Castle including the Kuroshio Sea display area, can be reserved for private functions. http://oki-churaumi.jp/en/ index.html

shurijo castle The UNESCO World Heritage site Shurijo Castle was the palace for ryukyu kings for centuries. Dating back to the 1300s, the shopping at present structures are t Galleria careful reconstruction Operated by DFS, The from 1992. The mul- T Galleria in downtown tiple gates, halls and Naha is an expertly open plazas showcase See the largest fish in curated collection of unique venues the glory of the the world—the whale some of the world’s cave party at ryukyu civilisation. shark—swimming leading brands in lux- Gangara valley http://oki-park.jp gracefully with manta ury goods, including While the geological forma- rays and other fish in fashion, jewellery, wine tions at Gangara valley con- okinawa churaumi this truly magnificent & spirits, fragrances tinue to interest geologists, aquarium space. Other displays and beauty products. a natural limestone cave Few aquariums in the take visitors through Enjoy duty free shop- called “Cave Café” near the world has an exhibit as the Sea of Okinawa ping and great service entrance has been desig- grand and arresting as complete with coral in an elegant setting nated a multi-purpose space the giant Kuroshio Sea reefs illuminated by right in the heart of suitable for up to 100 people. display at the world- sunlight. The best Okinawa’s capital city. Special lighting brings out famous Okinawa part: selected venues http://www.dfs.com/en/ the unique formations within Churaumi Aquarium. within the aquarium, tgalleria-okinawa/ this cave, giving it an atmos- phere that is both wild and A private function at wow-worthy. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium mice.okinawastory.jp/en/vendors/ unique/?planners_guide_id=56 Cave Party Gala aoiumi Perfect for a leisurely sun- access downer after a day Naha airport is served daily by numerous of activities, the domestic flights from major cities in Japan, Gala Aoiumi is a including Sapporo, Tokyo and Kansai (Osaka, salt-theme facil- Kyoto, Kobe). There are also direct flights from ity popular with overseas: Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Taichung, overseas visitors Seoul, Pusan and Hong Kong. for its salt-inspired snacks, ice-cream local contact and noodles. Okinawa Convention & visitors Bureau www.gala-aoiumi. MICE Marketing Section com/english/ E: [email protected] T: +81-98-859-6130 www.ocvb.or.jp/en/

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TTGmice1502JTA6ppF.indd 5 1/13/15 10:40:25 AM 6 d ays in... Northwest Japan kanaZaWa > takayama > From the Sea of Japan to the highlands of Takayama, discover World Heritage villages, Samurai culture, castles, hotsprings, alpine vistas, exceptional cuisines and local crafts. Now you can travel to the region in style on the new Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train.

special treat travel on Japan’s newest bullet train! Get a taste of cutting-edge rail technology on Japan newest bullet train! The new Hokuriku Shinkansen will begin service on March 14, 2015, inaugurating a bullet Northwest Japan — “Hokuriku” to locals — is home to the famous Japan Alps. train service linking Tokyo to the with several stops including Nagano, Toyama and This means the region is not only a land of striking natural beauty, it is also rich Kanazawa. The “Kagayaki” service and “Hakutaka” with onsens (Japanese hotsprings). This uniquely Japanese way of relaxing can service will each complete 10 and 14 roundtrips respectively from Tokyo to Kanazawa each day. be enjoyed in local inns as well as hotels, where onsens can be either private or travel time public, indoors or open-air with views of the mountains or the sea. A trip to the • Tokyo-Toyama: 2 hours 08 minutes • Tokyo-Kanazawa: 2 hours 28 minutes. onsen also promises an opportunity to sample the local cuisine and sake.

day 1 kanaZaWa 金沢 The great castle town of Kanazawa group of buildings are based on what unique venue features three world-famous existed in 1850s, built kanazawa castle attractions: Kanazawa Castle Park, using traditional tech- Selected venues at Kanazawa Castle may niques and materials. be reserved for MICE groups, including Kenrokuen Garden and the 21st www.pref.ishikawa.jp/ Gojukken Nagaya, the former weapons Century Museum of Contemporary siro-niwa/kanazawajou/e/ storehouse, and the index.html Kahoku-mon Gate, Art, all located next to one another in the main gate to the the city centre surrounded by great making . These venues shopping and dining. With so much to confections offer a most memora- Wagashi (Japanese ble backdrop for any see and do, it is unquestionably one of confections) are care- a wagashi workshop activity in this city. Japan’s top tourist cities. fully crafted sweets and let your par- www.pref.ishikawa.jp/ that pleases the eye ticipants create these siro-niwa/kanazawajou/e/ as much as the palate. edible works of art index.html Their designs reflect with guidance from the changing seasons wagashi artisans. and the Japanese www.kanazawa-kankouky- kaga-ryori A highlight of any visit people’s highly refined oukai.gr.jp/craft-tourism/ to Kanazawa is the local aesthetic. Organise en/cooking/index.html cuisine “Kaga-ryori”, which reflects the abundance day 2 kanaZaWa of fresh local ingredients. 金沢 Dishes are served on beautiful Kutani porcelain yamanaka onsen or lacquerware from the district: kiku-no-yu Prefecture. Also not to be The historic Yamanaka missed are Kanazawa’s Onsen district buzzes famous sweets and sake. with visitors through-

Breakfast at out the year, who CITY come to enjoy the kenrokuen access AWA Start your day with many hotspring spas, The new Hokuriku Shinkansen will cut travel sumptuous views of dance of the four ryokans (Japanese- time from Tokyo to Kanazawa to only 2.5 ponds, trees and hills seasons style inns), cafés, hours when it opens in March 2015. rail links at the garden recog- “Yamanaka-za” is restaurants, shops and connect Kanazawa to Tokyo, Osaka and nised as one of the home to Yamanaka galleries showcas- Nagoya. Kanazawa’s Komatsu Airport is con- three most beautiful Onsen, a hotspring ing traditional arts nected to Tokyo Haneda and Narita, Sapporo, z KANA ISM LEAGUE, in Japan. Sample a and crafts. The oldest kanazawa castle offering not only a re- Sendai, Fukuoka and Naha. International r TOU meticulously prepared Construction of laxing bath but also a communal bathhouse flights link Kanazawa with Seoul, Shanghai breakfast in one of the Kanazawa Castle traditional song-and- in town, Kiku-no-Yu, and Taipei. tea houses. Kenrokuen began in the 16th dance performance dates back more than is also one of the loveli- century but it was by geikos (traditional 1,300 years and fea- local contact est places for a Japa- razed by fire several Japanese female tures separate baths Kanazawa Convention Bureau nese tea ceremony. times and rebuilt in entertainers). for men and women Hiroyuki Sakano

www.pref.ishikawa.jp/ ever more elaborate www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/ and a foot spa. E: [email protected] PrEFECTU rE : ISHIKAWA siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/ designs through the english/guide/place/ya- www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/ T: +81-76-224-8400

index.html global/eng/view3.html HOTOS centuries. The current manakaza.html. www.kanazawa-cb.com/index_e.html P

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TTGmice1502JTA6ppF.indd 6 1/13/15 10:40:33 AM INSPIRING THE BEST TTGmice advertorial day 3 takayama 高山

Due to its isolated location in the Japanese Alps, the highland city of Takayama, meaning “tall mountain”, has over the centuries developed its own unique culture. Today, the city’s old streets, foods, crafts, galleries, temples, festivals and beautiful views make it one of the most enchanting cities to experience “Old Japan” through the four seasons. Takayama Festa Forest

must-try food day 4 takayama Hida Beef 高山 Gourmets and festa forest: relive the takayama festival overseas visitors The Geo-dome at the Matsuri-no-Mori (Festa have long praised Forest) displays the colourful floats and mari- “Hida-gyu” (Hida onettes used at the famous Takayama Festival, beef), the local old town sanmachi the only remaining one of the three biggest festivals in Japan. The beef from the dome is located inside a mountain and the space The old houses in building of its kind. black-haired is certainly impressive! Sanmachi have been It includes the oldest Japanese cattle. http://www.togeihida.co.jp/english/index.html nationally recognised and biggest granary It has been certified as important historical in Japan. to have attained sightsee in a buildings. The atmos- www.hida.jp/english/ the highest quality access traditional kimono phere here is classic activities/sightseeing- in marbling, lustre, Takayama is accessible from Tokyo by bus (5.5 In Hida Takayama, the Takayama, with quaint information/old- colour, texture hours). The new Hokuriku Shinkansen travel- city area of Takayama, merchant houses and government-outpost and smell. ling between Tokyo and Kanazawa will stop visitors can step out latticed bay windows. at Toyama, where another train service will in style in a rented www.hida.jp/english/ sake tasting link Takayama. Travel time from Kanazawa to Kamishimo (for men) activities/sightseeing- Takayama is home to Takayama is 2 hours and 40 minutes on the train or Kimono (ladies). information/old-private- many sake breweries, and 2 hours and 15 minutes on the express bus. Part of the fun is trying houses each with their own Takayama is also accessible by train from Nagoya. them on and going specialty. Some feature for a commemorative Government House a restaurant where local contact photo in town. Takayama Jinya, the visitors can enjoy its Hida-Takayama Tourism & Convention Bureau www.hida.jp/english/activi- former government sake with traditional Mitsunori Kose ties/experiences/trip-to- house, was designated Japanese cuisine. E: [email protected] the-edo-period-through-a- a historical landmark www.hida.jp/english/ T: +81-577-36-3315 time-capsule back in 1929 and is events/sake-brewery www.takayama-cb.jp

day 5 toyama 富山 day 6 toyama 富山

Facing the Sea of Japan with the tateyama while in autumn the mountains on three sides, Toyama fills kurobe alpine route colours change from The Tateyama Kurobe green at the foot of the imagination with sublime scenery Alpine route passes the mountain to red in and delicious foods. It is the gateway through the mag- the middle and white nificent sceneries of snow at the top. It’s a to the famous Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Tateyama Mountain blockbuster attraction route, Kurobe Gorge railway and range in the Japanese not to be missed. Alps on a 90 km jour- www.alpen-route.com/en/ World Heritage site Gokayama village. papermaking in toyama Bay sushi ney from Toyama Toyama Bay is a Gokayama towards Nagano. Gokayama was once treasure trove of Toyama’s coastline The full route is a centre for paper- warm water and cold open from April making and its water seafood, which to November, reputation for high supplies the city with with change quality paper is well fresh ingredients for of sceneries as recognised today. some of the finest you go higher Gokayama’s paper is a sushi in Japan. Just in elevation. In nationally designated ask for the “Toyama- spring, the route craft and is use in wan-Sushi” set. is literally “carved everything from callig- through” the 18- raphy to sliding doors. unique tour metre high snow! Making traditional sightseeing on Summer is best Gokayama paper centram for sightseeing can be designed as a Centram is the and nature walks, teambuilding activity tram that travels on a trip to this around Toyama historical village. city centre in a access http://www.gokayama- 20-minute loop The new Hokuriku Shinkansen takes only World Heritage site info.jp/en/washi.html service. visitors can 2:08 hrs to travel from Tokyo to Toyama. Gokayama sightsee and stop From Kanazawa, it takes 20 minutes on the Home to 23 “gassho- toyama castle park anywhere along the Shinkansen. regular rail services from Tokyo zukuri” style thatched- Once the residence of way for shopping takes 3:30 hrs. From Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya roof farmhouses, the powerful Maeda and dining. A new train journeys are 3:00 hrs, 3:10 hrs and 3:30 Gokayama attracts clan, Toyama Castle icon of Toyama, it hrs respectively. There are also flight connec- visitors from all over Park is better known may be reserved tions to Tokyo, Sapporo and four overseas the world who come to today as a site for for group use. destinations: Seoul, Dalian, Shanghai and marvel at these unique viewing cherry blos- Taipei. houses that date back tained so that visitors som, which lasts for 400 years. Gokayama’s can continue to ex- only about a week local contact World Heritage status perience Gokayama’s every April. A private Toyama Convention Bureau ensures that these tranquil atmosphere as function or party can Kazufumi Hayashizaki architectural gems and if time has stood still. be arranged here with E: [email protected] the area around them www.gokayama-info.jp/ a tour of the museum T: +81-76-421-3300 are carefully main- en/gokayama.html at the castle tower. www.cap.or.jp/~tcb/ v vI

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