Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
Just to add, I very much like Takayama and recommend it wholeheartedly, I would have to agree that it might well be pretty warm in August. That is not a reason to avoid it but if the plan is to find some cool relief from the heat of Tokyo, another choice might be better.
Yes, Takayama is great, and for real relief from the heat, take the bus to Matsumoto, which goes over the mountains and stops at a rest stop that is above timberline.