T a k a y a m a 1

We spent the next few days at Takayama, a city in Gifu prefecture. Takayama is famous for its beautifully preserved old town constructed during the Edo period. The buildings in the old town have been converted into shops, cafes, restaurants, sake breweries and museums. Its uniqueness has brought upon visitors from far away, and its closed proximity to Shirakawa-go is the reason why we go there.

 From Kyoto, we took the Shinkansen to Nagoya, and changed to the Hida Express train to Takayama. The 3 hours journey brought us some awesome sights of the Gifu prefecture.

 Pretty settlements below the mountain. I can imagine the white setting when winter comes.

 Finally arrived at Takayama, and here's me familiarising the local map. 

 Picking up a snack.

 Where is my ball? Did I just sink a hole-in-one?

 Well wishing dolls inside a shrine.

 As in many parts of Japan, temples and shrines are a common sight.

 Takayama is a small town, so walking is definitely advisable. Or you could rent a bicycle to tour it. 

 One of the many liquor stores in the town.

 You can feel that Christmas is in the air.

 Takoyaki, but instead of octopus, beef was added. Simply yummy!

 Interesting Christmas gifts.

 B&W feel of the place.

 View over the Miragawa River. The Old Town lies on the left of the river.

 Where there is tourists, there is rickshaw service.

Well preserved building, centuries old.

 Sake is big businesses here. There are several old sake breweries along the main street of Sannomachi.

 Sake brewery is identified by the large barrels or the ball-like thing hung at the entrance. It is made of cedar branches. 

 A hearth to keep you warm while you sip the flavourful sake.

 If sake is not your cup of tea, there is of course, er.. tea.

 Most, if not all, of the structures here are made of wood, giving it a charming feel.

 A suit of armour from a Japanese warrior.

 Former merchant quarters have now been converted into shops, museums and eateries.

 It is nice to walk the streets of the Old Town. I feel that I have moved back in time.

 Dinner time and we were on the lookout for a nice place to eat.

 On the recommendation of the chef, we have this deliciously tasting pig knuckles. It went so well with the sake that we had too.

 The girls were merrily happy after the sumptuous feast.

Christmas would feel so right if it had snowed now.  

And another travel trip awaiting....