Thursday, November 30, 2006
27 November, 2006
We left on another train for Hida Takayama (as Rich calls it Tommy Takayama). We had to catch a train from Osaka to Nagoya and from there we connected to Takayama. The last train journey was incredible, we passed through the mountains with magnificent views and scenery all along the way. We followed the river delta and the water was a beautiful shade of green. Takayama is in the district of Hida in the province of Honshu. When we arrived we checked in to our Ryokan (Japanese style hotel) and headed out to the city. A thriving metropolis- NOT- and it was so quaint and peaceful. It started to drizzle but that in fact added to the atmosphere. We walked along the old merchant houses and shops. They were so quaint and authentic and Rich enjoyed all the free tastings. I think we have tasted every single sweet and biscuit in Japan. They are so fascinating in shape, colour and size and each box is so unique looking. The weather wasn’t too bad and the lady at our hotel said they were expecting the first snow this weekend. We stopped at a stall and had fresh beef skewers (made from Hida beef) which is special to this region. We admired all the crafts, lacquerware, sake wine shops and Japanese sandals. The city has managed to retain its traditional charm and a big festival is held twice a year with floats and marionettes that perform tricks. The town is known for its woodworks and carvings and sarubobo (monkey babies) - they have featureless faces. We walked in the mountains and the parks amongst the beautiful trees and plants and the ground was like a red blanket- full of amazing coloured leaves. We strolled in the drizzle and made it back before dark. We got back to our room and passed out from exhaustion. We were asleep by 20h00 (without dinner).
We left on another train for Hida Takayama (as Rich calls it Tommy Takayama). We had to catch a train from Osaka to Nagoya and from there we connected to Takayama. The last train journey was incredible, we passed through the mountains with magnificent views and scenery all along the way. We followed the river delta and the water was a beautiful shade of green. Takayama is in the district of Hida in the province of Honshu. When we arrived we checked in to our Ryokan (Japanese style hotel) and headed out to the city. A thriving metropolis- NOT- and it was so quaint and peaceful. It started to drizzle but that in fact added to the atmosphere. We walked along the old merchant houses and shops. They were so quaint and authentic and Rich enjoyed all the free tastings. I think we have tasted every single sweet and biscuit in Japan. They are so fascinating in shape, colour and size and each box is so unique looking. The weather wasn’t too bad and the lady at our hotel said they were expecting the first snow this weekend. We stopped at a stall and had fresh beef skewers (made from Hida beef) which is special to this region. We admired all the crafts, lacquerware, sake wine shops and Japanese sandals. The city has managed to retain its traditional charm and a big festival is held twice a year with floats and marionettes that perform tricks. The town is known for its woodworks and carvings and sarubobo (monkey babies) - they have featureless faces. We walked in the mountains and the parks amongst the beautiful trees and plants and the ground was like a red blanket- full of amazing coloured leaves. We strolled in the drizzle and made it back before dark. We got back to our room and passed out from exhaustion. We were asleep by 20h00 (without dinner).
# posted by Heidi & Richard's travels @ 9:06 AM 
