FUN-travel: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! – Takayama

April 6, 2018 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! – Takayama 

  • Takayama…

…with its picturesque mountain location…

…cold weather…

…top quality rice…

…& pure mountain water…

…produces some of the best-tasting sake in Japan.

  • This area has been famous…

…for its sake production…

…for over 400 years…

…with around 56 breweries at one time…

…during the Edo Period.

…for only 300 yen…

…about $3 US dollars…

…will you get an ochoko (ceramic sake cup)…

…and 12 different samplings from the fridge!

Cherry Blossoms bloom a bit later here because of the higher elevation & cooler temperatures.

  • Kokubunji-Temple…

…historic Hindu temple…

…with a Triple Pagoda…

…& Bell Tower Gates…

…said to have been moved from Takayama Castle…

…is the cornerstone of the pagoda…

…built over 1200 years ago.

  • Main temple building…

…is oldest structure in the city…

…constructed about 500 years ago…

…hailed as Hida’s greatest ancient temple.

FUN-fact – Almost every toilet in Japan is a Toto with a heated seat and bidet feature. Seriously! Even on the trains!

FUN-travel: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! – Tokyo to Takayama

April 5, 2018 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! – Tokyo to Takayama 

  • Big FIRST today…

    Sanmachi Suji

…made our way to Tokyo Central Train station…

…maneuvered through the hoards of people…

…managed to find our platform…

…and boarded our bullet train…

…ALL BY OURSELVES!

  • Then arrived Nagoya station…

…with only 11 minutes to make connecting train…

…& having to change platforms …

…with the help of a lovely Japanese man…

…we did it!

  • Sanmachi Suji…

…Takayama’s old town…

…is a collection of three narrow lanes…

…that has been beautifully preserved…

…with many buildings & houses…

…dating from the Edo Period (1600-1868)…

…when the city thrived as a wealthy town of merchants.

  • Today’s Japanese Adventure…

…staying at a Ryokan and…

…having traditional Japanese dinner in our room.

Cherry Blossoms Just Now Opening Here

FUN-fact – The weather has been unseasonably warm. Just like San Diego with cool mornings and warm afternoons.