Japan, Day 8: Takayama & Hida Folk Village

| August 13, 2015 | Japan, Travel | No Comments

I was sad to leave Tokyo but the beautiful train ride to Takayama, specifically between Nagoya and Takayama soon distracted me. We arrived in Takayama a few hours before checkin at the Rickshaw inn so we rented a locker at the train station, stashed our stuff, and then began a long trek to the Hida a Folk Village. I wanted to take a bus (10 minutes) but Karl said it didn’t look very far so 45 minutes later, one very out of breathe Carol was a bit frustrated, especially since the last part of our trek was up hill. Karl!

We arrived at the Hida Folk Village about two hours before closing which was not nearly enough time. One more reason we should have taken the bus. Anyways, Hida Folk Village is a beautiful open air museum with gasso homes you can tour and several hands on things like water pistols. We stayed until closing only to discover that we missed the last bus back into town by 30 minutes. It seems that most buses stop running about 30 minutes before close at most places. Gah! So after another 45 minutes or so of walking we retrieved our belongings and checked into the Rickhaw Inn, a traditional Japanese inn. Karl immediately passed out so I let him nap for half an hour before we went out exploring.

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Train: Shunjuku to Shiragawa
Shinkansen (bullet train) from Shiragawa to Nagoya

 

All packed up. I will miss the Sunroute Plaza hotel and Shinjuku.

 

Peace out.

Bye bye Tokyo.

 

It’s Shinkansen (bullet train) time!

Switching trains in Nagoya.

Nagoya, view from train station.

Takayama bound! The train ride to Takayama was breathtaking.


The ride to Takayama from Nagoya was gorgeous.

Typical Japanese homes.

 

Part of our survival kit. Backup battery and portable wifi devices.

 

Struggling to stay awake so we can enjoy the beautiful views..

Takayama 

Paid 400 yen for a locker at the train station.

We have arrived in Takayama! View of street across from station.

 

We booked our Shirakawa-go tour through Nohi bus.

Walking through Takayama to Hida Folk Village

We both wanted to see Hida Folk Village so we walked through town and up hill for 30 minutes instead of taking the 9 minute bus. It was fun to see the town but next time we’re in a similar situation I’m insisting we take the bus.

Takayama Train Station

 

We like trains!

I’m only smiling because we’ve just begun our up hill walk. Really hoping I come home a little smaller. If nothing else, my stamina will definitely be greatly improved.

 

I love all the stone construction and detailing found everywhere from retaining walls, buildings, and side walks.

Hida Folk VillageWe really enjoyed visiting the Hida Folk Village. We had to rush through most of it. If only we’d ridden the bus…

Turning Japanese

 

Karl demonstrated how to use a water pistol.

 

I got it to move a little.



I wonder what these are.

  

Karl has crossed over to the other side.

  

Old Japanese gasso style homes had firepits in the center of the room. Kind of neat.

  
  
  
  


Knotty stumps

  
  

One of only two round rice fields in Japan.

  
  

Walking back to the train station.


  
  
  

Love’n our room at the Rickshaw Inn



Exploring Downtown Takayama


  
  
  

 

I think this is a good look for Karl.

  

This is the first battery vending machine we’ve seen.

  
  
  

Continue Reading: Japan, Day 9: Bus Trip to Ainokura & Shirakawa-go
Japan Food Journal: Day 8 (Coming Soon!)
Return to Index: 20 Days in Japan

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Carol