Traditional Japan – Takayama

Departing Hakuba, I took the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano up across the north coast to Toyama Station, where I changed to the Hida 8 Limited Express train that goes to Nagoya, getting off at Takayama for a 4 night stay.

Takayama is a city in Japan’s mountainous Gifu Prefecture. The narrow streets of its historic Sanmachi Suji district are lined with wooden merchants’ houses dating to the Edo Period, where Saki tasting is a popular pastime.

I stayed in a traditional Ryokan across the bridge from the old town, where they served a traditional and delicious Japanese dinner and breakfast in my room and across the lane was a Takayama Ramen restaurant – with curly noodles!

Takayama has a much quieter pace than other cities and still retains the traditional feel of old Japan, with its centuries old Saké brewing houses still operating traditional dark wooden buildings.

My accommodation was a traditional Ryokan with in-house Onsen, and my room was furnished with Tatami rush floor mats, a central table and Zaisu chairs. The evening meal was served in my room before the table, and chairs were replaced with Futon bedding.

The Gifu area is world famous for its prized Hida-gyu or Hida-beef. A type of high grade Wagyu from the black-haired cattle bred in Takayama. All over the city are funny signs and shops selling beef which is very high in fat and very juicy.

Nicole x