“I want to see mountains again Gandalf mountains”!
Today we visit the historical Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Located in central and inland Japan, which means it is a mountainous area. That is a special thing for somebody from the ‘Low Lands’, seeing mountains always gets me exited.
The train ride to Takayama is a slow and relaxing trip, and you get to enjoy some beautiful scenery.
At Takayama I happened to find the most kitsch Ryokan ever, like finding a treasure trove in the attic. A most definite recommendation to anyone who want to try a traditional Ryokan and get a bit of the old Japanese feeling. They even have a samurai suit of armor at the entrance.
Takayama is well known with tourists for its traditional crafts and it’s ‘old town’, preserved like it was in the Edo period (1600-1800). Here you can find sake-breweries, crafts shops, eateries and museums. There are also a few temples around the area and a morning market.
From Takayama there are a few side trips you can make to onsens and other villages.
A 50 minute bus trip will get you to Shirakawa-go, a world heritage registered site. A beautiful village in a valley with old thatched roofed houses. This little trip made me go “Wow” a few times. The scenery’s just took my breath away.
