Today, we plan to exploreTakayama City in the morning and then Kamikochi in the afternoon. However, before everything else, I made sure to wake up very early to take one final dip at Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan's onsen because I know that I won't have a chance to do it later as we'd only eat our complimentary breakfast before finally checking out of our ryokan.
Strictly NO TATTOOs! Read more about Onsen Etiquette HERE.
Time to take a dip!
Unlike last night, I already overcame my embarrassment of being naked in an onsen. I can now walk proudly in front of other men in my birthday suit. How did I do it? I bombarded my head with the idea that these guys do not know who I am and vice versa. I finished my onsen experience at around 5AM. When I got back to the room, my wife and daughter were still sound asleep, so instead of doing nothing, I decided to have an early morning solo stroll of Takayama City.
I first checked out Takayama Jinya which was across our ryokan and upon discovering that it was still closed, proceeded to Sanmachi Suji District. I first crossed Nakabashi Bridge which was also near our ryokan. After crossing the bridge, It only took me a few minutes to reach the Sanmachi Suji District. It was quite a memorable experience for me as there was a moment that I was the only one strolling the historic streets that morning. I did not miss the chance to take unobstructed photos of the street and the old houses.
Takayama Station
Inside the Takayama Station
Miyagawa River
Afterward, I continued walking toward the Takayama Station to see how it looks like. I then went and checked out the Miyagawa Morning Market and arrived just as the vendors were almost done setting up their stalls. By this time, it started to drizzle so I cut short my solo stroll of Takayama and headed back to Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan.
I arrived just in time for our breakfast. After the meal, we checked out as planned. We then went out to visit the Sanmachi Suji District, thankfully the drizzling stopped and we were able to enjoy walking around the historic district. By this time, the stores were opening one by one so we did not waste the opportunity to buy some souvenirs and try out some local delicacies.
Check out the size of those sake bottles
Checking out Takayama's famed sake
Ice cream break - Ella w/ Ms. Taeko and Mr. Toshi
I was hoping that we could still check out the historic Takayama Jinya before leaving but was disappointed to find out that it was still closed after our stroll around Takayama's Old Town. Mr. Toshi suggested an alternative destination which is the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan or the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall.
The Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan houses some of the floats used during the famous Takayama Festival. Aside from the well crafted and beautifully decorated floats, we also got to watch some documentary videos of the festival and learned more about the history and culture of the city. Afterward, we got to check out the one-tenth replica of the Nikko-Toshogu exhibit in the Sakurayama Nikko Kan which is in the hall beside the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan.
It was such a delight to discover that the exhibition halls were in the vicinity of the historic Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. Of course, I did not waste the opportunity to get a goshuin there for my collection. We bid farewell to Takayama City after this and then drove to our next destination which is Kamikochi.
Kamikochi is located in Nagano Prefecture which is 50 kilometers away from where we were. About halfway there, Mr. Toshi gave me the opportunity to drive his car to the jump-off point at Sawando. From there, we transferred to a taxi which brought us to Kamikochi. Just a heads up, access to Kamikochi on a private car is under legal control throughout the year. You can reach the place by bus or by taxi.
I wonder what they were checking out at the banks of the Asugawa River.
Gotta love Kamikochi!
We checked out Kamikochi Imperial Hotel
Before exploring Kamikochi, we treated our Japanese family to lunch at Kappa Shokudo (Restaurant). The restaurant has a great view of the Hodaka Mountain Range which gives it a great ambiance. After finishing our meal, we checked out the Kappabashi Bridge and took photos of the beautiful snow-laden mountain range while walking along the Asugawa River Route.
Our last stop for our Kamikochi trip was the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel where Mr. Toshi and I talked about its history while waiting for a taxi that will bring us back to Sawando's parking area where we left the car. From there, we drove to Nakaokogen Hotel Kazaguruma on the outskirts of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture.
The onsen in our room. How cool is that!
Overall, I started and ended my day with a dip in an onsen. I was happy to discover that we had an onsen inside our room and so without hesitation, I made sure to take a dip in it before calling it a day. That, my dear reader, is the perfect way to end Day 16 in Japan.
The no tattoo sign is interesting! I wouldn't be able to go to a spa like that as I have several tattoos. It looks like a wonderful trip and it sounds like everyone has been having fun.
What a wonderful journey. I loved seeing the pictures your shared and reading about the places you guys explored. Than you for sharing your experience. I would love to visit one day
I have never been outside of my country so reading travel blogs keep me informed on what's out there when the time comes for me to explore. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like you really enjoyed this trip. I see there are lots of places to visit and the meal sounds delicious too. Room looks so neat and clean. I always like to stay this kind of places. I would try plan my next visit there
JaoJa is a beautiful place to be !!! I can make out from your pictures that you have enjoyed every bit of it. Those floats look so royal !!! Impressive write up too !!!
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas One of the best places to go camping... ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference. Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town. Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch . Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
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10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City Asahikawa City ( 旭川市 ) is the second largest city in Hokkaido Prefecture. Its name came from the misinterpretation of the Ainu name for the Asahi River. The Ainu called it Chiu Pet , which means "River of Waves," but it was misinterpreted as Chup Pet , which means "Sun River," and therefore became known as Asahi River in Japanese. For those planning to visit Asahikawa City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City : Asahikawa Manhole Cover 1. Take a picture of Asahikawa’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole design not counting the special Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover . Asahikawa Roadside Station 2. Visit Asahikawa Roadside Station . You can buy souvenirs, eat authentic Asahikawa ramen, and also get the Asahikawa Roadside Station stamp for your stamp collection. As a bonus, you will also find the Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover featuring the Alolan Vulpix, Cubchoo, a
Located in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto Station ( 京都駅 ) is one of Japan 's largest train station buildings. It serves as the main gateway for locals and foreigners coming in and out of the city. Kyoto Station ( 京都駅 ) Kyoto Station History Kyoto Station opened for service on February 5, 1877, by decree of Emperor Meiji. In 1889, its railway connected to Tokyo giving way to the present day Tokaido Main Line. In 1895, the station became a terminal to the Nara Railway (present-day Nara Line) connecting Kyoto with the southern regions of Kyoto Prefecture and Nara City. Then in 1897, the station became a terminal to the Kyoto Railway (present-day Sagano Line) connecting Kyoto Station with the northern regions of Kyoto Prefecture. First Kyoto Station building* Second Kyoto Station building* Third Kyoto Station building* The station got a facelift in 1914 and a Renaissance-inspired facility replaced the old station. This new station was spacious and designed
Located in 48 Noboriojicho, Nara City in Nara Prefecture, Kohfukuji ( 興福寺 ) is a Buddhist temple that serves as the national headquarters of the Hosso school of Buddhism. Kohfukuji ( 興福寺 ) Kohfukuji History Kohfukuji or simply Kofukuji was established in 669 by Kagami no Okimi in the hopes that it would please Buddha, which in turn, would help her husband Fujiwara no Kamatari recover from his illness. The first temple was built in Yamashina, Yamashiro Province which is in present-day Kyoto. Then in 672, the temple was dismantled and moved to Fujiwara-kyo as it was the first planned Japanese Capital. However, the temple was dismantled again and moved to its present location in 710. It was built on the east side of the then newly established capital Heijo-kyo which is present-day Nara. Follow the signages going to Kohfukuji Go up the stairs to reach Kofukuji Kofukuji was always associated with the highly influential Fujiwara Clan. Hence, it enjoyed influence over the people a
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Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center / Kazemachi Shokudo Information Center ( 風待食堂 観光案内所 ) is a tourist information center and souvenir shop, housed in a historical building. It is located at Bentencho in the town of Mashike in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center details Originally, the building was a grocery store that was established in 1913, and it was later used as a filming location for the 1981 movie " STATION ", which starred the famous actor, Ken Takakura . Today, the building serves as a tourist information center that provides information on the town's filming locations, related newspaper articles, and even Showa retro things such as dial-type public telephones, old-fashioned radios, and various goods of " Mercy-kun ", a seagull character that's unique to Mashike. Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture One of the most popular attracti
Oh wow - as usual this looks amazing!! I love your posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ashli. =) I really appreciate your comment.
DeleteThe no tattoo sign is interesting! I wouldn't be able to go to a spa like that as I have several tattoos. It looks like a wonderful trip and it sounds like everyone has been having fun.
ReplyDeleteTattoos and onsen really does not mix. However, there are some liberal establishments which allows foreigners with tattoos to take a dip.
DeleteWhat a wonderful journey. I loved seeing the pictures your shared and reading about the places you guys explored. Than you for sharing your experience. I would love to visit one day
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the kind words. Please do check out my up coming articles. =)
DeleteWow, nice story indeed! I hope to visit Japan very soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do hope you'd get to visit this wonderful country soon. =)
DeleteThis looks like such an awesome experience! I hope to one day travel to Japan!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer. =) You surely would. =)
DeleteI love how open you are to sharing your personal experiences!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jessica. =)
Deletevery nice places must visit
ReplyDeleteYes I agree. Those places were really wonderful.
DeleteBeautiful beautiful photos! Makes me want to visit Japan. I love that breakfast spread, it looks so decadent.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cendu. =) You should visit Japan. You'd surely love what the country has to offer.
DeleteWhat a beautiful experience. I wish to take my family to Japan soon.
ReplyDeleteYou guys would surely love Japan. =)
DeleteEverything looked so beautiful. It’s so interesting seeing a city empty with no people. I’m glad you shared your experience!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janay. Most places are like this. The only super crowded place that I have seen in Japan is Osaka City and metropolitan Tokyo.
DeleteOh wow. What amazing pictures. Seems like a great trip.
ReplyDeleteIt was. =) Thank you so much.
DeleteYour blog is awesome. I can’t imagine going to Japan. I just got my passport though so maybe someday.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you get to visit this wonderful country. =)
DeleteWow such an enjoyable family day! It is nice to have a long walks in the country side. And of course, a good onsen time after.
ReplyDeleteI agree Blair. How I miss this day. =)
DeleteI have never been outside of my country so reading travel blogs keep me informed on what's out there when the time comes for me to explore. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePlease do visit Japan when you can. It's one of the best destinations outside the Philippines. =)
DeleteSounds like you really enjoyed this trip. I see there are lots of places to visit and the meal sounds delicious too. Room looks so neat and clean. I always like to stay this kind of places. I would try plan my next visit there
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear that. The food in Japan is really something that I look forward tasting. Someday I'd write a food article about Japan. =)
Deleteone of my close friends and her family are visiting Japan in June. I have shared your blog with her.
ReplyDeleteThank you Vaishali. =)
DeleteThe onsen experience is quite funny. Looks like you had loads of fun!
ReplyDeleteI really did. =) How I miss the onsen. =)
DeleteGlad you enjoyed Takayama and Kamikochi. I been to Kamikochi once and it is so beautiful in the fall!
ReplyDeleteI agree. How I wish I'd get the chance to see it again either on a fall or winter someday.
DeleteWaoo looks like you are having a Great time in Japan.. I would love to visit 🤗
ReplyDeleteI am! I'm planning to visit again next year. =)
DeleteLooks like a great journey and you had great fun!
ReplyDeleteYes it was Sheela. =)
DeleteI must say, it's a very detailed and well researched post about Japan
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Thank you SK.
DeleteYour family is so cute and this seems like a beautiful experience!
ReplyDeleteThank you Monet.
DeleteThe sake bottles are humongous ! I love going to Japan. Looks like you all had a great time
ReplyDeleteHahahaha Yeah it was. Please do visit Takayama City when you revisit Japan someday.
DeleteJaoJa is a beautiful place to be !!! I can make out from your pictures that you have enjoyed every bit of it. Those floats look so royal !!! Impressive write up too !!!
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend. Japan really is a beautiful place to be. Thanks again for visiting my blog.
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