It's a beautiful day here in Gifu City. We are on our last leg of our Gifu-Nagano Road trip. As usual, I decided to wake up very early to take a dip at our hotel's onsen. By this time, I could proudly say that I have unlocked several achievements... First of all is the "Nude Man Walking" which means I have lost the sense of shame, walking naked around other men, and the "Grandslam Boiled Eggs " which means I have boiled my you-know-what in an onsen for three straight days already.
I almost went inside because this was the men's onsen area last night... thank goodness I saw the "Ladies" in the middle curtain
Breakfast time!
He might be old but his talent in making pancakes is matched only by a few
My daughter enjoying her meal
Achievements aside, after my dip I went to meet my family at the dining area for breakfast. The buffet breakfast was amazing. There were so many dishes to choose from. I particularly enjoyed watching the "pancake master" create artistic pancakes that resemble animals, things, and even cartoon characters.
The mountain-top station reached! Time to walk to the peak!
After the hearty breakfast, Mr. Toshi decided to bring us to Gifu Castle before we check out of Juhachiro (ryokan). Ms. Taeko, on the other hand, decided to stay behind to pack up their stuff. We traveled to the castle grounds on foot since it was just a few minutes away by foot. However, to reach the castle, we needed to ride the Kinkazan Ropeway also known as Mt. Kinka Ropeway as the castle was built on top of Mt. Kinka.
Despite having a ropeway that brought us to the top of the mountain, we still had to trek several meters going to the Gifu Castle. The castle contained artifacts from Japan's feudal period. What's amazing about the castle was the breathtaking view from the keep's top floor. From the viewing areas on the top floor of the castle, one could see the panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills and mountains.
We didn't stay long though as Ms. Taeko was waiting for us at the ryokan. When we got down from Mt. Kinka via the ropeway, Mr. Toshi asked us if it's ok for us to just wait for him at Gifu Park while he goes back to Juhachiro to fetch Ms. Taeko and also check out. We agreed as Ella was tired from the trek that we had done earlier.
Check out that lady sitting beside the pond at Gifu Park
Ella learned how to use the bow
Thanks for the yummy jelly giveaway!
While waiting for Mr. Toshi, we saw a couple of guys dressed up in feudal era armor who were encouraging passersby to try out the traditional archery for free of course Ella enthusiastically tried it out. To her amazement, she was rewarded with Japanese gelatin for her efforts. I tried too of course and I also got some prizes.
When Mr. Toshi arrived, he asked me if there were other places in Gifu City that I also want to visit. I checked out the Gifu City tourism brochure which I got from the ryokan and asked if it's possible to visit Gifu Kinpouzan Shoubouji (Temple) or simply Shoboji to see one of the largest images of Buddha in Japan. Mr. Toshi agreed and it only took a few minutes away by car to reach it. It was only me and Mr. Toshi who went into the temple. I did not miss the chance to get a goshuin for my collection.
Mr. Toshi offering a prayer to one of Japan's largest Buddha
Inside the Shoboji was a large image of Buddha. However, it was not as big as the Buddha statue we saw in Todaiji years back. Regardless, it was still a sight to behold. While admiring the 13.7-meter tall Buddha, Mr. Toshi told me that this temple belongs to the Obaku school of Buddhism which was his religious affiliation.
Checking out Salamanca Hall
Inside Salamanca Hall
Before we left Gifu City, we stopped by Salamanca Hall to say goodbye to Ms. Kayako (Mr. Toshi's sister) who will be performing with her choir group in the said concert hall. Although Ms. Kayako gave us a free pass to watch her concert, we didn't stay long as we still have around 210 kilometers of road to drive to get home to Osaka.
On our drive back, we had a bit of a side trip to Sunomata Ichiya Castle in Ogaki City which is still in Gifu Prefecture. The castle sits beside the Sai River and houses feudal era artifacts like samurai weapons and armor. The top floor presents a great view of the river and the lands surrounding it.
Start of our long drive from Gifu to Osaka
Stopover at Expasa in Mie Prefecture
Time to choose what to eat for our late lunch
Check out the children's toilet
From the castle, Mr. Toshi drove for about 40 kilometers to Expasa which was a roadside stopover in Mie Prefecture to grab some snacks. From there, I drove the remaining 170 kilometers home marking an end to our Gifu-Nagano road trip and also unlocking my ドライバ (Doraiba) achievementfor driving more than 100 kilometers in Japan.
Here's a perfect sunset view from our room.
Overall, it was a very memorable 4-day adventure which wouldn't be possible if not for our awesome Japanese family. Without them, many of those wonderful destinations that we visited would still remain in our drawing boards and dreams.
That night, I slept peacefully, excited for what the remaining 4 days in Japan has to offer.
Akabira Tokugawa Castle ( 赤平徳川城 ) also called Akabira Castle or wrongly as Hokkaido Castle is a replica castle located along National Route 38 at 174 Horookacho, Akabira City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Akabira Tokugawa Castle Akabira Tokugawa Castle details Akabira Tokugawa Castle may not be a real historical site, but its story is just as fascinating. Built in 1991 by Matsuzawa Yoroi Co., Ltd , a manufacturer of festival dolls, Akabira Tokugawa Castle has served as a showroom and manufacturing factory. It boasts four floors of unique and interesting attractions, including a souvenir and doll-making demonstration area on the first floor, an impressive doll display and sales area on the second and third floors, a Hina doll display and Japanese restaurant on the fourth floor, and an armored helmet exhibit on the fifth floor. The castle also has a sixth floor, which once served as an observatory tower. Akabira Tokugawa Castle - Akabira City, Hokkaido Prefecture Although the cast...
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...
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
Our adventure today takes us to a mountain south of Metro Manila. Mt. Gulugod Baboy (other variations Mt. Gulugod-Baboy ) is located in Anilao, Mabini in the province of Batangas. Gulugod-baboy is a Filipino phrase that means "pig's spine." The mountain got its name from the contours of the peaks which resemble a pig's back as seen from Janao Bay. Mt. Gulugod Baboy Mt. Gulugod Baboy details Mt. Gulugod Baboy - Mabini, Batangas Mt. Gulugod Baboy , despite being called a mountain, may also be referred to as a hill. This is because of the fact that the distinction between a hill and a mountain remains subjective and unclear. (As you may know, the maximum height of a hill is still being contested.) I'm taking a picture of my friend Raine doing a Teletubby jump Mt. Gulugod Baboy fun moments Other Teletubby moments... So what's the big deal? Mt. Gulugod Baboy stands 525 meters above sea level. Typically, landforms reaching 500 feet (152 ...
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this looks incredible and that food looks so good!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashli. =) The food was not only good it was amazing.
DeleteSeems like you and your family are having the best time! Thanks for sharing! I'd love to visit this part of Japan soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog Lorita. My family and I really did enjoy our time in Japan. =)
Deletethis makes me want to visit japan ASAP!
ReplyDeleteYou should visit Japan Kat. You'd surely love it. =)
Deletewow that hike to the castle seemed like a tough one!
ReplyDeleteIt is. Thank God there is a ropeway.
Deletewish you a hearty congratulations
ReplyDeleteThank you Ukiyoto. =)
DeleteOh wow what a lovely and beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteI agree Mehr. =) Gotta love Gifu.
DeleteLol those bathroom symbols.. Enjoyed reading it. The culture is entirely different from so it looks fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThat's the reason why I love traveling. I learn a lot about other people's culture. =)
DeleteThis looks a wonderful place to visit. Your pics are amazing.
ReplyDeleteGifu City is really a wonderful place to visit. You should include this to your travel plans. =)
DeleteI want to eat those pancakes !
ReplyDeleteIt's actually depressing to eat the pancake as it looks more of art than food.
DeleteLooks like you had such a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteMy family and I really had a great time in Gifu.
DeleteLoving the view of castle viewing deck and and the pond of Gifu Park looks perfect for nature I like this kind of travel adventure awesome photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Please do visit Gifu when you go to Japan.
DeleteI feel like i was there w/o you.☺
ReplyDeleteWow that's great. =)
DeleteThat breakfast spread made me hungry..:P
ReplyDeleteI suddenly missed the dishes. Hahaha
DeleteYou always bring as virtually to many parts of Japan! You are doing an awesome job. Seriously, you can be a local guide.
ReplyDeleteThank you Blair. =) Your comment made my day. =)
DeleteThis was a detailed information. Sure it's a fun to hang around here.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear. Thank you Anagha.
DeleteFun travels.. maybe someday I will have time to travel!
ReplyDeleteHope that comes soon. =P
DeleteThank you so much. Please do include Gifu City to your itinerary when you visit Japan.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting and to be able to share with your daughter!
ReplyDeleteThat's true. This adventure is very memorable because my daughter was with me.
DeleteWhat an amazing travel. I'm amazed with the pancake master too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Elizabeth. That guy really does amaze me.
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