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 center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street. Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declinin...
Fushimi Inari Taisha / Fushimi Inari Shrine ( 伏見稲荷大社 ) is the head shrine of Inari. It serves as the general headquarters of all 30,000+ shrines dedicated to Inari. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It can be found at the base of Mount Inari and is one of the most visited places in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Shrine is l ocated at 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Fushimi Inari Taisha Fushimi Inari Shrine history The earliest structures of Fushimi Inari Shrine were built in 711 on Inariyama hill in the southwestern part of Kyoto. The shrine was then relocated in 816 upon the request of the monk Kukai . The main shrine, however, was built sometime in 1499. Fushimi Inari Shrine became an object of imperial patronage during the early Heian period. Fushimi Inari Shrine - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Inari , as you may know, is the god of rice and aside from that the patron of business. Because of that, ...
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine...
Day 9 December 27, 2014 A Day in Kyoto City I had an awesome solo backpacking tour of Wakayama Prefecture yesterday. This time, I'll be going on a temple tour in Kyoto Prefecture. However, instead of going on another solo trip, I will be accompanied by my wife, daughter, and my Japanese family. Yay Kyoto! First stop: Fushimi Inari Taisha Although traffic jams are nearly non-existent in the area of Osaka Prefecture that we stay in, we still left early in hopes of avoiding an influx of local and foreign tourists that might flock to Kyoto Prefecture today. (It's a Saturday today that's why). I finally saw the famous torii gates of Fushimi Inari We arrived at Fushimi-Inari Taisha at around 9AM. It was one of Mr. Toshi's hand-picked destinations in Kyoto Prefecture. The place is well known for the hundreds of torii gates that were donated by businessmen. You would also notice the importance of foxes to the shrine as depicted by the numerous statues and imag...
Located in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture in Japan , Kiyomizudera ( 清水寺 ) is an independent Buddhist temple. It is part of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage of Western Japan. Kiyomizudera Kiyomizudera history Officially called Otowa-san Kiyomizudera , the temple was founded in the year 798. Its present buildings were constructed in 1633 under the order of Tokugawa Iemitsu. The name Kiyomizu came from the Japanese words kiyo 清 which means clean or pure and mizu 水 which means water. It got its name from the waterfalls within the complex. Kiyomizudera - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture A vintage photo of Kiyomizudera (photo from www.gutenberg.org) Nio-mon gate A closer photo of the Nio-mon gate Kiyomizudera is famous for the main hall that has a large veranda that is jutting on the side of a hill and is supported by tall wooden pillars. It is said that it was built without the use of a single nail. The veranda offers an ...
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. ...
Day 7 December 25, 2014 Christmas in Japan Merikurisimasu from Japan ! This is our first Christmas away from the Philippines . Lucky for us, we are celebrating it with our Japanese family. With them around we won't feel that we are away from home. Today is also our first rest day since we got to Japan . Although it's Christmas, our Japanese family still had to go to work which is in contrast to how we consider December 25 as an official non-working holiday. That night we had a little celebration and Mr. Toshi gave me two Japanese novels (translated into English of course). We also had a simple feast to celebrate this special day. To sum it up, we didn't visit any new places today but we had a fulfilled day because we got to spend it with our Japanese family. Day 8 December 26, 2014 My Solo Wakayama City Visit After spending Christmas Day at the Kameyama Residence, it is time once again for another adventure. Sadly, it would only be a solo backpacking adventure f...
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, or simply Kamay ni Hesus is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending ...
Wakayama Castle ( 和歌山城 ) is the symbol of the city and its people. It is l ocated in 3 Ichibancho in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture in Japan , Wakayama Castle Wakayama Castle History Wakayama Castle 's history started when Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered his younger brother Hidenaga to build a castle on Mt. Okayama (now known as Mt. Torafuso) in 1585. When the castle was finished, Hidenaga stationed Kuwayama Shigeharu to the castle. In 1619, Tokugawa Ieyasu's 10th child Yorinobu became lord of the castle. From that point on, the castle was ruled by other Tokugawa lords until the Meiji Restoration. Wakayama Castle - Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture Wakayama Castle ground map The Backpack Adventures visits Wakayama Castle Wakayama Castle consists of a series of interconnected buildings surrounding a central courtyard. The main, three-tiered castle tower is connected to an interconnecting corridor, the Tenshunino-man (Camphor Wood Gate), the coo...
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park mark the supposed place where Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio were executed in 1897. Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park History We learned from the previous post about Bonifacio Trial House the story of the trail leading up to the last days of Andres Bonifacio . Since I did not fully elaborate on his death, I think it is very relevant to talk about it now in relation to our featured destination - The Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park . Check out the images on the BAYANI Check out the images on the KKK A perfect angle to see the KKK and Bayani I'm wondering if that face is scared, shocked, or excited... The statue of Andres Bonifacio wearing a very fashionable camisa de chino Our local guide showed us the way to the peak of Mt. Nagpatong After his...
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.
Delete