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 !!!
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 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. ...
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 ...
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 near Shibuya Station in Shibuya City, Tokyo Prefecture in Japan , Hachiko Statue is one of Japan's most famous and most visited statues. Hachikō Statue Hachiko Statue History Erected in April 1934, Hachikō Statue was created to the likeness of Hachikō, an Akita dog owned by Hidesaburo Ueno a university professor at the University of Tokyo. Hachikō is known and remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner which continued for many years after his owner's death. Hachiko - immortalized in his waiting area. Hachikō Statue - Shibuya City, Tokyo Prefecture Hachikō's Story Hachiko Born on November 10, 1923, on a farm in Odate, Akita Prefecture, Hachiko is an Akita breed dog who was adopted into the family of Professor Ueno who brought him to live in his home in Shibuya, Tokyo. Since Professor Ueno commutes daily to work, it became a daily routine for Hachiko to patiently wait for his master at the nearby Shibuya Station to greet him at the en...
Milk Garden Ebetsu also officially called Machimura Farm Milk Garden ( 町村農場 ミルクガーデン ) is a dessert restaurant located at 183 Shinotsu, Ebetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Milk Garden Ebetsu Milk Garden Ebetsu Details Winter The year 1882 marked a significant turning point for agriculture in Hokkaido with the birth of Machimura Takayoshi , the founder of Machimura Farm. This was also the beginning of a new agricultural paradigm that combined cattle and crop farming, perfectly suited to the region’s northern climate. Milk Garden Ebetsu - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture Takayoshi, later known as the "God of Cattle Breeding," was born in government housing at the Makomanai Cattle Farm—the first state-run ranch in Hokkaido. His early years were spent in the barn, surrounded by cows and horses, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to dairy farming. Machimura Farm Milk Garden Milk Garden Ebetsu At just 25, Takayoshi set off for America, drawn by its advanced da...
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Ebetsu Shrine Ebetsu Shrine ( 江別神社 ) is the main shrine of Ebetsu City, located at 1-1 Hagigaoka in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ebetsu Shrine Details Winter Ebetsu Shrine has a storied history that dates back to 1885. It was originally established as a guardian deity for the Tondenhei soldiers, who journeyed from Kumamoto Prefecture to help develop Hokkaido. The shrine honors Lord Kato Kiyomasa , a key figure in the region's early history. Ebetsu Shrine - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture In 1891, the shrine housed the deity Okuninushi-no-Mikoto , enshrined from Izumo Taisha, and by 1895, it was relocated to its current site in Hagigaoka. A significant milestone occurred in 1915 when a new shrine building and office were constructed as part of a memorial project for the enthronement of Emperor Taisho. On this occasion, a branch of the spirit of Amaterasu Omikami was brought from Ise Jingu Shrine and enshrined as the main deity. Ebetsu Shrine 's main torii gate 江別神社 Ebetsu S...
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Located in Kawit in the province of Cavite, Aguinaldo Shrine is the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines. It is famously known as the house where the Filipino flag was formally unfurled to the public after the declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898. Aguinaldo Shrine Aguinaldo Shrine history Constructed in 1845, the house became a silent witness to the shaping of the Filipino nation. It all began on March 22, 1869, when Emilio Aguinaldo was born in one of its rooms. Years later, the house became a meeting place for revolutionaries. It was here that many of the most important revolutionary plans were made. Aguinaldo Shrine - Kawit, Cavite Contrary to popular belief this balcony was not there when the flag was first shown to the Filipinos. Lastly, the house became a symbol of freedom when the flag a hoisted and shown to the public during the declaration of independence from Spain. This event is known today as the Araw ng ...
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