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 Barangay Sta. Mercedes (Patungan) in Maragondon , Cavite, Patungan Beach is one of the province's little-known beach destinations. It is situated inside Patungang Cove which is south of Mt. Palay Palay which is also known as Pico de Loro . Patungan Beach Patungan Beach Details The area near Patungan Beach is home to about 100 - 200 families, most of which are fishermen hence the alternate name of the barangay - Patungan Fishing Village . According to the locals that I interviewed, their place was once an isolated barangay , reachable only by boat, horse, or foot. Thankfully, with the completion of the Nasugbu - Ternate Highway and Kaybiang Tunnel , the barangay was finally connected to the province. However, there is still no direct public transportation system that serves the area coming from Manila. Patungan Beach - Maragondon, Cavite The beach from a distance Check out these photos of Patungan Beach: Just a heads up, ...
Our adventure today takes us about 400 kilometers northwest of Kilometer 0 in Manila. Vigan City , the capital of Ilocos Sur, was recently converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. Aside from that, Vigan was also listed as one of the World Heritage Sites in the Philippines by UNESCO. Vigan City Vigan City details So what's unique with Vigan City ? Imagine yourself living during the Spanish Colonial days when the kalesa (horse-drawn carriages) rules the cobblestone streets and century-old houses, not buildings, conquered the landscape. Vigan City offers you the same colonial-era backdrop minus the people walking around with DSLRs and GoPros. Team Nicerio visits Vigan City Vigan City details Vigan City was earlier known as "Ciudad Fernandina" during the Spanish Era. However, the origin of the city's name is said to come from different sources. Some say it came from the Chinese word "Bee Gan" or beautiful shore. While others say that it came...
Located in 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Toji or Toji Temple ( 東寺 ) is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto City. Toji ( 東寺 ) Toji History Toji was founded in 796, two years after the capital was moved from Nara to Heian-kyo (old name of Kyoto). The temple was one of the two guardian temples that were built on the main entrances of the Imperial Capital. To-ji , which means " East Temple ", was the guardian temple of the East while its sister temple Sai-ji , which means " West Temple " was the guardian temple of the West. This temple stood alongside the Rashomon which is the gate to the Heian capital. Sadly, Sai-ji burnt down in 990, rebuilt, and was ravaged by fire again in 1233. It was never rebuilt after. The Toji Kondo as seen from the Nandaimon (gate) I got to visit Toji during the Kobi-ichi (flea market) Check out the items you might want to bring home. Toji was formerly known as Kyo-o-gokaku-ji or...
Located in Santa Maria Street in the municipality of Daraga in the province of Albay, Daraga Church is the crowning glory of religious architecture in Albay. Daraga Church Daraga Church History Daraga Church is also known as the Our Lady of the Gate Church . It was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum on October 29, 2007. Daraga Church - Daraga, Albay Daraga Church NHI marker Daraga Church facade Daraga Church bell tower Team Nicerio visits Daraga Church Daraga Church was built by Franciscan missionaries in Daraga which was then a barrio of the older town of Cagsawa. However, after Mayon Volcano's 1814 eruption which buried the majority of the town of Cagsawa, survivors relocated to Daraga. The barrio was then formally organized as a town in 1815. Afterward, the town became the center of trade and commerce in the province of Albay. A view of Mayon from inside Daraga Church Daraga Church interior Daraga Church baptismal ...
Months prior to our visit to Japan , my wife tagged me to a trending post on Facebook about this unique Starbucks store in Kyoto City. This Starbucks branch was dubbed the " Edo-style Starbucks ." Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks The said post piqued my interest as I was crafting our Kyoto City itinerary during that time. I then made sure to include it in the said itinerary and as a matter of fact, I placed it on our first-day plans. Before I write about what happened next, let's first discover the good-to-know information about this Starbucks store. You'd surely miss it if you don't know where it is... I had to ask around to find it. Yup, I'm in the right place! Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks - Kyoto City Edo-Style Starbucks History The Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya , better known as the tatami-styled Starbucks is located at Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji Minami-dori Shimogawara Higashi Ino Masuya-cho 349, Masayacho, H...
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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. It is l ocated in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan . 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...
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The last time I visited Daraga Church was during the 4th day of our CamSur - Albay Road Trip last 2014. Since that's almost a decade ago, I made sure to include it in our itinerary for the 8th day of our 2021 Bicol Road Trip . Daraga Church Revisited 2021 Daraga Church details For those who are unfamiliar with Daraga Church , it is located in Santa Maria Street, Daraga in the province of Albay. The church is formally called Nuestra Senora de la Porteria Parish Church ( Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church ). Daraga Church - Daraga, Albay Daraga Church was built under the supervision of the Franciscans sometime in 1773. the church was placed under the patronage of the Our Lady of the Gate. Daraga Church Facade Sadly, Mayon Volcano was not visible during our visit Daraga Church NHI Marker Can you spot the scary tarsier? The church facade is known for its Churrigueresque architectural style. It was built using materials that are abundant in the area like volcanic rock, wood, and...
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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