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.
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
Akabira Tokugawa Castle ( 赤平徳川城 ) 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 castle is currently closed to the public, it remains a symbol of
10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu City Ashibetsu ( 芦別市 ) is a city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is theorized that the city got its name from the Ainu word “ as pet , " meaning “ the river that flows in a shrub ”. Aside from that, other historians also believed that it came from the Ainu word “ hasi pet ” which means “ the standing river ”. In both theories, the name refers to the Ashibetsu River, which flows through the city. For those planning to visit the city of Ashibetsu to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu : Ashibetsu City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Ashibetsu . So far, I have seen four unique manhole covers which are common in the central part of the city. There are colored versions of these which are installed along Route 452. There is also a special Anne of Canadian World manhole cover found only in the Canadian World Park. Hokkaido Dai Kannon 2. Take a photo of the Hokkaido Dai Kannon
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
10 Things to Do in Utashinai City Utashinai ( 歌志内市 ) is a city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is the smallest city in the country in terms of population. The city got its name when the railway was established in the region. It derived its name from the sound of the river coursing through the vicinity, referred to as " Otashinai ". For those planning to visit the town of Utashinai to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Utashinai City : Utashinai manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Utashinai . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The first one is common around town. The colored manhole cover can be found along Route 691. Utashinai Pokemon manhole cover 2. Check out the newly installed Utashinai Pokemon manhole cover at Utashinai Roadside Station. It features both Vulpix and its Alolan counterpart together with Joltik. Former Sorachi Coal Mine Club (旧空知炭鉱倶楽部) 3. Visit the Former Sorachi Coal Mine Clu
Ashibetsu Roadside Station ( 道の駅 スタープラザ芦別 ) is one of the 128 roadside stations of Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located along Route 38 and 452 in Kita 4-jo Higashi 1-1-1 in Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashibetsu Roadside Station Ashibetsu Roadside Station details Ashibetsu Roadside Station is formally called Roadside Station "Star Plaza Ashibetsu" . It was one of the first roadside stations in Hokkaido. It was registered on April 22, 1993, and was given Registration Number 2. This station serves as a tourist information center and a hub for travelers to explore what the town has to offer. Ashibetsu Roadside Station - Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The Tourist Information Center inside Ashibetsu Roadside Station is a must-visit spot for travelers. Here, they will find information about the town's famous products sold on the first floor. From the Yokoichi cheese, butter, and Ashibetsu melon, to the lily root, and zenzai, visitors can purchase a variety
Utashinai Roadside Station , formally called Roadside Station Utashinai Tyrol ( 道の駅 うたしないチロルの湯 ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread around Hokkaido. It is located at 72-2 Nakamura, Utashinai City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Utashinai Roadside Station Utashinai Roadside Station details Discover Hokkaido’s charm by stopping over at Utashinai Roadside Station , located along Route 114. This station is the perfect base for exploring Central, Northern, and Eastern Hokkaido, and houses a variety of tourism resources and facilities. Utashinai Roadside Station - Utashinai City, Hokkaido Prefecture One of the standout features of Utashinai Roadside Station is its accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Equipped with a covered parking lot that can be used even when it snows in winter, and a road-heating pavement, visitors can enjoy the station’s facilities with peace of mind. The Utashinai Roadside Station signage also shows the day's temperature The map of Utashinai
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10 Things to Do in Toyako Toyako ( 洞爺湖町 ) is a town in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The town was formed after Abuta Town and Toya Village merged on March 27, 2006. The town was named after Lake Toya. Japanese settlers named Lake Toya during the Meiji period after the Ainu word to ya , which means "lakeshore, the land around a lake." For those planning to visit Toyako to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Toyako : Toyako Manhole Cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Toyako . So far, I have seen one unique manhole cover. These are common and can be seen around Toyako Onsen. Roadside Rest Area "Aputa” 2. Visit the Roadside Rest Area "Aputa” and buy products that are produced or made in the town. It is one of the two roadside stations of Toyako. You can also get the roadside station stamp here for the Hokkaido Stamp rally booklet. It is popular for the sea urchin dishes. Roadside Rest Area "Lake Toya” 3. Visit t
10 Things to Do in Sobetsu Sobetsu ( 壮瞥町 ) is a town in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The name of the town was derived from the Ainu name of the current Sobetsu River, " so-pet " which means waterfall/river. For those planning to visit Sobetsu to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Sobetsu : Sobetsu Roadside Station / Roadside Station Sobetsu Johokan I 1. Visit the Sobetsu Roadside Station / Roadside Station Sobetsu Johokan I and buy products that are produced or made in the town. You can also get the roadside station stamp here for the Hokkaido Stamp rally booklet. This roadside station has various displays about Mt. Usu which are very informative. Statue of Masao Mimatsu with Showashinzan 2. Take a picture with the Statue of Masao Mimatsu with Showashinzan as your background. Sobetsu Shrine 3. Visit the Sobetsu Shrine . You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin
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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