Takayama Day 2

Hida Village

We were awoken from deep slumber with a knocking at our door. It was our breakfast which we had requested for 7:30am! The bedding was put away in a flash and our morning meal laid out. We got dressed and readied ourselves to explore the rest of Takayama. The drop in temperature was definitely noticeable today and the promised snow did come on and off interspersed with rain.

Our breakfast!

The entrance to Ryokan Tabane

Our first task was to visit both morning markets of Takayama, Jinya Market and the Miyagawa Market. Located on the banks of the Miyagawa River the morning markets are open daily from 7am to noon. There were locals from nearby farms selling fresh produce, flowers and craft items. The apples were much cheaper than at the supermarkets! Fruit here is quite expensive so we indulged ourselves. The markets were much smaller than we expected. However, their peak tourist season has just finished and so we suspect it may have to do with the time of the year as well.

Morning market

We initially had planned a day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO world heritage site famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. However, upon reading up more, we opted instead to visit the Hida Folk Village, a site with over 30 traditional buildings from the Hida region including those from Shirakawa-go. Also the lack of snow meant we were not going to get to see in Shirakawago what we intended to see. Malcolm's suggestion of renting bicycles was greeted with great joy by the children. Fortunately for me, the bicycle rental place was closed...

We purchased a Hida-no-Sato (Hida Folk Village) discount ticket for 900 yen, which included a return bus ride (10 minutes each way) and admission to the Hida Folk Village from Takayama Station. The Hida Folk Village has old houses relocated from their original locations. Most were built during the Edo Period (1603 to 1867). We were able to enter the homes and walk around inside. There were tools and furniture of the era to give a good sense of the traditional way of life. We really enjoyed walking around the Folk Village.

Hida Village - obligatory photo...

Different traditional toys for the children to try

Did I say children?!

Close up of the ancient roof

One of the many relocated homes

Old style bamboo skis

There were two more food items for us to try in Takayama. The first was Hida beef bun. They were fortunately available at the bus stop to help keep us warm. Hallelujah! It is almost like char siu bao but with beef. Very tasty fresh!

The next was the Takayama ramen, known as chazu soba (translated roughly to chinese style noodles). It is ramen and not soba. We were surprised at how distinct the broth could taste. It was simple but again very tasty. With tummies now full, we headed back to the ryokan. We had the afternoon to relax and a date with the onsen!

Hida beef buns to help keep us warm!

Collecting Kit Kats...red bean!

Chaku soba