Japan: Hida Takayama I: Getting there from Kyoto
Takayama (高山), commonly called Hida-Takayama, is a small traditional town in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture.
Being a country girl at heart, this is one of favourite place and I would go back there for its quiet and peace.
Getting there (from Kyoto)
There's 2 ways to get there from Kyoto: via train or via bus. Considering that the cost of taking the train is almost double that of the bus, we chose the cosy highway bus: Nohi bus https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/ It takes about 4 hrs as opposed to the 3.5 hours via train. But the thing about buses is the constant rocking motion that gently puts you into a nice sleepy mood, and you can catch up on the zzzz during travels
Do check the online schedule for the buses, because the frequency is quite low, and if you missed it, you'll have to wait for a very long while. You can either purchase the tickets online or via the JR ticket office at Kyoto station (as we did in advance).
I won't recommend rushing to catch the bus if you're in a rush, as Kyoto station can be a maze if you're unfamiliar with this huge vast building with multiple exits offering multiple modes of transport. Truth be told, we took about an hour looking for the bus stop to board the Nohi Bus. Thankfully without our luggage, as we set aside some time the day before plan our path from the hotel.
Now, I'm going to help you save some time in the go about. Why was it so challenging? Firstly, most of the helpful Japanese don't know as well. So asking for directions usually came to naught. Secondly, there's no direction signs for Nohi bus. Thirdly, there's no bus berth to park the bus, as Kyoto is just a pick-up point. The bus journey actually starts from Osaka.
On the map below, you'll see the words 'Highway Bus' near to Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto (It's at the very top of the map). That is where you should head, it is the less populated side of Kyoto Station. Now, the place where the bus stops for a very very short time is a small island of road in between Kyoto Station and main road where the hotels are. (There might be changes after time of posting, so do ask the locals.)
Japanese are very punctual, so do be early while you look for the bus stop and wait for the bus.
The good thing about bus travels is also the vending machines!!! So many to choose from!
What attracted us to this place was the Takayama festival, considered one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan. It takes place twice a year, once in April and once in October. And to coincide with the festivals is the blooms of the cherry blossoms and maple leaves!
Here's a preview of how pretty they are! It was the first time I saw cherry blossoms, and I must say, they took my breath away! So pretty!!!
This is the famous bridge where the spring parade would take place!
Now Takayama is really a very small town, so if you wish to visit during the festival, make sure you book your lodgings well in advance. You will want to stay in the city for the festivities that last well into the night.
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