Japan: Hida Takayama II: Getting around & Old town
Takayama is a very small town, and pretty much everything is accessible on foot, if you've the time to spare. And honestly, you should spare some time, to slow down and just take in the peace of this beautiful town.
Alternatively, if you wish to save time, there are two sightseeing buses. The Machinami Bus (100 yen/ride) runs every hour on a circular route between the station and the old town. Or you can take the Sarubobo Bus (210 yen/ride) that runs every 20-50 minutes between the station and Hida no Sato and the Matsuri no Mori. Get the 1-day unlimited pass for both buses on one calendar day for 620 yen
Or you can take the traditional mode of transport: Trishaw! This is only available at the old town though. But imagine riding a trishaw as the wind of sakura petals slowly caress your face.
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The old town is a definite attraction at the quaint little place. It's not difficult to find your way there, as there are signs that lead the way. From the train station to the old town, it's about 15-20 minutes leisure walk.
A sure sign that you've reached the old town is when you come across the famous red bridge.
These are the pretty, simple classic houses of the old town.
There are various landmarks that you can look for. Japan Guide offers a very comprehensive walk-through. For the less studious me, we just roamed, stopping when we find anything interesting. Haha. Life is a wandering journey anyway =P
Now, as you explore the old part of the town, be sure to drop a store that sells miso soup paste. They allow free sampling, and there are 2 variants: Original and Spicy (which is not really spicy in my opinion). We bought some back! And I must say they taste very refreshing, not like the ones tasted in the resturants here, which is always pretty salty and makes me thirsty.
You see that interesting decoration above the entrance? Instead of just a shop sign, it is used to symbolise what this shophouse sells. Give it a guess what this shop sells? Spy the wine bottles at the bottom of the picture? Yup! They sell alcohol! And I strongly recommend that you go in for a taster! The Yuzu alcohol is especially nice! It's so nice that, if you can, you should cart one bottle in your luggage.
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On the food! Now the thing about small Japanese towns is that there isn't anything call a food street that allows you to find all the food at one place. You really have to go hunting, because the food stalls pop up now and then. Using addresses doesn't really help, because most of the small lanes are not marked. Also, you won't find long snaking queues, like we do here in Singapore. So far, we always chanced upon the good food rather than go hunting specifically for them, because that takes way too much time, and this hungry girl turns into an angry girl mighty quickly. So, I suggest you mark down all the good food you've googled up, screenshot how they look like on the outside and just walk around, and if you find it, Scream OMG and Enjoy!
Now, my favourite homely meal in Hida Takayama is this beef ramen soup. OMG. On a cold cold day, this is like home. How to get there is the key: It is located on the street behind the souvenir stalls; quiet and unobtrusive. It's family business, so you can expect a taste of home.
Lastly, a very important note. Try to hit the dinner places around 5-ish, because everything here closes really early. Don't be stranded on empty streets when night falls, because then the only food you'll find is from the convenience stalls or the drinking houses.
Very lastly! A pretty bloom to end the post! Tata!
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