23 May 2014

Day 11: Shirakawa-Go

Previously:
Day 10: Dinner at Takayama


Early morning we went to the same bus stop with yesterday, but this time we were heading to Shirakawa-Go.  Only about 50 minutes away from Takayama by bus.  This town is very unique, unique with their house shape.  Only less than 2,000 local people populate in there, very very quite town.  A day tour is probably enough, but if you want to indulge deeper with the way people live there and sample their local food cooked by the local people, do stay in one of their minshuku.  It would be one of your memorable experiences.

Since Shirakawago became a UNESCO site, the number of tourists visiting this place grew rapidly, therefore it also helps increasing their economy.  However, in the down side, there was an outbreak of damage to the area from tourists entering people's homes to see how they lived, taking pictures and other such manners.  There is also a fear growing that the change to catering to tourists will harm the charm of the area's simplicity and fundamental Japanese scenery.

Therefore, Please do care of the environment and surroundings when you are visiting anywhere!!  Help in protecting and preserving the World Heritage sites, so others still have a chance to see this beautiful scenery.  And respect the ancestors and local people who actually build this magnificent place with their own hand and hard work.




















Hidagyu Kushiyaki (Beef Skewers)


They smartly use the natural spring water flow from the mountain to keep the bottle of drinks cool.  Fridge is not needed around here. 





Stay tuned for the next blog still in Japan:



22 May 2014

Day 10: Dinner at Takayama

Previously:
Day 10: Gujo Hachiman (Part 2)

I'm not too sure what was the name of the shop, but it always busy around lunch and dinner time.  Expecting a very long queue and bit of wait.  Luckily, we went there outside the eating hour, nearly 9pm, the restaurant only have a few people dining in there.  However, the one dish that I'd been looking forward since yesterday afternoon is sold out, the sliced roast pork with raw yolk on top of rice.  That's why we ordered Gyudon and Roast beef noodle soup instead.


Beef skewers 500yen/each


Gyudon 750yen


Roast beef noodle soup (large) 1400yen



Takayama's ramen is a little different from ramen in Kanto region.  The noodle here is thinner and more like egg noodle texture.  I honestly enjoy more with this type of noodle.  Plus those medium rare roast beef on top were absolutely gorgeous.  The soup was clear and flavoursome as well.





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20 May 2014

Day 10: Gujo Hachiman (Part 2)

Previously:
Day 10: Gujo Hachiman

Not only the famous fake food factory to visit but still plenty more other things to do here.  The town itself is beautiful, but the water way also as pretty to see.  Such as: Igawa lane and Yanaka lane. 




This town is very peaceful and quite.  Very far away from hustling bustling city life.  No traffic jam, no huge advertisement board, no big neon light, people living here are very slow pace move, they are really enjoying the true meaning of life.  Truly cherish this relaxing moment.


Sogisui Source




Yanaka Lane

Igawa Lane

Feeding the fish in Igawa lane




The cake from random small shop in Gujo Hachiman, surprisingly delicious


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18 May 2014

Day 10: Gujo Hachiman

Previously:
Day 10: Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama

We went off the beaten track for abit today.  We made our own way visiting this beautiful small town called Gujo Hachiman, which is located about an hour and half away from Takayama by bus.  (You need to make a reservation at least one day before and up to one month prior.  If you cannot speak Japanese, get your receptionist at the hotel you stay to call the bus company and make a reservation for you.  That's probably the most convenient way and they are normally more than happy to help).  The return ticket for bus costs 2900yen/person.



Once we arrived at the bus station, we gave our booking number to the lady in the counter and proceed with the payment.  She also recommended us to call taxi when we arrive at Gujo Hachiman bus stop.  





Gujo Hachiman Interchange
When I saw the map for Gujo Hachiman, the town centre looks very close from the bus stop.  Therefore, we didn't ring the taxi company and tried to walk on foot.  However, getting little further, we still can't see even the edge of town centre and luckily we saw taxi along the way and asked him to drive us to information centre.  It actually took us longer than we thought, nearly 10 minutes drive and about 950yen.  So what the lady in bus station said we're correct!!!  Duhhhh.....




This small town is very popular with their food replica workshop.  Sample Kobo and Sample Village Iwasaki are the only two workshop places and amust do while you are here.  And is where most restaurants all over Japan get their fake food display.  The number 1 and the best quality of food display.  They look exactly the same with the real thing.





As a person who love food, love everything about food, that's why I also adore the food replica products.  That's why I went crazy in this shop, buying this and that without thinking how I can fit those in my luggage.  But why not!!!!  That's the main reason I come here anyway.





A bowl of ramen, anyone???


The factory just behind the shop and you can also take some class in making fake tempura, etc.  Roughly about 1000yen per person for the class and you can take home whatever you make from there.





This view, this river and the mountain was blown my mind, just lika a postcard.  It was right next to food replica workshop, beside the tall wall and when I walk straight a little more I was stunned by this amazing view suddenly opened behind my eyes.  



Lunch time has come around, we didn't know what to get at first.  Then we saw this cafe/pub like with dim light and cool looking waiter/chef inside.  So we decided to come in and trying one of their dishes there.



Complimentary salad


Beef curry rice


Omurice curry
Their food was surprisingly good, we ordered curry beef rice and omurice curry.  We were totally enjoyed the meal and that's why we ordered another dessert to finish our meal, Coco and Coffee Jelly.  The whole meal we spent about 2500yen.

Coco and Coffee Jelly


Cafe Tirol
Shinmachi, Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Ken
Ph:  0575-67-0508


Nohi Bus Reservation Centre
Ph: +81 0577 32 1688
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00pm
You can make a reservation up to one month prior


Stay tuned for the next blog still in Japan: