Cycling the Streets of Takayama

Hida-Takayama 飛騨高山, the birthplace of Sarubobo (さるぼぼ) !

An hour's train from Gero brought us to Takayama. Train rides in Japan are always enjoyable. The smooth, quiet engines add to the tranquility of green countryside. 

Japanese houses dotted the outskirts enroute to Takayama.

For an unique experience, why not try the temple stay? The price is pocket-friendly, given the steep prices of lodging in Japan. Weren't we happy that we did not have to wake up at 4am to chant with the monks and devotees :D

Our temple stay in Takayama

We began our F&E day tour on bicycles! Riding against the 20 (or lower) degree celsius wind, taking in the autumn colours & exploring nooks & creaks.
Traveling on 2 wheels can sometimes be better than 4 :)

Our sushi stop for breakfast. The medium raw hida Beef was good, and with that bit of ginger paste, it took away the game taste. 

Floats Exhibition Museum (Yatai Kaikan)

These elaborated large floats (yatai) are used during the yearly 高山祭 Takayama Matsuri which takes place during April and October. These floats date back to the 17th century and are decorated lavishly with embroidered drapery and intricate carvings of gilded wood. 

Old Town (Sanmachi)
  Walking along the stretch of Edo Period houses evokes nostalgia. Step into these houses, and you'll find throngs of tourists jostling with one another and store owners selling their wares consisting of souvenirs (sarubobo!!), local sake, miso paste etc, albeit without the kimono.

Hida Beef 

“Hida-gyu” (Hida Beef) is the specific name given to beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, that has been raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Hida-gyu is certified to have a Yield Score of Grade A or B by the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conference, and have a Firmness and Texture Grade of 5, 4 or 3 as graded by the Japan Meat Grading Association. Other Grades of Hida beef are called “Hida Wagyu” (Hida Japanese Beef).'' 

God knows if we had Hida Beef or Hida Japanese Beef ( they sound similar), all I know is, I will never forget that day the perfectly marbled slices of fat devils melted in my mouth!

If you have eaten beef in Japan, nowhere beats it ~