Japan Day 8 - Takayama to Shirakawago

Today was a bit leisurely. We started with a very COLD morning by walking all the way to their morning market. The market is like our pasar pagi little nooks and things here and there. Ate a bit before getting our authentic Japanese breakfast.

Next we headed to Hida Folk Village to admire the many houses from ancient times. I must say that the Japanese really do their preserving well. The view is splendid too.

After that, we had our lunch and we literally had to gobble up because our half day tour coach was already waiting. Luckily we weren't the last.

Next was the highlight of our trip. Shirakawago, a UNESCO Heritage Site. The view is of course incredible and VK suggested we should come to stay here during their winter time. I need to buy at least 10 heat tech first...

I also saw a lot of sakuras at Shirakawago and therefore satisfying my quest to see them with my own two (err, four) eyes...

Japan Day 7 - Kyoto to Takayama

Today we woke up bright and early (by our usual standards) to catch our bus which will take us to Takayama.

I slept through the two hour plus ride after the first rest stop.

Takayama is very much like our own Cameron Highlands. Like what VK described, Takayama is like Tanah Rata and Shirakawago (which we will go tomorrow) is like Brinchang. I liked that description.

Upon reaching Takayama, it is slightly chilly with some breeze and the sun shining just about right. After leaving our baggage with our hostel in the Zenkoji Temple (too early to check in) we looked for lunch. And we came across a shop selling udon and soba. The server did a double take when we ordered Hot Soba instead of the cold one like everyone else. Walked around town before adjourning back to the hostel.

Managed to do the laundry after showering and went out again for dinner. Similar to Cameron Highlands, the road was fairly empty by 7pm local Japan time.

We couldn't manage to find other Japanese eateries and settled for McD. It was really cold at night (18°C - 19°C, weather expected to hit lowest at 9°C) and I was glad that the room had a heater and electrical blanket (VK even asked for a fan). -____________-

Japan Day 6 - Kyoto (Nishi Market, Nijo Castle, Gion)

Its exploring Kyoto time! Very reluctantly got up and get out of our inn (Crossroads Inn) to go find food. First went to Nishi Market. There were so many things to eat, see and buy! I regretted not getting another stick of Tuna sashimi.

After that we went to the Nijo Castle. The weather was really sunny btw, I nearly melted. It is cooling with the wind but the sun totally burned me...the view at the castle is quite great...

We then went back to Gion to experience it in the sunlight as we only saw it at night yesterday...

Ended the night early to pack for our early bus to Takayama the next day...

Japan Day 4 - Hiroshima to Kyoto

I missed the update as i was nursing a sore throat. We left Hiroshima in a drizzle and was informed that the weather will head up to Kyoto. And it did. Kyoto was quite gloomy when we arrived.

As were not able to check in upon arrival at Kyoto, we put our bags in storage and went on foot to makan and jalan. We went to two temples, Higashi-Honganji and Nishi-Honganji on foot. (Both temples are really near where we are staying right now at Kyoto).

Then we slowly made out way to our one night accommodation which was very near to Kinkakuji temple and Ryoanji Temple. The accommodation is a bit run down but the location was great.

Got myself some sore throat pills and turned in early.

Not much pictures, but it will do...

Japan Day 5 - Kyoto (Kinkakuji Temple and Gion)

Today's area of visit are temples and Gion. The Kinkakuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple are really near to where we are staying.  The day itself was rather gloomy...after these two places, we head back to JR Kyoto station, deposited our bags and ate lunch. Guess what we ate? Korean food! It was because the line was shorter. The other restaurants were practically full.

After that, we made our way to the ever famous Tofuku-ji Temple. We didn't manage to finish the whole course. And risked to check into a very quaint guesthouse, Crossroads. It is located smack in the neighborhood.

After that we went to Gion. We were hoping to catch the walking tour but we were late. Instead we caught the geisha show where they showed their traditional Chado, comedy sketch, puppet show and more.

We ended the night by eating Japanese BBQ.

Let the pictures begin...