Hectic Tokyo
Kamikochi
Our trip to the Japanese Alps started in Matsumoto. Although Matsumoto itself isn’t a city you must see, the Matsumoto castle is an impressive sight. After visiting the castle in the morning we took the train and bus to Kamikochi Natural Park. A park in the center of the Japanese Alps, because of its height it immediately also got a few degrees colder. Here we were able to walk a few lovely trails along the river and enjoy some of Japan’s finest nature.
What I loved about Kamikochi is that it’s a place mostly visited by Japanese tourists. I didn’t come across any Western visitor which gave this place some extra charm.
Matsumoto Castle
Kamikochi Natural Park
Hirayu Onsen
We spent the evening in Hirayu Onsen. Our stay was at Ryokan Aihokan where we were treated with a warm welcome. After dinner our tatami mats were prepared in our room and we finally took a dip in a traditional Japanese Onsen. According to Japanese etiquette you must wash yourself properly before taking a dip in the all natural water hotspring. A visit to an Onsen is a soothing and relaxing experience that anyone coming to Japan should have.
After waking up, I took the last opportunity to have one more relaxing moment in the hotspring before we took the bus to Takayama.
Ryokan in Hirayu Onsen
Takayama
Takayama is located in the still mountainous region and has a beautiful preserved old town. Here you will find multiple streets of buildings and houses still dating from the Edo period (1600-1868). Before my visit I wasn’t sure what I thought of this place, but I’m glad we visited. Blessed with some good weather this place had a friendly and local atmosphere.
Takayama old town
Takayama old town
Shirakawa-go
From Takayama we took a trip to Shirakawa-go. This place was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. The main attractions here are the farmhouses with the steep thatched roofs. Apparently these were built to withstand the heavy snowfall during winter. Our visit coincided with a local marathon, while some of the participants were waving and saying “hello”, we encouraged them with “ganbare”, meaning go for it.
Shirakawa-go farmhouses
Shirakawa-go viewpoint
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