Takayama

 Left our little hotel in Kyoto on the bullet train otherwise known as the Shinkansen. Another beautiful weather day.

The happy backpackers

Does this thing fly....at 300km per hour makes you feel a bit weird if you look out the window for too long. We changed trains at Nagoya seemlessly (we are pros now) and in no time arrived in Takayama. City of only 88,000 people, famous for old style houses; sanmachi suji  and just a lovely looking place with the rivers, surrounding hills. Has very cold winters, snow etc. Displays of spring bulbs and cherry blossoms everywhere.

Had booked a hotel by the station again as we had done in Osaka and Nara. Was a great choice as almost an apartment with a good view. Spent the afternoon mooching about the highlights.

Classic Takayama house

Everywhere you go in the world you see magnificent pots that you would just love to have at your front door. Sigh.

The highlight of the afternoon was tracking down a tool cum knife shop. Jeff specifically wanted to buy some Japanese wood working tools. Story of our lives when travelling coming home with: car parts, door hardware and now chisels!! Was a delightful little shop beautiful displayed being a husband and wife operation. 

The big purchase...I am sure the chaps at customs in NZ will be thrilled to see a Japanese saw and gouge.

Found a great hamburger place for dinner, yes sad I know but we were local cuisined out.

Anyway the "Eviltex" did excellent fish and pulled pork burgers with fries. Met a young Dutch couple who we shared a table with. Resturants here are very small, 10 diners only sometimes so rather than que outside it pays to "make friends". They were travelling in Japan for three months but covering the whole country whereas we are only travelling Honshu region. Had a hilarious conversation about all manner of things and am sure we will see them in NZ oneday.

 Next morning very early had a quick lap of the morning market in the vain hope of a fruit vege stall but alas no. Really struggle here for a range of fresh fruit if at all. Bananas, tangelo maybe. A kiwifruit would set you back $2 each,  if found.

Crisp blue sky day

Amazing range of bonsai plants ....stall owner a bit shy

Throughout the city they have tiles set in with directions in Japanese and English. People are unfailing courteous and helpful.  Even with no English or us Japanese will enter into the charades required to help.

Little cafe we found for breakfast - an egg, sliceof toast and good coffee.

Elderly owner and daughter. Elderly are revered here with general good manners for them all the time. The over 65yrs are 30% of the population in Japan and under 15yrs half that. At least in NZ the ratio is 17% over 65yrs and double under 15yrs age. Japan's population needs to increase the birth rate but proving to be a challenge.

Classic

This Ginkgo bilboa tree is 1,200 years old next to various shrines. We had to touch it such was its reverence. Had various icons in and around it.

Back to the bus station for an 8.50am bus to Shawirawago. An hours ride further into the mountains. We thought the Italians were good at tunnels but the Japanese are in the same league. Maybe our Ministry of Transport or whatever they call themselves can just get in the experts rather than reinvent the wheel?

The town is known for its 50+ thatched houses from 1800's still occupied. Area also has Onsens ( hot pools). Many Japanese visit duet to  the landscape and "nature".

The lashings of the roof is an artwork. The thatch is 800mm thick. All structures wooden with no wall insulation that we could see. Must be frigid in the winter period December to March. Windows are small and little natural light inside. Heating is oil fired and or gas.

Small plots at each house preparing the ground for planting

Rice paddies not yet flooded in front

Replacing the thatch

This chap using a tractor rather than rotary hoe for rice planting in two weeks. It is harvested last two weeks of October and the town has a big festival in thanks.

Could be New Zealand

Rather eclectic house

Note the carved dragon bead in the left corner of this " house with potential".

Baby snow plough, every house should have one

Incredible carvings on the entrances to tunnels, note the lack of traffic/safety signage which would be a blight on this. 

So another fascinating day had topped off by an interesting dinner in a wee place with a couple of Americans, Robert and Jade, who in their words had "lived on a commune for years but in later life were now capitalists". Again a diner that only took 12 people you had to know it was there,  run by husband and wife serving vegetarian/ vegan food.  

Tomorrow we head to Kanazawa for the gardens and the gorge railway we hope.