Shirakawa-go

Dear Friends

As said Nouhi Bus is preferable to other means for appreciating inner Japan. Confortable and not crowded my bus brought me to Shirakawa-go emerging from rice crops (see the images). Surviving, original Minkas are in place but renovated as shops and restaurants. Japanese and foreign tourists everywhere makes, but the appreciation of preserved cult places and Houses is satisfactory.

Salutations

Giancarlo

 

 

Hida Kokubun-ji

Dear Friends

get up early, let me peacefully discover Takayama. It is a modern city with old micro shrines and temples everywhere (see the images) which betray the deep fidelity of the japaneses to the traditional religions. Unexpected, because not specifically sought, Hida_Kokubun-ji attracted me. Open although desert, it disclosed aspects of its glorious and millennial history, letting me still time for a restorative bath at the outdoor Onsen on the roof of my Ryokan, before a hearty japanese breakfast.

Salutations

Giancarlo

 

 

 

Miyagawa

Dear Friends

it is necessary to get up early to visit Miyagawa in Takayama, not to be confused with Miyagawa-cho in Kyoto. Without a crowd, especially of tourists in summer, it let enjoi its relaxing charm seasoned by coloured rural products, flowers and japanise specialities (see the images). Micro shrines and demons smile to the visitor.

Salutations

Giancarlo

Higashiyama Teramachi

Dear Friends

a real deluge on Hida-Takayama, fortunately short, favoured my visit of two small, interesting museums. The calmness after storm  let me the time for Higashiyama Teramachi. This district conveyed to me a concept of  temple forest in which Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are rooted together. Easily recognizable: a bell and statues of Buddha for the first ones and a Torii and absence of spirit representations for the second ones. No feeling of déja vu passing from one to another of them. 

Salutations

Giancarlo