As we’re walking past one stall, the aroma of steamed bao’s or buns got my attention. It was a pork and ginger stuffed bao and only ¥500 or about $3.50 USD. It was also quite large. Theresa found a Matchi ice cream, decorated for the Sakura festival. It almost looked too good to eat.

We wandered a bit more, looking for hat, pins, trinkets, and general souvenirs. We wandered down a small alleyway, and walked into a store that was dedicated specifically to the anime called “Spirited Away”. I knew when we saw Mike and Megan next in Takayama that I’d have to tell her about it. It’s one of her favorites.

After several more shops, it was time to head back and pick up a picture book. It turned out much better than we expected. The quality of the paper was superb and the photographer retouch the photos that he used in the book. They gave us a code to pull down all the photos taken digitally.

We walked back down the hill towards the bus stop. Now, I like to give Teresa flowers and we had past a few florists. One though looked inviting and I told Teresa to wait while I went inside. The lady was very nice, but spoke little English. I looked around for and saw small bouquets. I picked one up and she asked me something in Japanese. I was trying to pull up Google translate to use it for the first or second time and was having trouble. She said something to me again and I figured it would be easier just to point to my wife standing outside. That’s when the lady got overly excited, to the point of anxiety. I finally got Google Translate to listen and while it got some of it, the rest was a bit of gibberish. However, it picked up the right words as she was trying to explain that these smaller arrangements were funerary flowers. I looked at her, my face showing shock for a moment, than apologized as best as I could. She walked me over to the another section and pointed. I selected a lovely yellow flower on a long stem. I chose one and paid her the 20yen she asked for. I walked outside, gave Teresa the flower and we went on our way as I told her of my blunder.   

We ended up missing the bus and decided to grab a cab to the hotel and he was nice enough to wait for us to grab our bags before heading to the train station. We were heading to Takayama, about 3 and a half hours away. 

The train ride was very comfortable. It was not full either, so Teresa got up a few times to get a window seat. As we got out of Kyoto and into rural Japan, the scenery was amazing. The farms of Japan and small towns both seemed to burst with rice pattys. Teresa sat on one side and I another to see what all we could see. The fields turned into hills and the hills into mountains. The train followed the river crossing here and there and when it did not, it would traverse through the mountain in tunnels.  

I played with my camera some, taking video and various speeds and settings. We talked of the places we had been and those we were going to. I surprised myself in staying awake too, normally when I am not driving and traveling like this, I am out like a light, but there was so much to see, I just could not fall asleep. 

Takayama, nestled in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, boasts a rich history that dates back centuries. Known as “Little Kyoto,” this charming city flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868) as a prosperous hub for skilled artisans and woodworkers. Its isolation in the Japanese Alps allowed it to preserve its unique culture and traditions, which are still evident today in its beautifully preserved old town, Sanmachi Suji. This area, with its narrow streets and wooden merchant houses, offers a glimpse into Takayama’s past.

The city is also famous for its biannual Takayama Matsuri, one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals, held in spring and autumn. Dating back to the 16th century, the festival features elaborately decorated floats and traditional performances that celebrate the city’s heritage. Takayama’s history is deeply tied to its natural surroundings, with the nearby Hida Mountains inspiring both its craftsmanship and agricultural practices. Visiting Takayama feels like stepping back in time, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

We pull into Takayama around 4pm. We had gotten a text from Mike and Megan that they were there and checked into their hotel. We took our bearings and headed to ours, called the EPH Hotel. We checked in, with the clerk asking what we wanted for breakfast and when we’d be down for it in the morning. They had a nice selection and vegetarian options for Teresa. 

We were given our keys and went into the elevator, up to the sixth floor. It was the only room one that floor and later we find out there are only 12 rooms. We are settling in and taking in the view when we get a text that Mike and Megan found a little restaurant called Suzuya and got us reservations (or at least in line).  We freshened up and made our way there. It was a “short” walk” after all the walking we had already done. 

We were seated shortly after we got there. It was a nice table for the four of us with a burned in the center. Our waiter spoke English (and Spanish, we heard) as well as Japanese. He took our orders  and offered a suggestions on Saki. Teresa orders the Sanai-Miso (vegetarian), a hot pot that was placed on the central burner. The carnivores each did the same thing, the Ami-Yaki (BBQ) where we each got a charcoal filled stone barbecue and a plate of meat and veggies. 

The Saki was SO good, the veggies were farm fresh, and the meats were tender. The waiter was very attentive and we had a good time catching up from the past day.  We walked a bit after dinner and headed to our hotels. 

One thing about Teresa, she loves her baths. The one here at EPH was stunning, all teak and very large. I grabbed a shower and started filling the tub for her. This tub was huge! It took time to fill and when Teresa was done, she came out and let me know that I had to try it. She left the water in.

Now as much as Teresa likes baths, me? Not so much. Its not that I don’t like them, I just can never fit in one. I am a big guy, both tall and wide. I’ve tried tubs that look like they MIGHT fit and nope. They just are not comfortable. However, I saw this one was much larger and thought “why not?”, so I went back and gave it a try. Not only did I fit, but it was tall enough that I was actually able to float. If you ever get to Takayama, get the suite 601 at EPH. You won’t be sorry.