The City of Hida Takayama located in the mountain at Hida Region of Gifu Prefecture is few of Japanese cities that still retains a traditional touch. It has absorbed cultural influences from all directions over a long history which was believed to be started in Jomon period about 10,000 years ago. The township and culture of today took shaped by end of 16th century when Kanamori Clan constructed The Takayama Castle. During feudal ages, the town was famous for its quality timber supplies and has long been a center of carpentry. The mountainous location isolated it from other areas of Japan, allowing it to develop a distinct culture that has never faded for hundreds and hundreds of years.
Hida Takayama is a popular destination to many local Japanese. Vast majority of its old styled streets and shops had been perfectly preserved as intact from the past.
It was fun to explore into its meandering streets particularly its beautiful preserved old town (picture taken from the brochure). Most of the its private homes are tradition and dated from Edo period (1615-1868).
Takayama's spring and autumn festivals held in April and October each year began as far as from 17th century. The elaborated floats procession are one of the most remarkable celebrations in Japan. We missed the chance to witness the magnificent event this time but look forward for next visit.
Miyagawa River spanned by several small bridges, is the main river that flows through the city center.
City of Takayama is home to random statue and works of art. The two stone sculptures at Kaji Bashi Bridge over Miyagawa River look funny but joyful.
One of the several pools formed by Miyagawa River is filled with orange carps, others contains ducks or giant gray.
The morning market Asaichi is a spot where locals and tourists mingle. There are two of them. One is opposite old Takayama Government buildings and the other one along Miyagawa River. Miyagawa Morning Market is about 5 km long opened from Kaji Bashi Bridge to Yayoi Bashi Bridge from 6am to noon. Sellers are mostly food producers or farmers. Products cover home made miso and pickles with variety of radish and kabu, dried food, beans, fruits and vegetables etc.
There are 60 stalls and shops lining on a narrow lane running parallel to Miyagawa River at Miyagawa Morning Market. It is the most interesting place in Takayama where you have opportunity to communicate with locals, and sample lots of interesting food locally produced and homemade.
Both morning markets stand at a perfect location where tourists are conveniently moving around either from Museum or The Old Town Area.
Jinya-mae Morning Market opposite old Takayama Old Government Office was established 300 years ago when ancient silk raising farmers sold their mulberry leaves at the spot. Morning market only allows farmers or food producers to open stalls.
All types of these apples tasted well but I love its apple enzyme drinks. It is real good. If not because of the weight concerned, I should have bought a carton back home.
A kind of local pear, the natural dried persimmon and a pair of innovative little cute melons that greet its guests with naive smile.
Persimmon, grapes and apples are in season at this region.
Kinds of fresh mushroom and Hida dried shrimp.
The fresh radish and tomato.
Red pepper is one of the popular produce here. Miso made with red pepper tasted great.
I ran crazy about its various selection of home made miso and assortment of pickles. The simple bean paste in their hands has turned into a wonderful agent for food. It subverts our taste bud as well as our normal feeling towards all these fermented items. I don't think we can get them any where else and just wished I can buy all home.
The generous lady vendor prepared the rice with pickle miso and let her customers try as much as they want. Many people like me as a return support her business but truly saying, her products certainly worth buying.
This elegant and cozy restaurant was fully booked to night by local Japanese, as today is the public holiday in Japan and many families eat out. We were so lucky to have a place to enjoy a wonderful dinner here. Appreciated the local family who when hearing that we came from abroad and looking for beef-free dining, was willing to leave early and let us have their room.
We did not have a chance to try its full Kaiseki course set as illustrated because such dinning set are made to order for customer who has made reservation. The two simple dinner set comprised of chicken, shrimp, lots of greens and pickles, that its kitchen prepared for us were anyway very good in taste as well.
I am always quite blessed with food where ever and when ever I go. In Hida Region, almost all restaurants sell beef as this is their specialty and I do not eat beef. The chef of this noodle house is so kind and passionate that he specially cooked me a bowl of soba noodles in bonito soya-based soup with vegetables and bean curd. It tasted as great as the other bowl that came with roasted pork and egg in miso-based beef soup!
The romantic streets are getting dark after 5pm.
