takayama, the hida folk village and shirakawa-go
27 May 2015
Hi every-one,
I'm back home in Sydney and have just returned to work. This post comes with a warning because it's a long one. When I was planning my trip to Japan, I knew I wanted to visit Tokyo and Kyoto but other than those places, I was a bit clueless. I asked a Japanese friend for some advice and of course my friend Kylie, a frequent visitor to Japan. In the end I went with a specialist travel company and together we came up with an itinerary. That's how I came to visit Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5E0shfcdYSKLxIfUi572q64HM40-kgHS2-lZWSaG15jUnnl5KvbUXxTtRgwY2OnA7FQ8vf-f9bZ3HPzto49xdHMQhwCrEDgD6WFIrOAjTQrOPK65e2gPC9swKg3ISvz63Wnwdw/s1600/japan+092.jpg)
I spent 2 days in Takayama, a sweet town, which inexplicably seemed to shut down each night at 6.00 p.m (and on a Tuesday and Wednesday) making it a challenge to get a meal. Each night I'd wander the streets looking for a place that was open and I was not alone.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FMzkpOa-9Rb4wmkcsUMT176Uu-0OJGi5I1wVXRTLyir4z8G_8Yp7Qy8Z4ioag5rc8ZutlWr9dIoYa2MBRU7RfMRkZye9ollmy9dOP7SmXuojCWShtWXS3maGDRWiHF-itFlQnw/s1600/japan+085.jpg)
The historic part of Takayama has narrow streets and beautiful old shops and houses.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSBdzPLf6EginYzhxjGiQC4x2t-S4e-BkYoS5vTIyOAhnjw_mXvNdzlkN2urmV7wbYL3FA7m3KpuHyV91_ZOtEr2mA3UK5Fp3sDc_PulcSpfFmRreLtZUi0o0cSUPU9jJs3hHpA/s1600/japan+075.jpg)
Takayama is a very popular tourist destination and that makes for crowded streets.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSP-DjlJi67rcBatl8QTs6FI_wMVlVskXGdjWsYJiGwbVA20Xsfo2m8X3B3KqHrbyY3Il3COVGahsEPQ4ebUmxpbvGjZGsP9Q24034oQFRguvoUIvS4Ql9575ZjBiehonax-2pw/s1600/japan+079.jpg)
The only way to get photos without hordes of people in the shots meant getting up really early. I think I took these photos about 7.00 a.m.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFEFK9hYfycjqdfnakDlxDEcWnbSiflXRCWNPUCScc3EVyEMpspMc4yDEx7dz6ynCIEF1XZjWSJCU8hq-GiSRpDO1j8VLtBUdabjiWUfxGr-R2hUrGW-h2eV3EDcPVGmV0R-TJw/s1600/japan+089.jpg)
Most residences had flower boxes outside.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQck5SUGXSplfj10jgG7v_y9HOAsEfLNywafmHSDECyxFrv2ALJogehTRxe0MovBsPKdloE7YSHT-YXZx7nzm5WlBU4e5jafUxquiYs6O3WJ_SQM8QuKW7TxFtdYJXRj21GyR5PA/s1600/japan+077.jpg)
Takayama is known for it's sake distilleries. If a ball of cedar fronds is hanging outside the building, then you know you're in the right place.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvwnRqcCHEhhR5gZI-m973wMNlTqOxIWJ6Nf4DHMheWnaQDqfXJnxeTW5Yzx4rXD2HBcpUlFVRQFLOa9jzGMKE6OSgABmey8qzmUYb8_MdaBoX8E8k0GMP3wuJTQVMotoPRoPMQ/s1600/japan+094.jpg)
Speaking of sake shops.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pkUSPLX8LP0imhXQ6Dz0x_1ZtXwA58RvxClcsJNAMaWUhbbUXzEbtLlqXmhqs28VvJC2i0baeGkKyVsGCagmEO-GOJTWRqhGPeUqVQoV0v2g2OYZx8zkQiLgYQniEspZntpiRw/s1600/japan+088.jpg)
Even the drains in the old historic areas were decorative.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpgvEHqgienwhLdiLfkURQY9EZxHc2x8jU68RalzxlbTKPjbm3f7h-NmkseGmyR6j8ADKFPG1aGmpWbNDnriYO-_VPuhqprUWTzq0syLNmDQ8MgpTZEsTpcd6uzNW9uOSV10yiQ/s1600/japan+087.jpg)
These wisteria lined streets are pretty famous in Takayama.
![takayama photo blog-2_zpsv1skat3b.jpg](https://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad98/leiboffj/travel%202015/takayama%20blog/blog-2_zpsv1skat3b.jpg)
I think this may have been a variety of clematis. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA99Wq36SaRT86UHWj2tdKjjC4Zc0yS5DXgDtFdKTNkI9OHBZSCX0P28SuXm0dpVtvrEn6j_A-vct72geGJYwsZIjnm-VLEYA8r2_zgJQR4K_bCQr3oNPqgR1rpL7o5J8aA2V0ww/s1600/japan+076.jpg)
Takayama isn't just known for sake, it's also famous for it's miso and Hida beef. This guy sold beef skewers and he did a roaring trade. I had to wait for close to 10 minutes to get this shot of his stall without a crowd in front.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMdc1PsgVBb273ULw8WhfZc6Uj2gGdXrjEb2x3g6hqsygY88ToY30ESqzOk6U_KDoPt5jesN_Lf_vlEP9T-8lTznAdstbVuMVmNKRmIGTK4ADV74haZMrv-yEl-rrUNj08aotiQ/s1015/blog-5.jpg)
After my early morning start I took the advice from my guide book and caught a bus to the Hida Folk Village.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH5i64i0kdD38Eu-xzJlWw_qR649IFX8XM8GuOsFkBbRGCmrSOoEEe_8j9O52wJ9ADY4DF7AB5x8cPnW_ElTu0WKaOwl3kGVhRNgMbS2e_BWS6-PcG74rOeKj0plk9Bfhr_jOew/s1600/japan+080.jpg)
Many years ago, a huge dam was built in the area and many of the mountain villages were flooded. The folk village was created to preserve many of the old houses.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvbWMmLV5yhkzSCCPw9cfNohwnGoqoPFmxskBW-P2JEYZdoK_vVv3_UvoVIw-x0Zxn-DzZCa6k4nP9BQxTgj1wPGGnImkb2MBSr_GY0NjXAV5pj3cUlN8P4H8UPzN3V6elFMQjg/s1600/japan+093.jpg)
The houses are located around a lake and there are a variety of building styles.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-gnxxAwjPckK3KHQWXpygXL1K6xF_L4oWBxNoLA4hYtzKKkLbvRrTG41Z6qXLGli9uKE4jpp62kdqCZUQzJ45PG5mLpOjJBxSecDAt6G9Keh7gma-_ICchylBkKPJShBl_bY-A/s1600/japan+082.jpg)
O-jizo-san statues.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlFka6d-vGIbiRq6TE39BvBqKGN2lfePrR2CAVlYIbqZHkKZOTr_XPf_AskeGhfoK2fUTek3dsZ6C-MDgKl4tyj-m0QDYwo3Fm3aINdFWFawfGjjk9sC0tYeitiRv-SENzKWdEA/s1600/japan+081.jpg)
A shinto shrine.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0mPS2zR3435gXY7UgvanHg-sNp1Cx-6kTszbpl2sqFrzb-7Z3OAz8Wv-uMYTP8HR2sfzskdBXY9PH_cObjx2cygLZ_Gv9J3cgZ7DX9m3OSStqtUBY0uhFbl1iy3lWRCqB_yMWA/s1600/japan+083.jpg)
The houses were set amongst beautiful trees and I even found some cherry blossoms at the village.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_etPWL4pb3gPV2gOfApWaJV97ysZpStwFfEDIoDO9Ha6G_9adfJ3wsPZrFgmfkBTORd4HpZ19zdCVTTcgun10QDzMSbmAZx_COxTN43-YVP-NGR98HMP9d2s0yKKkXQjL-VR8ww/s1600/japan+084.jpg)
When I returned to Takayama these carp banners, also known Koinobori suddenly appeared on the river.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pMd4O25nK7J_ONV6ARO-NJR1ugOYak_sEAwMrWSYm-VqAnw3eBWRONq3PMo5A5Y9b6L4iw7ZsZlRJkue1ASl7BoemJtUiQkeErIEq_d_MMp_MXSqnv-lRcS61kIc9SycdmQ1Ug/s1600/japan+086.jpg)
The next day it was back on the bus for the long journey to Kyoto via Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a small village with traditional houses just like the ones featured at the Hida Folk Village. It was interesting to see the houses being lived in but I wondered how the locals could bear their village being invaded on a daily basis by thousands of visitors.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqC5dloKkpgySDUBoBQOMBBti_3aljoCjoRd70lEd-zVm7IKX983SHaobnIX0YRhWB_wi2bNnm6aCF27-aBl4gKNFhJhxh7i0GYgiu3gbTeW4GemGHkLrswFwJsrX9EVc-Q-l8Q/s1600/japan+059.jpg)
It made me feel very uncomfortable and in the end I didn't stay long and left the village on an earlier bus and caught an earlier train to Kyoto.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpdj9e31uTcrHL-qacCbPFmW4QYaVln7tKsDjxDh5ZQz7wY54uTcQKxHQXmAuxa3taEIt70YmZJ3Lzc6c3KHXBbK4Ha-mQqjQu7DnQ2whlC6l-w6cDla3HkqURGPg_G4hgLroqw/s1600/japan+071.jpg)
The roofs are so steeply pitched because of the winter snow falls.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS9dWCAJ2M9Ewj1eQsv00nJw2egtu99St06p_aKyCIUd2AHnliNBbNDtpwopR98yYwyL5OgjrfP2_P1TXFTkbekDF8IJmBdnKkdfaHgvkKwe7xJhe6qD39Fh_DaxyUANU_oUQ9A/s1600/japan+061.jpg)
Just to let you know this is a living, breathing community, I found this neat display of tools.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYFZsNDMtCV0Eddha0LXVH638cfKoiO6Wh9Bz_UaoBMsCwgQYk-asReSBtf6phTEt3wDKTd5BsAWmvr58q0Yssof4b7pbUtgvFDAwZJELR7cfdtcHswF80PURpg23azfIaM45nA/s1600/japan+063.jpg)
The village came complete with vegetable gardens
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_clZR-Q1H1oFwbBhofyjqdIyU4U3VTq4-JCcgCtE7UUeJVrHTjXqpsS-pKXz391hs0HvVefqemoFUiz1JzOstVd8G02pwtmPd8DKkk0IoympPNuzv4cocM_YgM-kkw4rit85-FQ/s1600/japan+070.jpg)
Linen being aired.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQIMPpBViSH-7Z08akj-SMGu8ieZZtsU1ACyjREXV9LmCKYnJG_7KIzMumXmiBVTBZ7s6maodqOgJ_SewKmjWhPKmuoA76fRw8UKzinwsqm_Sh1TaXftXCVP3SIRO1dIgm-c4cg/s1600/japan+074.jpg)
I found some bonsai.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JSxDqkGSPLMgc7pYkSUxyDJBuwKlpe9cMUiXnudANnX6Mjv3Bcg9f0EiwyqxHfSaK1KX9vSL-EkehfV6yE8sBwCdI_Yt2MAc3sNxBhHMD6hmQJHlef0UP6aDhMXWNTaLBcm3aw/s1600/japan+065.jpg)
Workmen doing some roof repairs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuXgNINmhP0DKUe40lVl0KcV3JdNDqrdQA195PHA6z62CmrgTAMnBApnOh9ohiKYtH9_t0mmi9cdDdnDyThWnhl06FAa1KYG8baVTlMjz4PsIWFYMJUrWUcRIv10JgNUZ25qu8w/s1600/japan+064.jpg)
I found some more decorative drains; locally made brushes and a close-up of those incredible thatched roofs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSOQbLUuVnt3O3oj0NSUOqwUNoJBIPHHCcE1pCIqV_Y-N2MhNZ1FNU3Bt-m6UzCZVVwtkHBO3R4tk23-aJpIrz7HpSGZOaNfCyztdP6E44AQrlXzbXYwDdLEwoETDU5VFZPR3Qg/s1600/japan+068.jpg)
Many of the smaller huts were set amongst towering timbers.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizngBQsxnm_WwQrXY0ceTP-6ZsjYGr-bMF8jlpWJd_w_5hXUZEGlKuBQgtYnLI0HqKInNHNf9EYm7_bYdToIUxaKObnSuj5EdLulWPgZvebfWWLUegRB5x0ELewEr8XaTCAGYEhg/s1600/japan+072.jpg)
Just like these.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_q22LkuuJK4r_NJ-NHm2lsY3Hnm_uR_LDo99ya6L7Mh81r31ei_Mmm9qVhPodxxlLl0inz0vO6q-Udc11gACj5z6StWEimLBtq8qgOs7jC1XgEU9Mi0W3Vp4BDhK-mxRWoftNQ/s1600/japan+069.jpg)
I even found some elusive cherry blossoms and a field of jonquils.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdO2tSbaSgwmWmg8e_uZaS8XxwPNiK1LCGEwyP5lqVl5kWskKFO9dN1YJ0IQXt0yPeWCTtcLKaUdJ2ESQ1mJIG1iXDKNXYULiq5qqhANhMHO-E3kJd_qZTHDiJby6-LGW2PgipA/s1600/japan+066.jpg)
I know that was a big post so thanks for your patience. I'll be back next week with my Fog Linen Work shop-shoot.
Bye for now,
Jillian
I'm back home in Sydney and have just returned to work. This post comes with a warning because it's a long one. When I was planning my trip to Japan, I knew I wanted to visit Tokyo and Kyoto but other than those places, I was a bit clueless. I asked a Japanese friend for some advice and of course my friend Kylie, a frequent visitor to Japan. In the end I went with a specialist travel company and together we came up with an itinerary. That's how I came to visit Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5E0shfcdYSKLxIfUi572q64HM40-kgHS2-lZWSaG15jUnnl5KvbUXxTtRgwY2OnA7FQ8vf-f9bZ3HPzto49xdHMQhwCrEDgD6WFIrOAjTQrOPK65e2gPC9swKg3ISvz63Wnwdw/s1600/japan+092.jpg)
I spent 2 days in Takayama, a sweet town, which inexplicably seemed to shut down each night at 6.00 p.m (and on a Tuesday and Wednesday) making it a challenge to get a meal. Each night I'd wander the streets looking for a place that was open and I was not alone.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FMzkpOa-9Rb4wmkcsUMT176Uu-0OJGi5I1wVXRTLyir4z8G_8Yp7Qy8Z4ioag5rc8ZutlWr9dIoYa2MBRU7RfMRkZye9ollmy9dOP7SmXuojCWShtWXS3maGDRWiHF-itFlQnw/s1600/japan+085.jpg)
The historic part of Takayama has narrow streets and beautiful old shops and houses.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSBdzPLf6EginYzhxjGiQC4x2t-S4e-BkYoS5vTIyOAhnjw_mXvNdzlkN2urmV7wbYL3FA7m3KpuHyV91_ZOtEr2mA3UK5Fp3sDc_PulcSpfFmRreLtZUi0o0cSUPU9jJs3hHpA/s1600/japan+075.jpg)
Takayama is a very popular tourist destination and that makes for crowded streets.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSP-DjlJi67rcBatl8QTs6FI_wMVlVskXGdjWsYJiGwbVA20Xsfo2m8X3B3KqHrbyY3Il3COVGahsEPQ4ebUmxpbvGjZGsP9Q24034oQFRguvoUIvS4Ql9575ZjBiehonax-2pw/s1600/japan+079.jpg)
The only way to get photos without hordes of people in the shots meant getting up really early. I think I took these photos about 7.00 a.m.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFEFK9hYfycjqdfnakDlxDEcWnbSiflXRCWNPUCScc3EVyEMpspMc4yDEx7dz6ynCIEF1XZjWSJCU8hq-GiSRpDO1j8VLtBUdabjiWUfxGr-R2hUrGW-h2eV3EDcPVGmV0R-TJw/s1600/japan+089.jpg)
Most residences had flower boxes outside.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQck5SUGXSplfj10jgG7v_y9HOAsEfLNywafmHSDECyxFrv2ALJogehTRxe0MovBsPKdloE7YSHT-YXZx7nzm5WlBU4e5jafUxquiYs6O3WJ_SQM8QuKW7TxFtdYJXRj21GyR5PA/s1600/japan+077.jpg)
Takayama is known for it's sake distilleries. If a ball of cedar fronds is hanging outside the building, then you know you're in the right place.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvwnRqcCHEhhR5gZI-m973wMNlTqOxIWJ6Nf4DHMheWnaQDqfXJnxeTW5Yzx4rXD2HBcpUlFVRQFLOa9jzGMKE6OSgABmey8qzmUYb8_MdaBoX8E8k0GMP3wuJTQVMotoPRoPMQ/s1600/japan+094.jpg)
Speaking of sake shops.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pkUSPLX8LP0imhXQ6Dz0x_1ZtXwA58RvxClcsJNAMaWUhbbUXzEbtLlqXmhqs28VvJC2i0baeGkKyVsGCagmEO-GOJTWRqhGPeUqVQoV0v2g2OYZx8zkQiLgYQniEspZntpiRw/s1600/japan+088.jpg)
Even the drains in the old historic areas were decorative.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpgvEHqgienwhLdiLfkURQY9EZxHc2x8jU68RalzxlbTKPjbm3f7h-NmkseGmyR6j8ADKFPG1aGmpWbNDnriYO-_VPuhqprUWTzq0syLNmDQ8MgpTZEsTpcd6uzNW9uOSV10yiQ/s1600/japan+087.jpg)
These wisteria lined streets are pretty famous in Takayama.
![takayama photo blog-2_zpsv1skat3b.jpg](https://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad98/leiboffj/travel%202015/takayama%20blog/blog-2_zpsv1skat3b.jpg)
I think this may have been a variety of clematis. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA99Wq36SaRT86UHWj2tdKjjC4Zc0yS5DXgDtFdKTNkI9OHBZSCX0P28SuXm0dpVtvrEn6j_A-vct72geGJYwsZIjnm-VLEYA8r2_zgJQR4K_bCQr3oNPqgR1rpL7o5J8aA2V0ww/s1600/japan+076.jpg)
Takayama isn't just known for sake, it's also famous for it's miso and Hida beef. This guy sold beef skewers and he did a roaring trade. I had to wait for close to 10 minutes to get this shot of his stall without a crowd in front.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMdc1PsgVBb273ULw8WhfZc6Uj2gGdXrjEb2x3g6hqsygY88ToY30ESqzOk6U_KDoPt5jesN_Lf_vlEP9T-8lTznAdstbVuMVmNKRmIGTK4ADV74haZMrv-yEl-rrUNj08aotiQ/s1015/blog-5.jpg)
After my early morning start I took the advice from my guide book and caught a bus to the Hida Folk Village.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH5i64i0kdD38Eu-xzJlWw_qR649IFX8XM8GuOsFkBbRGCmrSOoEEe_8j9O52wJ9ADY4DF7AB5x8cPnW_ElTu0WKaOwl3kGVhRNgMbS2e_BWS6-PcG74rOeKj0plk9Bfhr_jOew/s1600/japan+080.jpg)
Many years ago, a huge dam was built in the area and many of the mountain villages were flooded. The folk village was created to preserve many of the old houses.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvbWMmLV5yhkzSCCPw9cfNohwnGoqoPFmxskBW-P2JEYZdoK_vVv3_UvoVIw-x0Zxn-DzZCa6k4nP9BQxTgj1wPGGnImkb2MBSr_GY0NjXAV5pj3cUlN8P4H8UPzN3V6elFMQjg/s1600/japan+093.jpg)
The houses are located around a lake and there are a variety of building styles.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-gnxxAwjPckK3KHQWXpygXL1K6xF_L4oWBxNoLA4hYtzKKkLbvRrTG41Z6qXLGli9uKE4jpp62kdqCZUQzJ45PG5mLpOjJBxSecDAt6G9Keh7gma-_ICchylBkKPJShBl_bY-A/s1600/japan+082.jpg)
O-jizo-san statues.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlFka6d-vGIbiRq6TE39BvBqKGN2lfePrR2CAVlYIbqZHkKZOTr_XPf_AskeGhfoK2fUTek3dsZ6C-MDgKl4tyj-m0QDYwo3Fm3aINdFWFawfGjjk9sC0tYeitiRv-SENzKWdEA/s1600/japan+081.jpg)
A shinto shrine.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0mPS2zR3435gXY7UgvanHg-sNp1Cx-6kTszbpl2sqFrzb-7Z3OAz8Wv-uMYTP8HR2sfzskdBXY9PH_cObjx2cygLZ_Gv9J3cgZ7DX9m3OSStqtUBY0uhFbl1iy3lWRCqB_yMWA/s1600/japan+083.jpg)
The houses were set amongst beautiful trees and I even found some cherry blossoms at the village.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_etPWL4pb3gPV2gOfApWaJV97ysZpStwFfEDIoDO9Ha6G_9adfJ3wsPZrFgmfkBTORd4HpZ19zdCVTTcgun10QDzMSbmAZx_COxTN43-YVP-NGR98HMP9d2s0yKKkXQjL-VR8ww/s1600/japan+084.jpg)
When I returned to Takayama these carp banners, also known Koinobori suddenly appeared on the river.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pMd4O25nK7J_ONV6ARO-NJR1ugOYak_sEAwMrWSYm-VqAnw3eBWRONq3PMo5A5Y9b6L4iw7ZsZlRJkue1ASl7BoemJtUiQkeErIEq_d_MMp_MXSqnv-lRcS61kIc9SycdmQ1Ug/s1600/japan+086.jpg)
The next day it was back on the bus for the long journey to Kyoto via Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a small village with traditional houses just like the ones featured at the Hida Folk Village. It was interesting to see the houses being lived in but I wondered how the locals could bear their village being invaded on a daily basis by thousands of visitors.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqC5dloKkpgySDUBoBQOMBBti_3aljoCjoRd70lEd-zVm7IKX983SHaobnIX0YRhWB_wi2bNnm6aCF27-aBl4gKNFhJhxh7i0GYgiu3gbTeW4GemGHkLrswFwJsrX9EVc-Q-l8Q/s1600/japan+059.jpg)
It made me feel very uncomfortable and in the end I didn't stay long and left the village on an earlier bus and caught an earlier train to Kyoto.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpdj9e31uTcrHL-qacCbPFmW4QYaVln7tKsDjxDh5ZQz7wY54uTcQKxHQXmAuxa3taEIt70YmZJ3Lzc6c3KHXBbK4Ha-mQqjQu7DnQ2whlC6l-w6cDla3HkqURGPg_G4hgLroqw/s1600/japan+071.jpg)
The roofs are so steeply pitched because of the winter snow falls.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS9dWCAJ2M9Ewj1eQsv00nJw2egtu99St06p_aKyCIUd2AHnliNBbNDtpwopR98yYwyL5OgjrfP2_P1TXFTkbekDF8IJmBdnKkdfaHgvkKwe7xJhe6qD39Fh_DaxyUANU_oUQ9A/s1600/japan+061.jpg)
Just to let you know this is a living, breathing community, I found this neat display of tools.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYFZsNDMtCV0Eddha0LXVH638cfKoiO6Wh9Bz_UaoBMsCwgQYk-asReSBtf6phTEt3wDKTd5BsAWmvr58q0Yssof4b7pbUtgvFDAwZJELR7cfdtcHswF80PURpg23azfIaM45nA/s1600/japan+063.jpg)
The village came complete with vegetable gardens
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_clZR-Q1H1oFwbBhofyjqdIyU4U3VTq4-JCcgCtE7UUeJVrHTjXqpsS-pKXz391hs0HvVefqemoFUiz1JzOstVd8G02pwtmPd8DKkk0IoympPNuzv4cocM_YgM-kkw4rit85-FQ/s1600/japan+070.jpg)
Linen being aired.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQIMPpBViSH-7Z08akj-SMGu8ieZZtsU1ACyjREXV9LmCKYnJG_7KIzMumXmiBVTBZ7s6maodqOgJ_SewKmjWhPKmuoA76fRw8UKzinwsqm_Sh1TaXftXCVP3SIRO1dIgm-c4cg/s1600/japan+074.jpg)
I found some bonsai.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JSxDqkGSPLMgc7pYkSUxyDJBuwKlpe9cMUiXnudANnX6Mjv3Bcg9f0EiwyqxHfSaK1KX9vSL-EkehfV6yE8sBwCdI_Yt2MAc3sNxBhHMD6hmQJHlef0UP6aDhMXWNTaLBcm3aw/s1600/japan+065.jpg)
Workmen doing some roof repairs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuXgNINmhP0DKUe40lVl0KcV3JdNDqrdQA195PHA6z62CmrgTAMnBApnOh9ohiKYtH9_t0mmi9cdDdnDyThWnhl06FAa1KYG8baVTlMjz4PsIWFYMJUrWUcRIv10JgNUZ25qu8w/s1600/japan+064.jpg)
I found some more decorative drains; locally made brushes and a close-up of those incredible thatched roofs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSOQbLUuVnt3O3oj0NSUOqwUNoJBIPHHCcE1pCIqV_Y-N2MhNZ1FNU3Bt-m6UzCZVVwtkHBO3R4tk23-aJpIrz7HpSGZOaNfCyztdP6E44AQrlXzbXYwDdLEwoETDU5VFZPR3Qg/s1600/japan+068.jpg)
Many of the smaller huts were set amongst towering timbers.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizngBQsxnm_WwQrXY0ceTP-6ZsjYGr-bMF8jlpWJd_w_5hXUZEGlKuBQgtYnLI0HqKInNHNf9EYm7_bYdToIUxaKObnSuj5EdLulWPgZvebfWWLUegRB5x0ELewEr8XaTCAGYEhg/s1600/japan+072.jpg)
Just like these.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_q22LkuuJK4r_NJ-NHm2lsY3Hnm_uR_LDo99ya6L7Mh81r31ei_Mmm9qVhPodxxlLl0inz0vO6q-Udc11gACj5z6StWEimLBtq8qgOs7jC1XgEU9Mi0W3Vp4BDhK-mxRWoftNQ/s1600/japan+069.jpg)
I even found some elusive cherry blossoms and a field of jonquils.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdO2tSbaSgwmWmg8e_uZaS8XxwPNiK1LCGEwyP5lqVl5kWskKFO9dN1YJ0IQXt0yPeWCTtcLKaUdJ2ESQ1mJIG1iXDKNXYULiq5qqhANhMHO-E3kJd_qZTHDiJby6-LGW2PgipA/s1600/japan+066.jpg)
I know that was a big post so thanks for your patience. I'll be back next week with my Fog Linen Work shop-shoot.
Bye for now,
Jillian