Takayama

Takayama is referred to as ‘little Kyoto’ as it possesses that same old world Japanese charm. Old town is a charming area that has rows of old style Japanese houses and Sake shops. Two rivers run through Takayama and the one goes via old town. It has a beautiful red bridge over it, which coupled with cherry blossoms, has made it one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. Takayama is a very rich town and so is kept immaculate. The streets are full of tourists, mostly Japanese but quite a few westerners. It is funny to walk past other westerners on the streets here, Rob and I avoid eye contact as if to say ‘we aren’t tourists, we live here.’

The new town of Takayama has the look and feel of an American ski town, like Vermont. It has expensive boutique shops and French cafés. The best thing about Takayama, is that just when you think you have discovered the best it has to offer, you take a different road than usual and come across an amazing temple or cool shop. Parking is tres expensive so Rob and I cycle everywhere. We have a route from our house that follows the river in to the old town. It can only be described as ‘perfection.’ Little old ladies tend to their bonsais, children play outside and the flowers and trees are the colour of summer.

View from the red bridge, tres beau

Me, on the red bridge.

By le river

The Old Town

The new town