Takayama, Shriakawa-go, Hida Furukawa, Gujo and Gero by way of Gifu

I spent some time in the Gifu Prefecture area of Japan and took trips to Takayama, Shriakawa-go, Hida Furukawa, Gujo and Gero. These areas are a time capsule of the past in Japan where many houses, shops and traditions have stayed the same while still embracing the future.  Much of this area is known for there heavenly hot springs while other parts, tourism has drawn people in. Takayama was also my first foray into the Japanese Onsen and all I will say is that it is a higher level of relaxed. The Japanese seem to have their relaxation to a science.


Takayama

Foot Onsen outside of Hotel in Takayama

A "Sarubobo" Takayama's Good Luck Charm

Vivid yellow 1200 year old Ginko tree against Kokubunji Temple and Triple Pagoda (cornerstone also built 1200 years ago) in Takayama. The temple is the oldest structure in Takayama built about 500 years ago.

Vivid yellow 1200 year old Ginko tree against Kokubunji Temple and Triple Pagoda.

Vivid yellow 1200 year old Ginko tree against Kokubunji Temple and Triple Pagoda.

Crystal clear Miyagawa river with well fed (fat) Koi

Nicely staged Sake store

Even the cigarette machines takes on a traditional look in Takayama's Old Town

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine Gate in Takayama

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine Temple

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine Temple

Koyo (autumn color) at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine

Koyo over crystal clear Miyagawa river

Koyo over crystal clear Miyagawa river

Mini Momiji tree (Japanese Maple)

Gujō

Gujō Hachiman Castle

Well Fed Koi in Gujō creek running through city.

Nagara-gawa River running through Gujō

Gujō leading producer of food replicas

Creek running through Gujō



Koyo over Nagara-gawa River

Koyo of the Gujō Hachiman Castle

Koyo of the Gujō Hachiman Castle

Shriakawa-go

Shriakawa-go UNESCO World Heritage site

Homes of Shriakawa-go

Home and structures of Shriakawa-go with over a meter thick steep thatched roofs of the traditional gassho-zukuri "hands in prayer" style, to withstand the large amount of snow the area receives.

Japanese Scarcrow "kakashis"

Gero


Gero Foot Onsen, where you can have warm or cold pudding while soaking your feet in hot spring water.