Travelled to Takayama

 It rained yesterday and continued to rain today.
This made for lovely shots of rain slicked building but made me reluctant to get my camera out. I know where is the sense of adventure? Where is the capacity to take photos no matter the conditions?
Juggling an umbrella and an SLR and fearing that the rain will find its way into the delciate electronics of my camera all kinda stymied my capacity for the great shot.

However, Takayama does not disappoint. It is a mountain city in the Hida region so we had a two hour train journey from Nagoya earlier in the day and arrived amidst the rain at our minshuku. 

Minshuku are Japanese style bed and breakfasts, which are usually family operated. They provide a good opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle. One stays in Japanese style rooms, sleep on a futon and have the opportunity to take a Japanese bath.

 The bath will be a great thing after today's chill and rain. The cherry blossoms are not out as much in the area as it hasn't been as warm as it had been in Tokyo (not warm when we were there though)

 Takayama has a festival which is ranked as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan. On a previus visit Michele and i were lucky enough to catch it. However the old town itself is well worth the effort we have made to bring Nick here.
There is a great treasure house/museum of the floats that are used and have been used in the festival for hundreds of years.

 The Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine is an old shrine, which is thought to be the village shrine for the north part of old Takayama city, situated to the north of Yasukawa dori (street). In times of yore, prince Takefurukuma-no-mikoto was sent from the imperial court to subjugate the monster Ryoumen Sukuna, who was controlling Hida. It is said that the shrine originated when this warrior enshrined Emperor Ojin as the deity of this sanctuary and prayed for the success of the mission.

 The current shrine was rebuilt by Arishige Kanamori in order to protect the north part of Takayama castle. Its festivals are held on the 9th and 10th of October. (Takayama Matsuri). The autumn festival is known as Takayama Matsuri together with the spring festivals at Hiejinja.

 It was great weather for ducks!

 And some shopping.