Hida Takayama Day 2 - Shirakawago
On our second day we are planning to go to Nagoya Castle since it is the last day it's open before closing for New Year holiday. But since it's snowing last night in Shirakawago and we check out their live view camera see that all the house is cover with snow, We are gong there directly today from Nagoya and hoping we would see something familiar.
There are a few ways to travel between Nagoya and Takayama:
1. By JR limited express train Hourly JR Hida limited express trains connect Nagoya and Takayama in about 150 minutes. The one way fare is around 6000 yen and fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
2. By JR local trains By local trains along the JR Takayama Line, the one way journey between Nagoya and Takayama with good connections takes about four hours and requires at least one transfer of trains. The one way fare is 3410 yen.
3. By highway bus Hourly highway buses, operated by JR, Meitetsu and Nohi Bus, run directly between Nagoya and Takayama. The one way trip takes a little over 2.5 hours and costs 3100 yen. A round trip ticket costs only 5400 yen, but the return trip has to be made within four days of the outward journey.
Taking the bus would be the cheapest and fastest way to go to Takayama since have to drop our luggage before heading to Shirakawago. Aftre breakfast we went directly to Meitsu Bus center, but turn out all of the bus tickets to Takayama today's were sold out. So our only option to get on JR limited express but since its last minute we only can get non-reserved seat so we need to rush to take any open seats in dedicated unreserved cars. I'm sorry my baby daughter have to sleep like this since we didn't get any seat the train is full house so crowded. Luckily after an hour pass by, a nice lady saw us on over her seat (which she paid extra) to my daughter.
After we arrived at Takayama station, we directly go to our hotel on 3 minutes walk opposite if the station. Drop our luggage and change my daughter sweater since she puke on the train 15 minutes before we arrived >,<. Okay we still on the clock, so we rushed to the bus center just next to the train station so convenient. We got the ticket bus in our hand so let's hunt for some foods. My choice goes to Hida-beef bun, I love the flavors of the beef and the juices gradually fill your mouth. It's a simple snack but so tasty, a perfect size to eat as you walk around or waiting for the bus. You could find this in convenience store inside Nohi bus center.
Ticket price : 4700 yen (adult) & children under 6 is free but no seat
It takes about 50 minutes by bus from Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Shirakawago. There are 16 round-trip bus services a day, see their timetable since some of it required reservation.
Opening Hours : check here
Access : Nohi Bus
Here we are in Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a beautiful and charming village of a hundred gassho-zukuri houses (thatch-roofed houses) in the alpine region of Japan. Finally we could see this beautiful place after long journey from one full train ride, one puke toddler, and one bus ride. For ages I've wanted to visit Shirakawago it's one of my bucket list, although it would be more wonderful if it's cover with full snow, but turn our the snow starts to melt this morning. But if its in heavy snow the weather would be so damn cold, so sunny day and warm like is pretty nice actually.
Someone just wake up after napping in the bus
Making our snowman
Before heading to Shirakawago you better stop by Takayama to eat first because I could only find snacks and desserts here. Coz most of the dining places only open until 2pm, check it out here. But don't worry the snacks are so goodd!! The soft, juicy Hida beef wrapped in a crunchy layer makes for a very delicious croquette. Hida Beef Skewer is a variety of wagyu beef from Gifu. Meat considered to be Hida beef has passed strict inspections, a smooth texture, and an exquisite taste. You can get it from snack shop in here, Hida Beef skewer for 650 yen, croquette for 300 yen and tofu vegetables for 200 yen.
Beautiful reflection of houses in Shirakawago
Ticket price : 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children
The house is still used as a residence, but the first and second floors are open for tours.
Inside Wada House
Inside Wada House
It would said takes around two to three hours (with children) walking around Shirakawa-go to see it in full. Stroll around the village to see gassho-style houses, souvenir shops, cafes and of course playing with snow. We have to hurry to catch up the last bus aound 5 pm to Takayama, although I'm pretty sure they will add more buses since the visitor today is extra crowded coz everyone like me just wants to see the first snow in Shirakawago.
Our plan is to have dinner at Maruaki Hida Takayama coz Hida-gyu beef, sukiyaki, shabu shabu would be perfect for cold weather today. But turn out the restaurant is full even though no reservation but people just keep coming to queue there. So we just randomly pick a restaurant nearby and taste just standard nothing special.
Gyoza Meal Set
Takayama Noodle
Yakisoba, Japanese Fried Noodle
Enjoying Jagabee, Hida Beef flavor
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