Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Shirakawa-go with Isabella

Echoes of the Past in Takayama

Today, Isabella and I dove deep into the heart of Takayama, a city that whispers tales of bygone eras. From exploring historical artifacts to savoring local delicacies, it was a day of cultural immersion and culinary delights. It's days like these that remind me why we travel – to connect with the stories and flavors that shape a place.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hakusuien. Though the Hakusuien in Takayama is a charming tea house, we enjoyed a delightful spread that would satisfy our taste buds. I indulged in the variety of local dishes, prepared with the freshest ingredients. Isabella enjoyed the serene views of the hotel's beautifully landscaped gardens. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our explorations.


Experience authentic Japanese dining at Hakusuien in Shirakawa – where tradition meets taste in every dish.

After breakfast, we set out to discover the historical treasures of Takayama, starting with the Takayama City Museum.

The Takayama City Museum, housed in a building that once served as the town hall, was a fascinating glimpse into the city's administrative past. Built in 1895, the entire structure is made of hinoki cypress, and it was state-of-the-art in its time. Walking through the museum, I was struck by how well-preserved everything was. The exhibits offered a comprehensive look at Takayama's history, with displays of administrative materials and artifacts from different periods. While photography wasn't allowed inside, the visit was still meaningful, especially since we had just visited the Shiroyama Park where the castle ruins are located. It helped us visualize how the castle looked in its prime.


Explore the captivating history and culture of Takayama at the Takayama City Museum, a must-visit destination in Gifu Prefecture.

History is not just about dates and names; it's about understanding the human experience across time.

Next, we ventured to the Hida Earth Wisdom Center, a unique facility promoting regional development through folk culture. The center itself is quite impressive, with a multipurpose hall and several rooms used for conferences and seminars. Though we didn't attend any specific event, we explored the museum showcasing local furniture and crafts. What stood out was that visitors could actually touch and sit on the Hida-made chairs, which gave us a real sense of the craftsmanship. The Hida Earth Wisdom Center seemed to be a hub for cultural activities, and I could see how it contributes to the community by hosting various events and promoting local traditions.


Explore the cultural heart of Takayama at Hida Earth Wisdom Center, where tradition and craftsmanship come alive in stunning exhibits.

For lunch, we headed to Shiraogi in Shirakawa-go. Located in the middle of the largest village, Ogimachi, it was conveniently located. I decided to try their tonkatsu with miso sauce. The miso sauce was salty, sweet, and sour at the same time – really special! Isabella enjoyed the Hida beef served on a hoba leaf with their specialty miso. It was a delicious and satisfying meal that gave us a taste of the region's culinary specialties. The gassho-zukuri houses added to the charm.


Discover authentic teishoku dining at Shiraogi in Shirakawa - where every meal tells a story steeped in tradition.

As the day wound down, we found ourselves at Shirakawago Restaurant Irori, a charming bar known for its traditional regional dishes. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and we decided to try some local drinks. The bar served rustic and traditional regional dishes using grilled tofu, wild plants, and seasonal vegetables. I opted for the hoba miso pork, which had a deep, sweet, and nutty flavor that paired perfectly with the local Hida pork. Isabella enjoyed the chilled tofu with its great soy flavor. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on our day of exploration.


Experience the best of Gifu's culinary delights at Irori Restaurant in Shirakawago, where tradition meets exquisite taste.

Our dinner was at Masuzono Bunsuke, a small family restaurant. The chef takes pride in serving fresh fish dishes, catching the live fish from the pond immediately after receiving orders. I enjoyed the Iwana, and Isabella sampled the Nijimasu sashimi. The family-run operation created a cozy atmosphere. I even tried the Iwana no Kotsuzake – hot sake with a whole iwana fish – a unique delicacy.


Experience authentic Japanese dining at Masuzono Bunsuke in Shirakawa – where tradition meets taste.

As we walked back to our accommodation, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Takayama is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and culinary delights, offering something for every traveler. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Hida Takayama Museum of Art and the Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater, eager to continue our exploration of this captivating region. It's moments like these, shared with Isabella, that make our travels so special. Reflecting on the day, I realized how much these experiences enrich our understanding of the world. I'm also reminded of how fortunate I am to share these moments with Isabella, whose curiosity and appreciation for culture mirrors my own. Perhaps tomorrow, we'll find a quiet spot to listen to some Uruguayan folk music; a little piece of home away from home.

The thought of tomorrow's itinerary fills me with anticipation. The Hida Takayama Museum of Art promises a visual feast, and the Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater offers a glimpse into a traditional art form I'm eager to witness. Before that, a hearty breakfast at Tanaka-ya will set us up for the day, and later, we'll indulge in the local flavors at Hidaji for lunch and Gassho for dinner. And, of course, a little souvenir shopping at Kodaijin Souvenir Store is a must.

As I write this, I'm filled with a sense of contentment. The blend of history, art, and culinary delights that Takayama offers is truly captivating. It's a reminder that travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about experiencing new perspectives and creating lasting memories. And with Isabella by my side, every journey is an adventure worth cherishing.