Back to Nagoya

So, it's time for the very last part of my Japan trip from last February. It's been a month, hmmm how time flies. Anyway, it was our last day in Japan and after two days spending our time in Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kanazawa, we finally continued our journey to where it all started, Nagoya.

However, just before heading back to Nagoya, we first managed to visit Kanazawa's Omi-cho fish market, how awesome is that! Everything's fresh here and good Lord, we tried their best grade of sea urchin and it was SOOO GOOD! Though we didn't spend much time there, I was happy enough to taste the uni and otoro.

Stopped for a 15 minutes break at the rest area, and it means picture time! Also a cone of ice cream, perhaps? ;)

Lunch was quite early that day, it was at 11AM. We had oh so yummy grilled eel and it's one of Nagoya's special dish, known as Hitsumabushi! What's so unique is that there are 3 ways to enjoy hitsumabushi. However, you need to divide the rice bowl contents into four equal servings beforehand.

First, place a quarter portion of the rice bowl on a smaller bowl and eat it just like that.

Second way is to mix another quarter portion with other condiments including the wasabi.

Thrid, try to eat another quarter portion with the dashi broth.

And you can eat the last quarter portion any way you like.

After lunch, we went straight to Nagoya Castle to learn yet another history of the city and of course for pictures ;)

"During the Edo period, Nagoya Castle was the heart of one of the most important castle towns in Japan."

Before we entered Nagoya Castle, we first visited the Hommaru Palace where you can find beautiful paintings and traditional sliding doors inside.

"The Hommaru Palace was regarded as the finest masterpiece of modern castle architecture in Japan and along with the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle in Kyoto , which is designated as a National Treasure, was considered to be the preeminent example of samurai style Shoin palace architecture."

And this is the view from Nagoya Tower (Castle).

Moving on, snack time! Yet another Nagoya's specialty, Ogura Toast (red bean paste on toast) with whipped cream, yum!

We ended the day with a night stroll near the hotel we stayed in Nagoya.

Last but not least, I would like to thank JNTO Indonesia and Cathay Pacific Indonesia for having me and for arranging this wonderful trip. Also thank you to Hans and Sierin for taking most of my pictures :)

From Nagoya to Shirakawa-go

It was still a few weeks ago, we had an oppotunity to visit Japan again, but this time along with JNTO Indonesia and Cathay Pacific. It was a brand new route for me though. I myself have been to Japan for a few times yet it was my first time to Nagoya and the rest of the city throughout our trip.

We first arrived in Nagoya, the capital of Japan's Aichi Prefecture and we went straight to the hotel. However, since it was quite late by the time we reached the hotel, we only had the chance to have dinner and walk around Nagoya station before we had some rest. The food was good though ;)

On the next day, we went to visit Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, learning about the history behind their big success. Toyota was actually started as a textile firm and evolved over decades into an international automobile producer. Here, we can see the process, bits and details of everything behind everything that Toyota now. From technological tools to machinery in spinning and weaving. Then from the past, present to the future of automobiles and its transitions. Yes, everything.

Lunch menu was Nagoya's specialty, Miso Nikomi Udon.

It was slightly bitter and thicke than a normal miso but still good nonetheless esp for the cold weather.

Move on, we continued our journey of the day to snowy Shirakawa-go! A very beautiful scenery can be seen along the way, traditional houses covered by the snow and beautiful shower of snow everywhere.

Shirakawa-go itself is one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Shogawa river valley stretching across the border of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures in central Japan.

Eventhough it was so cold and snowing hard, everything was just so beautiful and perfect in my eyes. Am also so thankful to have Hans and Sierin helped me taking so many beautiful pictures throughout the trip despite feeling uuuuuber cold.

We ended the day by having a very nice dinner at Best Western Hotel in Takayama: Hida Beef Steak! Although it was a bit too cooked for my liking, it was still as good ;)

GETTING THERE

Anyway, aside getting to Shirakawa-go and Takayama with a group tour, travelling individual is not as complicated as it seem. Here are some guides that may help :)

From Nagoya by Gifu Bus

Departing from Nagoya Station to Shirakawa-go by 9 AM and 

returning from Shirakawa-go by 3.35 PM

One way ticket fare: 3,600 yen per person

For more info: gifubus.co.jp

From Takayama by Nouhi Bus

Departing from Takayama Station

One way ticket fare: 2,400 yen per person

For more info: nouhibus.co.jp

From Kanazawa by Nouhi Bus

Departs three times daily and reservation is required.

One way ticket fare: 1,800 yen per person

For more info: nouhibus.co.jp

From Tokyo

There's no direct bus from Tokyo to Shirakawa-go, so you will need to go to Nagoya/Takayama/Kanazawa first. Be sure to have the JR pass or you'll spend a lot more on individual tickets later.

From Kyoto/Osaka

There's no direct bus from Kyoto or Osaka to Shirakawa-go as well, but you can take the JR train from Kyoto to Kanazawa and continue to Shirakawa-go by Nohi Bus like mentioned above.

JR Rail Passes

JR Takayama-Hokuriku tourist passes for 5 consecutive days pricing at 14,000 yen for adults and 6,750 yen for children

For more info: touristpass.jp