Takayama

Leaving Shiragawa-go Village for the next destination at Takayama was yet another form of experience.

What are the adjectives for Takayama?

Peaceful, serene, easy-going, laid back and cool.

Arriving at the place past 5pm was not exactly cool as business in town was not in operation. At five in the evening nobody goes to bed and on top of that there is this miserable feeling that you do not get to feel the place enough.

 So, the moment we deposited our luggage at the hotel. dad and I shot out of our room for the outside. Rain was impending but we were not bothered. With an umbrella tucked under our arms we scoured for whatever we could see of the town.

Why do tourists come here?

For rest and trail walks?

For a visit to a cultural site?

We shall see.

The pristine ethos is every reason why one should pay a visit tot the town.

Beautiful flowers bloom without much persuasion as the cool weather and other physical complements allow them to be exotic. Back home I do not know how much is needed for blooms of this size to happen.

The hydrangea practically flourishes naturally all over the town. Pockets of them cover bushes and fences. You want to hold them in your hands.

 I do not know the name of this family. But dad will definitely know.

Whatever name it carries, it is a splendid sight. It looks as though no effort is needed to reach the flowering stage; that they are naturally formed.

Many commute using the humble bicycle and there seems to be one in every household. That's how laid-back the town is. It is almost like Muar minus foreign workers. Soemtimes while back in Muar for the weekend I can hardly recognise the town anymore.

The teacher in me again spotted a school which is so well kept and organised. How do I gauge? The plot of vegetables within the school compound. It may be a recycling effort and students having ownership to make it work.

Dinner was served Japanese style with a lot of beef; was it of the coveted Hokkaido species? I am not sure. But it tasted good. The leader told us to put on the traditional attire supplied by the hotel called the yukata. I hope I got it right. But it sure was comfortable and easy to wear; casual and comfortable.

Morning came and we saw Takayama at a different angle. However, the bicycle still remains the same. Locals need them to go to designated destinations.

Standing in front of a typical traditional house, you are not surprised at the state of cleanliness here. The virtue of cleanliness spreads across Japan may it be the city or he village; so well taught and practised.

See what I mean? So clean, calm and cool. It truly one of the best places one can retire to. You cycle from one point to another and pollution is low. The town is cosy and you can get almost anything you want. So restful.

 Across the town bridge is a stream with crystal clear water. You cannot imagine any pollution here. You can even notice a koi swimming freely without care. Truly, tranquil and placid. 

The running water from upper streams keep the drains here so perfectly well.

No garbage to block the flow. No stench. Not an eyesore but a memorable sight.

Takayama with its grid-like set up, is an easy place to stroll around and you will not get tired of it.

 Behind is the store that sold all sorts of Japanese noodles, miso soup paste and the sake, all traditional products.

A shop full of goodies ranging from sauces, wines, pastes, cakes, biscuits, pickled vegetables, wasabi crackers and everything Japanese!

So, the serene town even have us posing like nobody's business and an awesome getaway from the hustle and bustle of life. 

It is so good feeling to pose with kitty cat!

Pretty Takayama.