Takayama (6/8-6/9)

Dry farming, including tea plants, on the way to Takayama

2009-06-04T10:15:28Z

Heather Meadows
Dry farming, including tea plants, on the way to Takayama

Tea plants on the way to Takayama

2009-06-04T10:08:29Z

Heather Meadows
Tea plants on the way to Takayama

A tiny train station on the way to Takayama

2009-06-04T10:15:49Z

Heather Meadows
A tiny train station on the way to Takayama

Some sort of industry seen out the train window on the way to Takayama. I don't actually know what this is. I would guess a quarry or a pump house or something having to do with the mountain ...

2009-02-22T13:16:22Z

Heather Meadows
Some sort of industry seen out the train window on the way to Takayama. I don't actually know what this is. I would guess a quarry or a pump house or something having to do with the mountain ...

Rice paddies out the window of the train on our way to Takayama.

2009-06-04T10:08:11Z

Heather Meadows
Rice paddies out the window of the train on our way to Takayama.

Todd tries to lean out of my shot of the river on the way to Takayama.

2009-06-02T07:07:04Z

Heather Meadows
Todd tries to lean out of my shot of the river on the way to Takayama.

A river winding through the mountains, seen on the way to Takayama. It was kind of scary to be attached to the side of a mountain; it looked like an amusement park ride!

2009-06-04T10:15:29Z

Heather Meadows
A river winding through the mountains, seen on the way to Takayama. It was kind of scary to be attached to the side of a mountain; it looked like an amusement park ride!

Bridge/dam over the mountain river, seen through the train window on the way to Takayama.

2009-06-02T07:09:44Z

Heather Meadows
Bridge/dam over the mountain river, seen through the train window on the way to Takayama.

Bridge/dam over the mountain river, seen through the train window on the way to Takayama.

2009-06-04T10:18:03Z

Heather Meadows
Bridge/dam over the mountain river, seen through the train window on the way to Takayama.

Finally we arrived at our ryokan. Only...our reservations had been lost again! (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:14:03Z

Heather Meadows
Finally we arrived at our ryokan. Only...our reservations had been lost again! (Takayama)

We stand around outside the Rickshaw Inn, waiting to see if we'll be able to stay here. Unfortunately, the answer was "No", so we found quick digs at a western-style hotel called "New Alps H ...

2009-06-04T10:14:45Z

Heather Meadows
We stand around outside the Rickshaw Inn, waiting to see if we'll be able to stay here. Unfortunately, the answer was "No", so we found quick digs at a western-style hotel called "New Alps H ...

An old-style water wheel on display in front of a shop, Takayama

2009-02-22T13:14:59Z

Heather Meadows
An old-style water wheel on display in front of a shop, Takayama

A statue at Takayama's main canal, the site of the ichiban (morning market).

2009-06-04T10:09:03Z

Heather Meadows
A statue at Takayama's main canal, the site of the ichiban (morning market).

The main canal at Takayama. The ichiban (morning market) is held early in the morning on that street on the right.

2009-06-04T10:15:22Z

Heather Meadows
The main canal at Takayama. The ichiban (morning market) is held early in the morning on that street on the right.

The floats for Takayama's festivals are stored in buildings like this. This particular spot holds a float called "KONGO TAI". The age of this float is uncertain. I can't read the rest of the ...

2009-06-02T06:56:05Z

Heather Meadows
The floats for Takayama's festivals are stored in buildings like this. This particular spot holds a float called "KONGO TAI". The age of this float is uncertain. I can't read the rest of the ...

A rickshaw moves down a Takayama street.

2009-06-02T06:57:10Z

Heather Meadows
A rickshaw moves down a Takayama street.

Brandon stops at a cigarette vending machine while Todd moves ahead. I think that's Inoue-sensei ahead of Todd, in the Hawaiian shirt. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:22:37Z

Heather Meadows
Brandon stops at a cigarette vending machine while Todd moves ahead. I think that's Inoue-sensei ahead of Todd, in the Hawaiian shirt. (Takayama)

James hangs out in front of a sake distillery. The strange ball thing over the entrance lets you know that alcohol is made here. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:25:28Z

Heather Meadows
James hangs out in front of a sake distillery. The strange ball thing over the entrance lets you know that alcohol is made here. (Takayama)

A rickshaw "driver" stands next to a really neat tree in front of a traditional-style building in Takayama. Meanwhile, a group of tourists spoils my shot.

2009-02-22T13:12:20Z

Heather Meadows
A rickshaw "driver" stands next to a really neat tree in front of a traditional-style building in Takayama. Meanwhile, a group of tourists spoils my shot.

Tourists! Oh, and a neat traditional building. You can see Justin and Inoue-sensei off to the left. (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:12:40Z

Heather Meadows
Tourists! Oh, and a neat traditional building. You can see Justin and Inoue-sensei off to the left. (Takayama)

A museum showcasing traditional architecture and interior design. (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:12:27Z

Heather Meadows
A museum showcasing traditional architecture and interior design. (Takayama)

The courtyard garden of a museum showcasing traditional architecture and interior design. (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:09:27Z

Heather Meadows
The courtyard garden of a museum showcasing traditional architecture and interior design. (Takayama)

A museum showcasing traditional architecture and interior design. I absolutely love tatami rooms. (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:14:16Z

Heather Meadows
A museum showcasing traditional architecture and interior design. I absolutely love tatami rooms. (Takayama)

Looking out the hallway windows into the courtyard garden of a museum showcasing traditional architecture and interior design. (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:12:58Z

Heather Meadows
Looking out the hallway windows into the courtyard garden of a museum showcasing traditional architecture and interior design. (Takayama)

Here's another interesting tree. Do you think they grow them that way on purpose? (...that was a joke.) (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:13:16Z

Heather Meadows
Here's another interesting tree. Do you think they grow them that way on purpose? (...that was a joke.) (Takayama)

A map of Takayama, and pretty flowers!

2009-02-22T13:15:10Z

Heather Meadows
A map of Takayama, and pretty flowers!

The sign says "Oriental Medicine". This building is beautiful in its simplicity, and I love the little cars. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:22:46Z

Heather Meadows
The sign says "Oriental Medicine". This building is beautiful in its simplicity, and I love the little cars. (Takayama)

Baby birds (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:15:56Z

Heather Meadows
Baby birds (Takayama)

Baby birds (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:16:30Z

Heather Meadows
Baby birds (Takayama)

Bicycles and a power pole in front of a traditional shop. I love juxtaposing the old with the new. (Takayama)

2009-06-02T07:00:31Z

Heather Meadows
Bicycles and a power pole in front of a traditional shop. I love juxtaposing the old with the new. (Takayama)

A traditional building (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:14:02Z

Heather Meadows
A traditional building (Takayama)

The gate at a residence. (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:10:07Z

Heather Meadows
The gate at a residence. (Takayama)

A traditional building (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:13:45Z

Heather Meadows
A traditional building (Takayama)

Crossing the street: Justin, Todd, Jason, Brandon, James, and Inoue-sensei's forearm. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:06:36Z

Heather Meadows
Crossing the street: Justin, Todd, Jason, Brandon, James, and Inoue-sensei's forearm. (Takayama)

Pretty tree and architecture along a canal. (Takayama)

2009-06-02T06:57:25Z

Heather Meadows
Pretty tree and architecture along a canal. (Takayama)

There are lots of pictures like this, where I lingered behind the guys to get a shot. Looks like it was getting dark... (Takayama)

2009-06-02T07:01:25Z

Heather Meadows
There are lots of pictures like this, where I lingered behind the guys to get a shot. Looks like it was getting dark... (Takayama)

Weaving machines, Takayama

2009-02-22T13:12:36Z

Heather Meadows
Weaving machines, Takayama

I didn't duck behind this thing very well. But whenever I saw one of these I had to have my picture taken with it. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:32:04Z

Heather Meadows
I didn't duck behind this thing very well. But whenever I saw one of these I had to have my picture taken with it. (Takayama)

Torii gates at a shrine.

2009-06-02T07:00:25Z

Heather Meadows
Torii gates at a shrine.

The gang hangs out at the mini-shrine: Brandon, Justin, Jason, Inoue-sensei, James, and Todd. Usually when we stopped walking, it was so Todd could tell us something important. I don't remem ...

2009-06-04T10:14:27Z

Heather Meadows
The gang hangs out at the mini-shrine: Brandon, Justin, Jason, Inoue-sensei, James, and Todd. Usually when we stopped walking, it was so Todd could tell us something important. I don't remem ...

Kids playing in the main canal, across from the street where the morning market takes place in Takayama. I was so disappointed by this shot. The LCD preview on my camera was eating up the ba ...

2009-02-22T13:10:33Z

Heather Meadows
Kids playing in the main canal, across from the street where the morning market takes place in Takayama. I was so disappointed by this shot. The LCD preview on my camera was eating up the ba ...

Jason, Brandon, and Inoue-sensei, standing on the street where the ichiban (morning market) takes place. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:07:57Z

Heather Meadows
Jason, Brandon, and Inoue-sensei, standing on the street where the ichiban (morning market) takes place. (Takayama)

I think the sign on the left of the mini-shrine says "Shino Sannomachi Naka Street Preservation Area", and that it was established on January 2, Year 6 of the Heisei Period (1994). This is a ...

2009-06-02T06:55:51Z

Heather Meadows
I think the sign on the left of the mini-shrine says "Shino Sannomachi Naka Street Preservation Area", and that it was established on January 2, Year 6 of the Heisei Period (1994). This is a ...

Another shot of the morning market street and canal in Takayama.

2009-02-22T13:10:09Z

Heather Meadows
Another shot of the morning market street and canal in Takayama.

My final architecture shot of the day (6/8). Look at that bizarre metal canopy. I discovered later that this is Tanabe Ryokan; I recognized the canopy in the picture on this page. (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:13:34Z

Heather Meadows
My final architecture shot of the day (6/8). Look at that bizarre metal canopy. I discovered later that this is Tanabe Ryokan; I recognized the canopy in the picture on this page. (Takayama)

Out to dinner: Todd, Jason, and Brandon. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:08:09Z

Heather Meadows
Out to dinner: Todd, Jason, and Brandon. (Takayama)

Out to dinner: Inoue-sensei, Justin, and James. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:10:29Z

Heather Meadows
Out to dinner: Inoue-sensei, Justin, and James. (Takayama)

Outside the restaurant where we had dinner: James (looking full) and Jason. The sign says "Steak - 880 yen". I believe that's what we had, because according to my notes, "went out for dinner ...

2009-06-02T07:08:51Z

Heather Meadows
Outside the restaurant where we had dinner: James (looking full) and Jason. The sign says "Steak - 880 yen". I believe that's what we had, because according to my notes, "went out for dinner ...

OMG, some smiles! Justin, James, and Brandon. Somebody must have said something funny. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:19:42Z

Heather Meadows
OMG, some smiles! Justin, James, and Brandon. Somebody must have said something funny. (Takayama)

Back at the hotel, James and Inoue-sensei enjoy some combi ice cream. (Takayama)

2009-06-02T06:59:48Z

Heather Meadows
Back at the hotel, James and Inoue-sensei enjoy some combi ice cream. (Takayama)

"Are you taking my picture...AGAIN?!" Jason and Justin at the hotel (Takayama)

2009-06-02T07:01:39Z

Heather Meadows
"Are you taking my picture...AGAIN?!" Jason and Justin at the hotel (Takayama)

Live goldfish in a bowl on the coffee table in the lounge of our hotel in Takayama. (Got Prepositional Phrases?)

2009-06-02T06:59:23Z

Heather Meadows
Live goldfish in a bowl on the coffee table in the lounge of our hotel in Takayama. (Got Prepositional Phrases?)

My room at the New Alps Hotel, Takayama. I had my notes and books out on the bed, as if I was actually going to study or something! Also visible are the yukata I slept in and my sunscreen.

2009-02-22T13:16:48Z

Heather Meadows
My room at the New Alps Hotel, Takayama. I had my notes and books out on the bed, as if I was actually going to study or something! Also visible are the yukata I slept in and my sunscreen.

The next morning, we arose bright and early, grabbed some food at Lawson's, and headed to the canal. Some of the others were late-risers that morning, and Todd had us leave without them! Her ...

2009-02-22T13:11:03Z

Heather Meadows
The next morning, we arose bright and early, grabbed some food at Lawson's, and headed to the canal. Some of the others were late-risers that morning, and Todd had us leave without them! Her ...

Breakfast. Jason, Inoue-sensei, Brandon, James, and Todd. Note that the morning market is going on up on the street above. See those pigeons off in the distance, minding their own business? ...

2009-02-22T13:10:57Z

Heather Meadows
Breakfast. Jason, Inoue-sensei, Brandon, James, and Todd. Note that the morning market is going on up on the street above. See those pigeons off in the distance, minding their own business? ...

The pigeons are still pretending not to care as Jason looks on. But they, like, totally attacked us until we shared our bentos with them. (Takayama)

2009-06-02T06:56:46Z

Heather Meadows
The pigeons are still pretending not to care as Jason looks on. But they, like, totally attacked us until we shared our bentos with them. (Takayama)

Neat buildings across the canal. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:15:20Z

Heather Meadows
Neat buildings across the canal. (Takayama)

Finally we ventured into the morning market. Much of the buying and selling had already occurred by this hour. Wares included: fruits, vegetables, omiyage (tourist items), jewelry, and cloth ...

2009-06-04T10:27:46Z

Heather Meadows
Finally we ventured into the morning market. Much of the buying and selling had already occurred by this hour. Wares included: fruits, vegetables, omiyage (tourist items), jewelry, and cloth ...

Leaving the morning market (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:11:36Z

Heather Meadows
Leaving the morning market (Takayama)

Justin, James, Inoue-sensei, and Jason head off down a side street, undoubtedly following Todd. The man has no fear, no weariness. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:19:11Z

Heather Meadows
Justin, James, Inoue-sensei, and Jason head off down a side street, undoubtedly following Todd. The man has no fear, no weariness. (Takayama)

Jason, Brandon, James, and Justin's hands. Everyone looks very happy to be on the bus to the Hida Folk Village. (Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:17:15Z

Heather Meadows
Jason, Brandon, James, and Justin's hands. Everyone looks very happy to be on the bus to the Hida Folk Village. (Takayama)

James, Justin (smiling so pretty!), Inoue-sensei, and Todd on the bus to the Hida Folk Village. (Takayama)

2009-06-02T07:02:18Z

Heather Meadows
James, Justin (smiling so pretty!), Inoue-sensei, and Todd on the bus to the Hida Folk Village. (Takayama)

The bus brought us to Hida Folk Village, a collection of transplanted houses from old villages. Now the place is a museum similar to the Ainu museum in Shiraoi, but with much more to explore ...

2009-02-22T13:12:56Z

Heather Meadows
The bus brought us to Hida Folk Village, a collection of transplanted houses from old villages. Now the place is a museum similar to the Ainu museum in Shiraoi, but with much more to explore ...

Omiyage shops at the Hida Folk Village. That big cat out front had a moving paw. I wanted to get a movie of myself underneath the waving paw, but I didn't. (Takayama)

2009-06-02T07:02:25Z

Heather Meadows
Omiyage shops at the Hida Folk Village. That big cat out front had a moving paw. I wanted to get a movie of myself underneath the waving paw, but I didn't. (Takayama)

A shot of old-time huts over a tourist's shoulder and across a pond. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:32:10Z

Heather Meadows
A shot of old-time huts over a tourist's shoulder and across a pond. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

A shot of old-time huts across a pond. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:22:23Z

Heather Meadows
A shot of old-time huts across a pond. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

A swan lurks near a stone lantern at the pond at Hida Folk Village, Takayama.

2009-06-02T07:01:20Z

Heather Meadows
A swan lurks near a stone lantern at the pond at Hida Folk Village, Takayama.

A swan lurks near a stone lantern at the pond at Hida Folk Village, Takayama.

2009-06-02T06:56:10Z

Heather Meadows
A swan lurks near a stone lantern at the pond at Hida Folk Village, Takayama.

Pond and thatched huts, Hida Folk Village, Takayama

2009-06-04T10:08:05Z

Heather Meadows
Pond and thatched huts, Hida Folk Village, Takayama

Koi, Hida Folk Village, Takayama

2009-06-04T10:16:34Z

Heather Meadows
Koi, Hida Folk Village, Takayama

Mini-shrine (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:11:34Z

Heather Meadows
Mini-shrine (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

An old-fashioned loom (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:13:36Z

Heather Meadows
An old-fashioned loom (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Inoue-sensei and Jason near an old wood structure. Note the firewood piled to the side. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:14:49Z

Heather Meadows
Inoue-sensei and Jason near an old wood structure. Note the firewood piled to the side. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Water for purification. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-02T06:59:01Z

Heather Meadows
Water for purification. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Torii gates and steps up to a shrine (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:17:27Z

Heather Meadows
Torii gates and steps up to a shrine (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Looking down on Hida Folk Village (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:11:20Z

Heather Meadows
Looking down on Hida Folk Village (Takayama)

Looking down on Hida Folk Village (Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:13:30Z

Heather Meadows
Looking down on Hida Folk Village (Takayama)

A mini-shrine(?) and some old buildings (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:08:46Z

Heather Meadows
A mini-shrine(?) and some old buildings (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

An old well (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:15:49Z

Heather Meadows
An old well (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Inside an old well (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:10:20Z

Heather Meadows
Inside an old well (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Thatched-roof building (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:22:55Z

Heather Meadows
Thatched-roof building (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Bridge and trees (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:08:10Z

Heather Meadows
Bridge and trees (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Water wheel (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:13:17Z

Heather Meadows
Water wheel (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Old building (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:15:25Z

Heather Meadows
Old building (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Wood flooring, tatami, fire pit, and screen in an old-fashioned building (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-02-22T13:12:38Z

Heather Meadows
Wood flooring, tatami, fire pit, and screen in an old-fashioned building (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Small pool of water (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:11:31Z

Heather Meadows
Small pool of water (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Bell (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-02T06:57:11Z

Heather Meadows
Bell (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Bell (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:24:44Z

Heather Meadows
Bell (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Steps and shrine (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:29:16Z

Heather Meadows
Steps and shrine (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Emmeisui, "Fountain of Youth" (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:11:13Z

Heather Meadows
Emmeisui, "Fountain of Youth" (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

I took a drink at Emmeisui, the "Fountain of Youth" (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:10:55Z

Heather Meadows
I took a drink at Emmeisui, the "Fountain of Youth" (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Wood floors, tatami mats, and fire pit (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:11:30Z

Heather Meadows
Wood floors, tatami mats, and fire pit (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Stairs and stone lanterns (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:09:48Z

Heather Meadows
Stairs and stone lanterns (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Rice paddy and traditional structure (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:09:35Z

Heather Meadows
Rice paddy and traditional structure (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Apparently Japan used to have a lot of circular rice paddies, but in time this was deemed inefficient. As I understand it, the round shape has religious significance. (Hida Folk Village, Tak ...

2009-06-04T10:16:40Z

Heather Meadows
Apparently Japan used to have a lot of circular rice paddies, but in time this was deemed inefficient. As I understand it, the round shape has religious significance. (Hida Folk Village, Tak ...

Brandon, Inoue-sensei, Todd, and Jason around the smoking pit at a "Kiosk". I had mint chocolate chip ice cream from a machine here, while we rested. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-02T07:00:22Z

Heather Meadows
Brandon, Inoue-sensei, Todd, and Jason around the smoking pit at a "Kiosk". I had mint chocolate chip ice cream from a machine here, while we rested. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

Todd and Jason at a "kiosk" (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:14:55Z

Heather Meadows
Todd and Jason at a "kiosk" (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

After resting at the kiosk, I followed Todd around to some old structures where the traditional arts are being done to this day. Here, we see a woman weaving. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

2009-06-04T10:12:19Z

Heather Meadows
After resting at the kiosk, I followed Todd around to some old structures where the traditional arts are being done to this day. Here, we see a woman weaving. (Hida Folk Village, Takayama)

After resting at the kiosk, I followed Todd around to some old structures where the traditional arts are being done to this day. Here, we see a man doing some woodcarving. (Hida Folk Village ...

2009-06-02T07:04:13Z

Heather Meadows
After resting at the kiosk, I followed Todd around to some old structures where the traditional arts are being done to this day. Here, we see a man doing some woodcarving. (Hida Folk Village ...

After resting at the kiosk, I followed Todd around to some old structures where the traditional arts are being done to this day. You may be able to tell that I took this picture through a wi ...

2009-06-02T06:58:50Z

Heather Meadows
After resting at the kiosk, I followed Todd around to some old structures where the traditional arts are being done to this day. You may be able to tell that I took this picture through a wi ...