Takayama- Hida district

We left Tokyo and headed for Takayama (the gateway to the Japan Alps) on the Shinkansen or bullet train. These trains can reach speeds up to 300km/hr. They are also amazingly comfortable...more leg room then I could ever imagine a tiny Japanese person could ever need...but greatly appreciated by us! They arrive on time by the minute. Incredible. We transferred to a regional train on the way up the mountain. The ride was beautiful- next to a large gorge with a blue/green river at the bottom.

We arrived at our Ryokan to find very small doorways typical of Japan. At least they warn you here! We hit our heads often. Our room has the typical tatami mats and futons. Very comfortable and affordable.

Here is our lounge at the Rickshaw Inn...shared with a small kitchen. Very much like a B&B. Mostly international tourists.

Takayama is famous for it's Hida-gyu (local beef). It rivals Kobe, Argentine and American beef.
We found a local butcher shop that has a restaurant upstairs (Yamatake-Shoten). You choose your own cut of meat and they slice it up for you. You then get a plate of vegetables and cook it over charcoal at your table. You barely cook the meat..then dip it in a steak sauce and soy sauce with wasabi. The meat literally melts in your mouth. It is NOT lean....but delicious.

Takayama is full of little alleys and side streets with bars and restaurants. It is also well known for it's sake breweries, which we intend to explore further!