Previously on Episodes 1 and 2
In this three episode series, we're taking a 6 day starting at Chubu International Airport
and making our way through Nagoya and the surrounding prefectures.
So join me, Raina Ong, as we continue on days 5 and 6 of our trip off-the-beaten track through central Japan.
Here’s the plan:
On Day 5, we’ll go on a stroll through Gujo Hachiman to check out its pristine waterways
in its old town and make some food replicas before driving to our final accommodation
on the trip in a mountain resort.
On Day 6, we’ll spend our last day hiking and enjoying the panoramic views in Kamikochi
in the Northern Alps to wrap up our trip.
Day 5
After breakfast, I head out for a walk through the town of Gujo Hachiman checking out some
of the sights.
Located almost in the middle of Gifu Prefecture and surrounded by mountains, the town of Gujo
Hachiman is known as a water town.
Gujo Hachiman sits at the confluence of three rivers, which have benefited the residents
for centuries.
Springs and mountain streams flow through Gujo Hachiman, and water systems were developed
to utilize the fresh water.
Back in the 15th century, the famous poet Sogi built his hermitage beside a spring in
the town and cherished the clean and clear spring water.
The spring was later named Sogi Spring after the poet and feeds several waterways in Gujo Hachiman.
Sogisui’s reputation for its quality water led it to be rated one of the top pure waters
in Japan!
This is the source of Sogisui.
And you can see the different pools which were used in the past.
The water springs up from the top, and the water in the first pool was used for drinking.
The next two pools were used for washing vegetables and food, and the last pool was used for washing dirty things.
In addition to clean waters and attractive waterways, other points of interest in Gujo Hachiman
include Gujo Hachiman Castle with a reconstructed keep from the 1930s, its charming
old town, and the Gujo Odori, a popular dance festival held in mid summer.
One lasting detail from centuries ago is this fire fighting bucket which is
used to draw water from the waterways.
Now the town suffered two major fires in the past which caused a lot of damage, and this
water bucket system was put in place to help put out and reduce its spread.
Back to modern times, Gujo Hachiman is the largest domestic producer of food replicas,
which can be seen at the entrances of many restaurants across Japan advertising their menus.
The first few food models were made out of wax almost a century ago.
In the 1930s, Iwasaki Takizo, an businessman from Gujo Hachiman, made a realistic wax food
replica successfully after much trial and error.
He then commercialized making food replicas, and is often credited for the popularisation
of food samples.
These days, food replicas are also made out of plastic or resin, which are cheaper and
more resistant to higher temperatures.
Of course, I couldn’t leave Gujo Hachiman without visiting a food replica shop and trying
my hand at making some.
There are a number of food sample shops offering hands-on activities, and I visit Sample Village Iwasaki.
I picked some sushi and tempura to make, and got right into it together with my skilled
instructor who made everything look simple.
The activity takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on what you choose to make.
I was rather pleased with my beautiful creations for they made me slightly hungry.
After the activity and checking out the attached shop, it was time to say goodbye to Gujo Hachiman
and head to Kamikochi, my last stop for the day.
From Gujo Hachiman, it’s about a 2 hour drive to the Sawando Bus Terminal
from where I’ll take the bus into Kamikochi.
On the way to Kamikochi, I pass Hirayu Onsen, a hot spring town with baths available to
day visitors.
I check it out for a short foot bath before heading on my way.
Private cars are not allowed into Kamikochi, so you’ll have to take either
a taxi or the bus from the parking area, which is what I’m doing.
It’s a short walk from the Kamikochi bus terminal to my hotel for the night.
After checking in, I take some time to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities before dinner.
It’s my last night on this trip, and I can’t think of a better place
to spend it than here in Kamikochi.
I’ve got a big hike tomorrow, so I’m gonna head to bed early tonight.
But first, dinner.
Itadakimasu~~
Day 6:
To get the most out of the last day of my trip, I go on a hike in Kamikochi.
Part of the Chubusangaku NationaI Park, the picturesque Kamikochi is an approximately
15 kilometer plateau in a valley surrounded by tall mountains.
Known for its stunning mountain scenery, the plateau has a highland resort atmosphere with
a handful of hotels and shops built along the river, which runs through the valley.
Campsites in the valley cater to both hikers scaling the mountains and recreational campers.
A hiking wonderland, Kamikochi offers plenty of hiking options catering to casual day trippers
to seasoned hikers.
Starting in Kamikochi, trails extend into the surrounding tall mountains, some of which
can be covered over multi-day hikes.
For casual hikers and day-visitors, a loop trail in the main area of Kamikochi offers
plenty of scenic views, greenery and fresh air.
My hike starts at Taisho Pond, then follows the trail along the river before crossing
the Myojin Bridge and heading back to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
Taisho Pond, as its name suggests, was created in the Taisho Period just over a hundred years ago.
The pond appeared overnight following the eruption of the volcano Yakedake.
When the sky is clear and the waters calm, the surrounding mountains are reflected on
its surface, a view that will never get old.
Ohayougozaimasu!
I’m at Taisho Pond, at the entrance of Kamikochi and the start of my approximately three hour hike.
Following the trail, I pass several marshes sporting extremely clean waters, which provide
a clear look at the fish and flora underwater.
Even the main river, the Azusa River, had crystal clear waters that seemed to sparkle in the sun.
I’m about an hour into my hike, and I’ve already fallen in love with Kamikochi.
Everything has been beautiful, the nature, the scenery..
I mean, just see for yourselves!
Kappabashi Bridge is the closest bridge to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, and its central
location means that it is also close to most of the hotels, restaurants and shops.
This landmark is also where Kamikochi’s iconic view can be had.
From there, I press on, this time heading a little deeper into the forest, where wetlands
and springs abound.
I’m not far from Myojin Bridge, which is the typical u-turn point for casual
hikers and day trippers.
But before crossing the bridge, I’m gonna have some grilled river fish and oden, which
is a simmered dish.
Beside the mountain hut where I had a small meal break, lies the ethereal Myojin Pond
which sits at the base of Mount Myojindake.
The pond is part of the Hotaka Shrine grounds, whose enshrined deity is also the main protector
of the Northern Alps.
Visiting the pond requires an admission fee, but definitely worth the small detour.
Continuing from the pond, I cross Myojin Bridge and reach the crossroads where the trail either
leads back to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal or continues deeper into the valley and up into
the surrounding mountains.
Well, I picked the one to the bus terminal and made my way back slowly.
It was an amazing 6 day trip, during which I got to live my ninja dreams, make some food
replicas and local ceramics, stay in memorable lodgings, get hands on at a tea farm, eat
all the delicious local food, look cute in a university outfit from the early 19th century
and hike in an outstanding location with stunning views.
This has truly been an enjoyable trip through central Japan participating in many fun things
along the way.
Thanks for joining me.
I hope this video has been enjoyable and perhaps even inspires some ideas, should you decide
to plan a trip through Central Japan.
For more information about this trip or to watch another video, click the links on the
screen now, or head over japan-guide.com, your comprehensive, up-to-date, travel guide
first-hand from Japan.
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Happy Travels