Chasing Sakura - Japan (14) - Shin-Hotaka & Hirayu

If you ask me, April is not a good month to go to Shin-Hotaka, unless you want to see snow.  Since I used to live in Chicago I have seen enough snow for the rest of my life...  Not only was it snowing, it was only -6 degrees Celsius!!!  Thank goodness I brought my fleece sweater with me.

It was such a cloudy day... can't see much of anything
this was my "best" picture of the day

Chasing Sakura - Japan (13) - Takayama: Hida-gyu (飛驒牛)

If you go to Takayama, you must try Hida-gyu (飛驒牛).

“Hida-gyu” (Hida Beef) is the specific name given to beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, that has been raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Hida-gyu is required to have been confirmed and certified as Yield Score of Grade A or B by the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conference, and have a Firmness and Texture Grade of 5, 4 or 3 as graded by the Japan Meat Grading Association. 

Since Hida beef is cheaper compared to the three major Japanese beef (Matsusaka, Kobe, and Omi), I was able to gobble on this delicious beef 2 dinners in a row plus more.  Honestly, I found it just as if not more delicious than Kobe beef.  (Probably because I only had a small Kobe beef filet versus plates after plates of premium Hida beef!)  I already told myself - my next Japan trip must include Matsusaka!

This plague is displayed at all designated shops / restaurants serving Hida beef.

Chasing Sakura - Japan (12) - Takayama: Sanmachi Suji (高山古町)

For those of you who don't really care for history / culture but love snacking, shopping and a relaxing afternoon, I recommend you Sanmachi Suji!  

Sanmachi Suji (高山古町)

Chasing Sakura - Japan (11) - Takayama: Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋)

Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋) is a former government outpost that was established in order to bring the Hida Province under the direct control of the Edo Bakufu (Shogunate).  It was in official use from 1692 to 1969.  (That's 277 years!!!)  There used to be a number of these buildings across Japan but this is also the only one left today.   (More reasons to visit!)

Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋)

Jingoro Ramen (甚五郎らーめん)

Jingoro Ramen (甚五郎らーめん) is one of the more popular ramen restaurants in the area.  In fact, it was recommended to us by one of the hostel's staff.  It's about 10 minutes away from the JR Takayama station (by walking).

Chasing Sakura - Japan (10) - Takayama

Our next stop after Shirakawago is Takayama.  Takayama is a small, quiet town but an excellent hub to other tourist destinations such as Shin-hotaka, Hirayu, Kamikochi, Norikura, Gero, Shirakawago, etc.  It's also a hub to metropolitans such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Source: Nohi Bus (濃飛巴士)