Nagoya Tri @ Summer Fest *Shirakawa-go & Takayama*

On our second day trip in Nagoya, my brother offered to drive us to another town area. Here's our second day trip itinerary:

1. Nagoya, Yokosuka ---> Shirakawa-Go (Gifu)

2. Shirakawa-Go ----> Takayama

3. Takayama ---> Yokosuka

Shirakawa-go is one of the most beautiful and eye-catching place that I've been. The view is so serene which will leave you a peaceful mind to stay in. It is also a declared UNESCO World heritage site in 1995. They are famous for their traditional gasshozukuri farmhouses, some which are more than 250 years old. Also, there are still residents who are residing in the village and well equipped with schools, restaurants, fire brigade and hospital.

With some research done, Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms. I shall let the pictures do the talking. :)

The farmhouses with paddyfields.

So peaceful and calm by just looking at it isn't it?

This is probably the cleanest drain I've discovered and living fishes are in the drains.

This is how their ancestors build the farmhouses in the olden days.

My brother is overjoyed with the Matcha Ice cream on his hand. It is famous and we've tried Shoyu (Soy sauce) soft serve too, which taste delicious with its milky taste.

Us captured with moments of beauty in the village

Our 2nd destination is in Takayama's Old Town. This old town with shops and coffee houses are well-presevered which dated since Edo Period (1600-1868). This city was once thrived as a wealthy town of merchants. Some of the restaurants or businesses (one which I remember vividly is a home-made Miso shop) have been in business for centuries.

A cafe shop on the Takayama Old Town, Sannomachi Street.

Our Dinner! Ramen Ramen Ramen. One of the must-eat food in Japan. This is a family restaurant in the nearby neighbourhood of my brother's home. As the price here is 'reasonable' and is famous for its Ramen, so...let's drool over the pictures. Hehe..

Yup.. It's all in Japanese Language for restaurants in suburbs. I really do need my personal translator.

Karage - Japanese Style Fried Chicken.
I would say it is the so-called 'Uncle Bob' for Japanese style. Crispy fried chicken and without the juice dried up from deep frying the meat is one of the Japanese favourite dish. I do realise that they love to eat fried meat, such as the above ones. And I do agree with their deep fried dishes taste good as you know they did a good job in Tempuras too. :)

One of the chef recommended Ramen - Ramen with Japanese style Char-Siew and Miso Broth.

Another chef recommendation - Miso Ramen with Vegetables.
You would see the thick miso in it with some chili oil and lots of sliced onions. Very strong flavor of miso and with the combination of Ramen texture. I would give a two thumbs up!