Memories of Japan- Part I

Can't Stop Thinking about Japan

Although its weeks since we were in Japan it is still filling my thoughts. I think this is because we had such an amazing time there. So I am going to do a few more Japan blogs hoping it helps me put Japan to rest for a while. I am really hoping we get to go back there in the future.

Magome

This was the first town we went to outside of Tokyo. So it felt special I think because we were successful on the trains and bus all by ourselves. The town is called touristy in our guide book but I loved it. It was an old post town on the Edo road in samurai times when all roads had to lead to the capital. The main street winds steeply up the mountain side with fantastic views and no cars. Water runs on either side under the paving stones. We stayed at a guest house which included our meals. There was a traditional wooden soaking tub for guests to share. Our room had views of the mountains and valley. It was our first traditional room with futons and tatami mats, very comfortable. The town reminded me of how I felt in Venice. Everything sends you back in time and was picture perfect. I loved this place. At night we were the only ones there except for one other guest at the guest house.

Looking up the main street at sunset.

To travel in the Edo period you had to have permission. These are what people showed saying they had permission to travel.

Tsumago

From Magome we hiked to Tsumago. Yet another great thing in Japan is you can cheaply send you bags ahead to your next destination. So our bags met us there. The hike was beautiful. 

 

The scenery

Many hones you passed on the trail still do some farming and dry crops in front of their homes.

One of the many shrines you pass on the hike.

Anika ringing the bear bell and Dave being the bear. Who knew they had bears in Japan?

Just one of the many pleasing decorations made with natural objects people put around their homes.

Tsumago is a very well preserved town which is why the guide books like it. I liked it but I felt it was more touristy than Magome.

From here we went to Inuyama. This is where Dave could not find our JR rail passes and we missed our train as he tore everything out of his bag looking for them. They were in his money belt! We got the next train.

Next Time Inuyama