Shirakawa-go and Takayama

'If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday', so Sydentricker Pearl Buck, novelist once said. This sentence brings Yudasmoro Minasiani to Shirakawa-go and Takayama in the north of Nagoya. Here he finds the values ​​that brought Japan into one of the most modern nations.

Temperature outside begins to drop to 7 degrees Celsius. The cold weather outside the window seemed to touch the bus I was riding. The trip to Shirakawa-go is less than an hour because I enjoyed overlooking the beautiful hills Perfecture Gifu, central Japan region. Soon I will arrive in Shirakawa-go, a traditional village is designated as world heritage by Uneso. In contrast to the visited villages in Indonesia, visited Shirakawa-go can be done very easily because there is a smooth access roads reach this region. Many public transportation through this place with the bus schedule that I see plastered on a public bus station. Although many groups of tourists who come by bus tourism, there is also the use of public transport to come here.

When getting off the bus, immediately drizzle greeted me along with the air temperature gets colder. Kyoko the guide immediately took me to the view point where visitors can see first hand view of Shirakawa-go from the top. I was immediately amazed by the panorama of a village with houses form a nearly equilateral triangle. The village is situated on a half-foot mountain was shrouded in fog as it was before the winter. Around it I can still see patches of rice fields and the cold air smothering of whom had seen the trees began to fall leaves. "The shape of the roof of the house means that the shape of praying hands," explained Kyoko. Distinctive style of house building is known as gassho-zukuri. In addition to symbolize praying hands, a triangular shape is also intended to avoid a pile of snow in the winter arrives. "(With a shape like this) that there is snow on the roof can be directly downward," said Kyoko again.

After being looked at from a distance with Kyoko village I walked towards the village of Shirakawa. Downhill for about 15 minutes, we welcome the calm atmosphere of this route because the vehicles are not allowed to pass. All the visitors and residents either have to walk here. This was contradictory to the prohibition of the Japanese title as one of the country's largest automobile manufacturers in the world. Around the countryside I saw a stretch of fertile land and a small river with crystal clear water flowing Ryohaku mountain backdrop, this beautiful rural surrounds. What an amazing harmony of nature! With the typical atmosphere of the highlands, complete with a natural forest that grows on the slopes, do not be surprised if some people dub this place as its Japanese Alps.

Located on the border between Gifu prefectures and Toyama I, Shirakawa-go is presenting a magnificent panorama. I feel like being in an ancient Japanese village, just as I have ever seen in the movie The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. That day I did not see the warrior samurai or Japanese women wearing kimonos complete with accessories, but you'll enjoy the traditional atmosphere through gassho houses made ​​me see another side of Japan that is now famous for its modernization.

Yes, Shirakawa village atmosphere and presents a view of Japan's past. In this village there are about 160 houses, mostly hundreds of years old and in excellent condition. Some have converted to support the tourism industry which is one major source of income of this village. It's used as souvenir shops and inns, some are used as a museum.

One house I visited was the Wada House. To get inside, visitors are required to open footwear, a wisdom that Japan is still practiced by most people. Instead, housekeepers provide the typical Japanese wooden sandals to walk in the house. This house has an important role in the 18th and 19th centuries because once occupied by the village chief Shirakawa and some local officials. They say this house was also a weapons factory. Wada House now serves as a museum that shows the design, structure and some of the original household items from the Edo period. Here I can still see the silkworm farms that indicate that the first Shirakawa also famous for silk weaving business. Be some furniture and kitchen appliances such as stoves, pots, steamer up the old fireplaces framed by neatly shows the typical atmosphere of the past. Kyoko again provide an explanation of the building that was hundreds of years old. He told me that the framework Wada House does not use any nails. Everything is united by a knot tied with rope made ​​from the roots. Roof is also made ​​with wood and dry grass. With such natural materials, traditional houses would last for hundreds of years. This indicates a high technical capability and expertise to recognize the power of nature, two things in this modern century continue to be developed by the Japanese community.

One of the uniqueness of Shirakawa-go is a different beauty in every season. In the summer of this traditional village looks green with flowers blooming in the house gassho. When autumn comes, the mountains around Shirakawa-go turns into a colorful as many trees leaf color changes to red and yellow. The atmosphere and color of the hills surrounding the village was changed as a colorful carpet. In winter, the white color that dominates the Shirakawa-go, making this area is so beautiful. At nightfall, the lights in this rural light reflecting on the white snow.

Finishing  complete to enjoy the beauty of the village of Shirakawa, then we continue the trip to Takayama, a small town famous for its old street. In the 16 th century, founded the family Kanimori Takayama Castle which marked the beginning of the era of this city's cultural development. The isolated position among the mountains to Takayama developed into a colony by itself. Advance society dominated by the carpenters who worked in Kyoto to build a house of worship. Now, as a characteristic of Takayama's old town where craftsmen still visible.

In the afternoon entered the Takayama I can still see the group of tourists, both local and foreign who enjoy strolling past Japan. Although the streets in the old town is as wide as the road toll but there is hardly a passing car. Unique as well as for crossing the road, I have to queue to wait for the crossing light turns green. And then none of the passing vehicles. The spirit of discipline that is applied in everyday life of Japanese people is exemplary.

Kyoko then led me down the old street, a street or rather an alley that is still packed with old buildings of wood. On either side of the road I could see the souvenir merchants and sake (a Japanese alcohol beverage) who peddle their wares. Almost all the buildings on the street is still using the old wood and old Japanese style. Some stores also sell many souvenirs of wood raw material. Do not be surprised if here, as in other cities in Gifu Perfecture, many souvenirs sold in the form of cute monkey figure with no face. Called Sarubobo, local people believed the dolls as a good luck charm.

This road also provides a variety of typical food Takayama is saying to miss. Culinary tourism in the city is not complete without sampling a typical snack Takayama, Goheimochi, that looks like ice cream with a stick. Actually, rice cakes are baked and then compacted and covered with sweet and salty flavor, sprinkled with a little peanut and usually enjoyed with a bowl of miso. Not to forget, I am also waiting in line for a taste of miso (Japanese soup) for free. In the midst of the cold weather is the most delicious dishes while tasting hot soup. Takayama has become one of the tourists to a vacation destination, especially due to the activity of skiing in the winter.

'This season seems to snow more quickly, "said Kyoko. Although I have not felt that night the snow, but I understand what is meant Kyoko. The air temperature was near zero degrees and I could not walk leisurely for more frequent cold air covered! But cold weather does not seem to deter tourists and locals to continue to move, seen from the number of people wandering around the old street. I spend the time left to get around downtown that seems to have started quiet. Unlike big cities like Tokyo, Takayama is best suited to serve resort town. In addition to the atmosphere is calm, the city also once night falls instantly silent. There is no nightlife in this city. Even so on the main road, I still see shops brightly lit even though there was no buyer.

The next day, Kyoko invited me to visit the morning market in downtown. Much like the market was surprised that often held in a residential area in Jakarta, morning market in Takayama also sell a variety of vegetables, fruits and a variety of basic needs. Some traders also held suvernir typical local area, including various types of dolls Sarubobo. Cultures of people who give priority to visible cleanliness of the market that looks neat and no one of them flies. That morning was a lot of tourists joined local residents to shop or just look around and take pictures. Location of market morning right in front of government house is really strategic. Apart from enjoying the atmosphere of a traditional market, I can take pictures in front of government house or Takayama djinn that form the building as a traditional Japanese house.

Takayama Jinya existence began in 1692 when the  Takayama ruled by Tokugawa Shogunate. In the past this building serves as a government office in the Edo period. In 1969 officially just started being used as a museum. This building is one of dozens of ancient buildings are still preserved. It's just when Japan grew into a great nation because they are proven to really appreciate the history.

In addition to a variety of natural and cultural attractions, Takayama is also famous for its festivals. Takayama Matsuri festival is believed to be the local community has existed since the 16th century, including the three biggest festivals in Japan. Held twice a year every summer and autumn, the festival featured processions complete with decorative karakuri ningyo or mechanical dolls are very interesting to watch.

Shirakawa-go and Takayama, presenting both sides of the different traditional Japanese. Each has its noble values ​​and historic identity that show the Japanese people the truth. Small towns are making me feel at home for longer with the feel of the display of calm and I'm sure you too will feel the same when visiting these interesting places.

How To Get There

Shirakawa-go and Takayama are located close together in central Japan. Both can be reached from Nagoya and Tokyo. From Jakarta, the city can be reached directly by using the airlines, among others: Garuda Indonesia(www.garudaindonesiaairways.com): Jakarta-Nagoya/Tokyo; Japan Airlines: New York-Tokyo; air asia(www.airasia.com): Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur-Tokyo.

How to Explore

There are several ways to reach out to Shirakawa-go and Takayama. From Tokyo you can use the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya (100-120 minutes, a few trains per hour) and then move to train JR Hilda eskpres to Takayama (140 minutes, one train every hour), then connected with Nohi Bus (50 minutes, 8-9 buses per day). Reached by public bus from Nagoya or Tokyo, while Takaynama can be reached by train from Nagoya JR Hida Express. From Nagoya Gifu bus there once a day to Shirakawa-go with the old 3-hour trip. Takayama also can be reached from Tokyo by bus. There are 5-7 buses from Keio Highway Bus Terminal in Tokyo to Takayama operated by Keio and Nohi long bus trip with 5.5 hours. Arriving in Shirakawa-go and Takayama you can get around by foot.

 JR tokaido shinkansen

Where to Stay

In order to explore the Shirakawa-go and Takayama with more flexibility, we encourage you to spend the night. Do not forget to look at sites like http://www.agoda.comto see the special offers that can save your expenditure, you know the Japanese are bleak tourist destination that requires an excessive expenditure or budget, because it was so high price of goods or services that are carved on the list price of goods or services they offer.

Toyota Shirakawa-go Eco Institute

Toyota Shirakawa-go Eco Institute,. With a location directly at the foot of Mount Hakusan, this house can be the most appropriate location to learn about the traditions of Japan as well as the latest technological know-based environment. 'Hotel-School' provides a fresh natural environment for you to learn more about the environment. 323 Magari, Shirakwa-mura, Ono-gun, Shirakawa-go, Japan T. 501 5620 056769-6-1187 website: www.toyota.eco-inst.j

Oyado Koto No Yume Japanese Ryokan

Oyado Koto No Yume Japanese Ryokan or traditional hotel is one of the best in Takayama. Enjoy the atmosphere of the past with modern facilities, complete with a variety of trinkets local artisans works. Especially for women provided a wide selection of Japanese Yukata or Kimono that can be used submarines to stay here. 6-11, Hanasato-cho, Takayama, Gifu 506-0026 T. 0577-32-0427 website: http://www.kotoyume.com

 super hotel hida

Super Hotel Hida Takayama - For selection of hotel deals, networks are already reaching the Super Hotel Takayama can be alternative. Located close to JR Takayama station, from this hotel you can access various parts of the city including the Shirakawa-go with ease. 4-76, Tenmacho, Takayama-shi, Gifu. T. 0577-32-9000; http://www.superhoteljapan.com