26/08/2024 / Last updated : 26/08/2024 d.d Temple / Shrine

Gifu Daibutsu to Gujo Hachiman　岐阜大仏

April 10th. 2024 Michi no eki Fujihashi is recommended for an overnight stay at least on a weekday at this time of year. Others have experienced Bosozoku groups making a lot of noise on summer weekends. It has ample parking, good to excellent toilets and an onsen. Today we make our way to Gifu city. We plan to see the Bamboo Buddha. Last time we passed this way we did not find it and this time it was almost as elusive. Gifu Daibutsu Our navi. Steers us through one-way systems and directs us down very narrow two-way streets that have no right to such distinction. Eventually, we see the temple […]

26/08/2024 / Last updated : 26/08/2024 d.d Temple / Shrine

Ishiyamadera　石山寺

April 9th. 2024 Ayama michi no eki appears modern, at first, but is basic in the toilet department. On a very wet night, it is possible to park close to the facilities so exposure to the unkind elements is limited. Probably due to its basic nature, it is not popular in the morning and few cars drop in. Its only redeeming feature is that it is generous with rubbish bins. Leaving Ayama, we head for Lake Biwa but by chance notice Ishiyamadera. This name rings bells with D. so we stop and are pleased we did. Ishiyamadera The temple dates from the Heian era 1096 CE. and we realize as […]

12/07/2023 / Last updated : 12/07/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Shin-Hotaka ropeway　　　新穂高ロープウェイ

April 16th. 2023 For such a small michi no eki Azumino Matsukawa on a wet night there were quite a few overnight vehicles. Come morning, we set off for the Shin-Hotaka ropeway. Abo Touge (Pass) On the way to Okuhida, for the Shin-Hotaka ropeway, we took R.158 to Hirayu. We thought it more fun to drive over the Abo Pass as it provides a wonderful view of Mt. Yakedake from the top. The road over the pas is on the right just after the entrance to the Kama tunnel but before the Hirayu tunnel. The road appears to be open. We drive up past Nakanoyu Onsen but there is more […]

28/02/2023 / Last updated : 18/03/2023 d.d Arts / Places of interest

Mino, traditional town and paper creations　　美濃

Oct. 20th. 2022, Michi no eki, Nanamori Kiyomi The night at Nanamori Kiyomi was a wonderful one for stars but very cold. For the first time this trip, the car was encased in ice. We have stayed in this michi no eki before, it is notable for easy access to Takayama and fresh flowers in the toilets. We set off for Gujo Hachiman. This is a trip along one of my favourite roads ‘Seseragi kaido’. It sweeps up and down the mountains in wide graceful curves with pretty scenery most of the way. Pascal Kiyomi michi no eki We stop at Pascal Kiyomi michi no eki, a place clearly run […]

27/06/2022 / Last updated : 18/02/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Shirawakawago in spring to Kuzuryu　白川郷から九頭竜

18th April 2022 Michi no eki Hida Hakusan This was our second time to spend a night at Hida Hakusan. It is a good place for an overnight at least outside peak tourist season as the proximity to a world heritage site probably means it get seriously crowded. We shared the car park with perhaps four other vehicles and one person on a Honda 50 who erected a small tent. Kudos. Trucks grinding up the hill do make a noise but there are few. This michi no eki has an adjacent onsen which is spacious and pleasant. The outside bath was, sadly, not in operation due to lack of water. […]

22/06/2022 / Last updated : 18/02/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Hida Asahi village and Hida Furukawa Walk　　飛騨古川

17th April 2022 Hida Asahi Cherry Tree tour　飛騨朝日村 This morning we wander around Hida Ashahi-mura to see the, at least locally, famous cherry trees. We walk around the village and visit 4~5 cherry trees at shrines and temple. These are a little disappointing as they are either past their prime or yet to shine. So, we drive a short distance to visit another Shinmei shrine (Aoya district). Here the cherry blossom is reflected in a handily flooded rice field. At night it is clear that this is very special but in daylight with a stiff breeze rippling the water it is beautiful but not outstanding. Hida Furukawa Having had our […]

21/05/2020 / Last updated : 31/01/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Norikuradake Hiking and Hirayu Onsen　　乗鞍岳と平湯温泉

June 2019, Wake earlier than usual as we plan to climb, well hike a bit, on Norikuradake Mt. Norikura. We drive to the Honoki-daira free parking area to take the bus to Tatamidaira by way of the Norikura Skyline. Tatami-daira is the highest bus stop in Japan, which was certainly news to me. The bus fare is 2,300 yen return and the shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes. Norikura Skyline is open from May 15th. to Oct. 31st. Tatami-daira　　畳平 From Tatami-daira there are various hiking routes, from the gentle stroll round the flower meadow, Ohanabatake, to the hike to the top of Mt. Kengamine, the highest peak of the […]

17/05/2020 / Last updated : 31/01/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

The Hakusan White Road – scenic driving　白山ホワイトロード

June 2019, Hakusan White Road A peaceful night at Hida Hakusan as the rain eases and gives way to a morning of patchy sunlight. I make use of the Ashiyu, or hot spring foot-bath, before we set off for the Hakusan White Road. This is a toll road through the mountains from Shirakawago in Gifu over to Ishikawa pref. We have limited expectations, as we know the road is closed, due to a landslide, on the Ishikawa side. We also know it is possible to go as far as the onsen and nature centre. The toll, at 3200-yen return, is a bit steep. In the event, as the way through […]