Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) waits for no man, we had to have packed our bags, had our breakfast, checked out and ready to roll in the lobby at 0800.
A short walk across the busy intersection and we were in Shinagawa Station for the last time. It was time to bid farewell to Tokyo.
Our train, on time almost to the second, pulled in, pax off, pax on and we pulled out within three minutes or so. On time, in any case. Our guides emphasized that we couldn't waste time getting on because the trains move on schedule whether or not you are aboard.
We had a smooth ride to Nagoya where we changed to the limited express, Hida, for Takayama. It's a single track run up to Takayama so along the way we were sidetracked three times so southbound trains could pass. At one of those sidings there were some small garden plots between the buildings.
View of Takayama from the train station. The white banners announce a festival that starts on the 10th.
The Takayama station is a modern building with two reflecting pools introducing the city to arriving passengers.
Takayama attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world due to the water of its refreshing hot springs, milder summer climate (550 meters above sea level), well-preserved old city and proximity to the world heritage site Shirakawa-go.
We walked from the train station to our ryokan. Just off the street, this foot bath allows weary walkers to revive their tired feet in the famous Takayama hot spring waters.
The entrance to our inn invited travelers into a place to relax and recharge while enjoying the invigorating waters.
The beginning of tonight's dinner. Even the hungriest had their appetite sated.
I went up to the 13th floor for a hot spring bath and soak before dinner and another after. The waters were very good.
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