November 8, 2014

Preparing pickles



 Preparing pickles


As you may know, Hida Takayama, here is well known as a snow heavy area.
Before the winter comes, local people here have prepared for some preserved foods for the winter. 
And, pickles are the typical preserved foods in this area.

There will be upcoming event at Hida Folk village that you can see how the locals prepare for it.
Hopefully, you might still have a chance to enjoy autumn leaves there as well. 




 


Date:  23rd Nov, 2014   10am~3pm
Location: Hida Folk village (10mins away by bus from Takayama bus terminal)
*The valuable ticket for 900yen (includes both a round trip bus and admission fee) available at the bus terminal!!




November 5, 2014

Autumn Colour Series (2): Kokubunji Temple and Higashiyama Walking Course

You really cannot turn your eyes away from the trees here during the autumn season as they just turn red and yellow almost stealthily. I remember one morning when I was riding my bicycle to work, the autumn colours just seemed to appear out of nowhere. I couldn't help asking myself questions like: Wasn't this tree just green yesterday? I even went as far as to question whether I have lost a week's worth of memory, so, to me, all the trees seemed to have turned red overnight.

Anyway, the sudden realization of the arrival of autumn colours sent me into a flurry of activity. On my next day off, I rode my bicycle around town, stopping over here and there, trying to catch whatever autumn colours that was around. Here are a few spots that caught my attention:

1. Kokubunji Temple

You don't have to walk far from the station or J-hoppers to get here so it is best to drop by in the early morning before heading off to Shirakawa-go, Kamiko-chi or whatever spot you plan to go for the day. As at Nov 5, the Ginko tree has not yet turned fully yellow, but the small maple tree with leaves in hues of yellow, orange and red will surely capture your imagination.

Just for your information, legend has it that when the Ginko tree is stripped of all its trees, first snow will fall in Takayama. Let's all see if this is true this year.



2. Higashiyama Walking Course 

As one of the most easily accessible walking course within the Takayama city, it takes you through a lot of temples which are home to a variety of trees showcasing their best face in autumn at present. The section that left a lasting impression on my memory was the slope leading up to the  youth hostel and temple called Tensho-ji, which is lined with trees that have put on their autumn clothes.

Another spot you shouldn't miss on the walking course is the Enago River, which offers spectacular views of autumn colours as well.    



3. Hida Folk Village 

A must-go spot for those who cannot spare any time to go to Shirakawa-go, Hida Folk Village transports you back to the ancient Japan where you can get a taste of what it must be like to live in those times. The village, of course, also offers its share of autumn colors set against the background of the Gassho houses. It is something you will not want to miss.

If you are blessed with a day of clear sky, I recommend that you stop by the Hida Takayama Museum of Art to get a clear view of the snow-capped mountains along with the maple leaves.



October 23, 2014

Autumn Colours Series (1): Kamikochi


With rain pounding down endlessly throughout the whole summer, summer gave way to autumn almost like abruptly, catching foreigners from tropical land like me totally unawares, as we are used to long, seemingly never-ending summers. I couldn’t help exclaiming to myself: what? Summer is over already? Seriously? It dawns on me that I cannot afford to lose any more time as my once-in-a-year reunion with autumn colors is at stake. So here I go, chasing after the autumn colors which move swiftly down from the high mountains.

Karasawa
The term “red leaves” can be quite misleading as autumn colors present you with much more than shades of red. It is also inaccurate to assume that autumn colors point only to maple leaves, even though it remains the type most popular among travellers. What I find equally if not more mesmerizing and breathtaking are the low growth of trees dotting the high mountain areas, painting the landscape in shades of yellow and red, as  I saw luckily in Karasawa a few years back. It was by far the most beautiful autumn colors I have ever encountered. I doubt if anything can surpass the feeling of awe and wonder that enveloped me at that time. But don’t rush to purchase your ticket yet, as the autumn colors there are already over, and snow will fall up there soon. Make it a plan next year though, around late September or early October. I count it among the spots that you have to visit at least once in your lifetime.



Of course, I will not get you all excited without offering an alternative. Now is the prime time to pay a visit to the nature wonderland Kamikochi, which is located just one and a half hours away by bus from Takayama. Again, I am not after the regular red leaves there, but the pine trees that turn golden when autumn sets in every year. Last year when I first travelled to Takayama in early November, I was told the leaves had all dropped. Having learned a hard lesson last year, this time I got the timing just right, and the pine trees awaiting me there did not disappoint. It is best to set aside one full day, so you can take a leisurely walk along the river while soaking in the spectacular views surrounding you. I recommend you get off not at the last stop, but two stops before at Taisho-ike, from which you walk towards the bus terminal, on the way admiring the Taisho Pond as well as Mt. Yake. Don’t forget your bear bells to keep the hungry bears at bay. You might also prepare some autumn tunes to sing along. The noisier you are, the less likely you will run into a bear, so they say. Good luck!




September 6, 2014

Ilumination at Takayama


Summer is over, and autumn has come here in Takayama.
We have illumination at night between September 1st and November 30th near the famous red bridge called Nakabashi. It takes only a few minutes by walk from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama.
You can definitely discover another side of Takayama and enjoy it!!

Date: September 1st to November 30th (6:30pm~10pm every day)
Place: Near Nakabashi
Access: A few minutes by walk from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama

September 2, 2014

Rice harvesting in kurumada, wheel-shaped rice fields (Hida no Sato )

The method of planting rice plants concentrically around a rod standing at the center of the rice paddy is a very rare method in Japan and is a unique method developed in Hida.There will be the harvest festival at Hida Folk village (Hida no Sato) on 21st September.

Date: 21st September.  10:00~12:00 

Place :Hida not sato  (Hida folk village)

Access:40 minutes by walk from J-Hopper.  or 10 minutes by bus from Nohi bus center.




August 4, 2014

(9th August )Hand Held Fireworks Festival

Every mid-summer in Takayama, 31st  Hand Held Fireworks Festival is held in the middle of the Miyagawa River that channels right through the centre of the city.





  Hand Held Fireworks Festival
Place: Yayoi Bridge (`弥生橋下流)

Date and Time: Fri, Aug 9 [19:30-21:00]*


Access: 10 Min by Bus from Takayama Station
             20 Min on Foot from J-Hoppers


*Subject to be postponed if weather conditions aren't suitable.












July 10, 2014

Hida Takayama Fireworks Festival

Takayama Summer Fireworks Festival


57th Summer Fireworks Festival
Place: Miyagawa Riverbank Park (宮川緑地公園)
 → 10minutes from J-Hoppers
Date and Time: Wed, July 30 [19:30-20:45]*




Firework festivals are held all over Japan during the summer, and Takayama is no exception!

Every mid-summer in Takayama, two fireworks festivals are held in the middle of the Miyagawa River that channels right through the center of the city.

An impressive amount of fireworks and rockets will colour the night sky during the 30th July and then just a week later, there will be another fireworks event in which men grasp the rockets in their arms and then in a rather dangerous yet courageous act, proceed to ignite them whilst holding! (Don't try this at home!) 

This year's first fireworks festival can be viewed from many places in central Takayama, but we personally recommend visiting Miyagawa Riverbank Park as the fireworks will take place a little further down the river.

This year's hand held fireworks festival (Tezutsu Hanabi) can be seen near the Yayoi Bridge in central Takayama.


June 24, 2014

Summer Nakabashi Light-up!!

Most of shops are closed around 17:00 in Takayama.
What can we do in the evening in Takayama?

Many guests are asking those questions. Usually we recommend to go to Onsen or go to some bars, but now...Light-up season is coming!!

Nakabashi which is beautiful red and landmark bridge in Takayama will be lighten up from 19:30 to 22:00.
This event stars from July 5th to August 17th, 2014.
It's very beautiful and tasteful in the evening. You might find a different aspect of the bridge.

You can walk only for 5 min from J-hoppers to reach there.
I think you can experience nice walking  in old private houses area as well.

We still have available rooms and beds in July, why don't you come to Takayama and stay with us?


















■Dates: July 5th to Aug 17th, 2014.

■Time : 19:30 to 22:00

■Access :  5 min walk from J-hoppers Hida Takayama Guesthouse
                10 min walk from JR Takayama station

June 4, 2014

Mt Norikura


The hiking season has just started in the Japanese Alps

Hiking aroud Norikura
Norikura mountains isn’t as crowded as Kamiko-chi and has some splendid mountain scenery,easy hiking trails.

A bus take you to a bus stop called Tatamidaira(2700m above the sea level).When you get off the bus .you can enjoy
alpine plants and hiking. Also you can see snow walls on the way to bus stop.Why don’t you do a day trip for Norikura.?


 You can take nohi bus [Takayama →Honokidaira ski resort →Norikura(Tatamidaira)]

Nohi bus

 It takes about 1 and half hour  to get there from Takayama







Mt Norikura from Takayama city.

May 31, 2014

Takayama's 3rd Ultra Marathon!

Takayama's 3rd Annual Ultra Marathon


For the third year in row, Takayama will host an insane 100km marathon! The course starts in the center of Takayama city, passes through the old town, continues out into the mountains past many beautiful rivers and then ends in the Hida Furukawa region.

There will be two courses. You can see the full 100km course and the 72km course by clicking the link below:

http://www.city.takayama.lg.jp/kankou/documents/2014_course_map.pdf

The marathon will have three separate start times starting from 4:45, 5:00 & 5:15am all starting infront of the Takayama City Hall.

Unfortunately, participation is no longer possible!
The costs for participation were 16,000 yen for the 100km course and 12,000 for the 72km course respectively.

You can see further details written in English by clicking the link below:

http://www.r-wellness.com/takayama/2014/english.html

Even if you have no interest in participating in this event, assuming you can get up at 4:30am you will be able to spectate this behemoth of a marathon!

We hope to see you here!



May 30, 2014

Let's enjoy nature with ALPS Hello 80 ticket!

Are you thinking how many night you will stay in Takayama?
I recommend to stay here for 3 or 4 nights for mountain lovers, because super value ticket is now on sale! 

<ALPS Hello 80 ticket> 

Adults: 8,000 yen  Child: 4000 yen

It's included tickets as below,

1. The bus fee between Takayama and Shin-Hotaka
It's valid for 4 days, you can use anytime.
This ticket is including Rope-way fee.
From the Rope-way, you can see beautiful mountain view! 

2. The bus fee between Hirayu Onsen to Kamikochi
It's for a round trip. 
Kamikochi is a national park which is surrounded fresh green and beautiful river.
You can feel fresh air and refresh your feeling.
I absolutely recommend to go there especially in summer. It's so cool there.

3. The bus fee between Hiyayu Onsen to Norikura
It's for a round trip.
You can go to 2,700m area by this bus.
Still snow there even it's June, and you can see mountain flowers and trees in that area.
If you feel tired of hot temperature, I recommend to go there and heal with cool air!


My recommendation with ALPS Hello ticket ↓↓

1 day : Visit Takayama Town (Old house area) for half day

2 day : Go to Kamikochi for Hiking for 1 day

3 day : Go to Shin-Hotara and take rope-way and take a nice Onsen there

4 day : Go to Norikura for 1 day

5 day : Visit Shirakawago with J-hop tour for half day


Now you can see fresh green around Takayama, so I recommend to go to mountain area NOW!
It must be beautiful and make your mind refresh!

If you have some questions or get more information about it, please feel free to J-hoppers staff!
We still have enough room for available in June.
Let's stay with us and enjoy nature!


We hope to see you in the near future:)


■ You can get the ticket at Nohi bus center :  TEL: 0577-32-1688 (Domestic)
■ Time schedule for the bus : http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/index.html




May 13, 2014

Hida Beef Ajikura

If you come to Takayama, you must eat Hida Beef.

I recommend you to one of good restaurants called Ajikura

It's only  3 minutes walk from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama


Specially I recommend you to have lunch set menu.

It is only 1080 yen including rice ,salad and miso soup



Hida Beef Ajikura

Opening hours 11:00~14:00  Last order 13:50

                    17:00~22:00 Last order 21:00

Close day :Every Tuesday.


April 30, 2014

Ikibina Matsuri

Ikibina Matsuri

takes place annually on the third of April at the Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine. This traditional festival is conducted to pray for a good harvest and women’s happiness. It is known nationally therefore it attracts many visitors. Nine unmarried women are chosen from the Hida area and dress up as Hina dolls. As Hina dolls they participate in a parade and mochi throwing ceremony. A collaborative event with TV anime show HYOUKA also takes place on this day.







Every year :3rd April

Place

Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine (5323 Ichinomiyamachi, Takayama)

Access

10 minutes walk from JR Hida-Ichinomiya Station

April 27, 2014

Celebrate Children's Day in Hida folk village!

Japanese people celebrate Children's day in May!
Normally we display "Koinobori" which called carp banner in English to celebrate it.

Here is a big chance to see rare "Koinobori" in Takayama.
Hida folk village will display "9m Koinobori" made of Japanese paper. 
How big it is!
And it is made of Japanese traditional papers!
Even for me, I have not seen Koinobori like that before!
Now you have a chance to see if you stay in Takayama^^

Moreover, you can enjoy a concert with Japanese traditional instruments : Shamisen and drums.
It sounds powerful and fun!

We still have room for available during Japanese Holiday week.
(May 3rd and 4th have been already fully booked so far...)

Let's stay with us in May and have a nice Japanese experience in Hida folk village!
Please feel free to contact us about accommodation and event in Takayama!


■Event details
<Koinobori and doll desplay>
Date : May 1st to June 5th

<concert with Shamisen and Drams> 
Date : May 3rd and 4th
Start Time : 11:00 or 13:30 (about 30 min for the performance)

■Fee for Hida folk village 
Adults : 700 yen
Children under 15 years old : 200 yen

■Open time
8:30 to 17:00 everday


■Access
10 min from Takayama Nohi bus terminal by bus
30 min walk from J-hoppers Hida Takayama

■Information about Hida folk village
website :  http://www.hidanosato-tpo.jp/english12.htm


 

April 5, 2014

Takayama Spring Festival 2014

Takayama Spring Festival 2014

Every year during April 14th - 15th*, Takayama welcomes in spring by hosting one of Japan's biggest and most famous festivals.

Events:

The Floats ( Various times / 14th-15th April*)


During this year's spring festival three magnificently crafted floats will be paraded around the streets of the old town.

We will be able to supply further details and time schedules of the floats procession when we are notified. 



The first float is Sanbaso (三番叟),










石橋台The second being Ryuujintai (龍神台














and the last being Shakkyotai (石橋台)














Karakuri Marionette Performance (14th-15th April*)

Twice a day morning and afternoon the floats will come to rest. During this time, atop each float the Karakuri dolls will come to life in traditional performances and dances. Each doll is intricately controlled by professional puppeteers.



Night Festival ( From 18:30 / April 14th*)

During the early evening when it's become dark, all 12 of Takayama's current floats are decorated with multiple beautifully illuminated lanterns as children with their variety of instruments climb up onto the second floor of the float. They are then paraded around the old town (though not always so gingerly!) by groups of local men.


Upon arrival to Takayama we can supply you with further information as we receive it.

*Please note that the festival will be postponed or even cancelled in the event of rain or other unfavorable weather conditions.

We hope to see you here in time for the festival!

March 31, 2014

Hida Ichi no Miya Hina Doll Festival

第62回飛騨生きびな祭Hida Ichi no Miya
63rd Hina Matsuri Festival
w/ Hyoka Anime!





What is it?

Every year in March, beautiful arrays of ornamental dolls can be seen in various places a custom which has its roots back in the Heian period of Japan.

Formerly, people believed the dolls possessed the power to contain bad spirits and at one time these dolls would be sent afloat down the river, supposedly taking troubles or bad spirits with them.

Normally known in English as the "Hina Doll Festival" or "Girls' Day", it normally takes place on the 3rd of March however, because the Takayama area is colder than most parts of southern Japan, the festival is always delayed by one month!

Outside of Takayama City, in the small town of "Ichi no Miya" sightseers will be able to see these dolls for themselves and if you happen to be a fan of Takayama's own "Hyoka" anime series, you will be glad to hear that various themed events will be taking place.


When is it?

3rd of April 2014 (All Day)


Where is it?

Hida Ichi no Miya, Garyuu Park

You can access this park via train from Takayama station by getting off at Hida Ichi no Miya Station. You should then take the back exit by using the overpass bridge and you will see the park on your right hand side.







March 30, 2014

Free Takayama Walking Tour from April♡

You can enjoy Takayama town by yourself  easily.However, if you would like to see Takayama and know Japanese culture deeply, I totally recommend to join "Takayama Waling Tour"!

The tour will bring you the place which most travelers miss and the local tour guide will tell you traditional Japanese customs, rituals, and practices.

Also, you can visit a sake brewery and learn the history and the process of sake production.
Takayama is very famous for Japanese sake, so it's gonna be very nice experience for you.

And we had a big news!
It was 1,500 yen for the tour before.
BUT it's gonna be for FREE from this April!!!!!!
There is no reason you don't take the tour, isn't it?

The tour details are as below, please check it out.
If you had any questions, please feel free to ask to the reception^^


■Schedule <2 hour tour>

9:00  Meet at iSite TAKAYAMA Tour desk
↓ 
11:00 Finish at Hirase Sake Brewery

■Price : FREE

■Date of Operation : Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

■Website : http://www.isitetakayama.sakura.ne.jp/pg138.html



February 21, 2014

Takayama Hina Doll Festival♡

Do you know we celebrate the Girls' festival on March 3rd in Japan?
We decorate with Hina Doll to celebrate for girls.
Each doll has different faces because it's hand-made.

You can see many kinds of dolls in Takayama from March 1st to April 3rd.
This period, you can join the event "Stamp Rally" that you visit some places to see the dolls and collect stamps. 
If you collect the stamps, you can get a special souvenir!!
It's not only a fun activity, but also you can feel Japanese culture.




If you know "Hyoka" which is Japanese animation and is set in Takayama, there is a special course for it. And if you follow the course and correct some stamps, you can get "Hyoka" original goods as below.


It's only this season to see Hina Doll in Japan!
Why don't you visit Takayama and join the "Stamp Rally" event?
It must be interesting^^
When you come to J-hoppers, we will give you more information about the event!

We look forward to seeing you in Takayama!


<Takayama Hina Doll Festival>
■Date: March 1st to April 3rd
■Place: Takayama city
■Website :  http://www.hida.jp/english/events/event-calendar/event-calendar-april





February 8, 2014

Hirayu Otaki Illumination

Frozen Hirayu Otaki & Illumination

Every year during mid winter, after weeks upon weeks of sub-zero temperatures, the largest waterfall in the Hirayu Hot-spring area freezes up completely to become a beautiful spectacle of nature.

From the 15th-25th February 2014, the entire Hirayu Otaki Waterfall will also be beautifully illuminated.

When?:
Everyday 15th-25th February 2014
From 18:00 til 21:00

Where?: Hirayu Onsen-go (Next to the Hirayu Onsen Ski Area)
         

Access?: 

By Car: 50 mins to 1 hour + 10 mins walk

Coming from Takayama, just before you enter Hirayu Onsen-go (Hot-spring) you should see a Eneos Gas Station on the left, before the Station please take a right turn and then continue on up the hill until you reach the car park.

By Bus: 1 hour + 15 mins walk

Depart from Takayama Bus Terminal and then disembark at the "Hirayu Camp Area" bus stop. From here, continue past the ski area and on up the hill until you reach the waterfall.
It will take roughly 15 minutes walk.

How much?: 

There is no entrance fee to the waterfall, however if you decide to come by car there is a 500 yen car park fee!


January 13, 2014

"Hida no Sato" Light-up Event!! (until Feb 28th)

Do you know "Hida no Sato" in Takayama?

It's a museum that you can see same buildings as Shirakawago(UNESCO world heritage site).
They held Light-up event every day until Feb 28th.
Normally the entrance fee is 700 yen, but it's only 300 yen for it.

And the bus fee going there is 200 yen for one-way.

If you couldn't get the bus ticket for Shirakawago light-up event or you feel too expensive to go to Shirakawgo light-up event, we absolutely recommend this opportunity!

"Hida no Sato" is not UNESCO world heritage site, but I think you can feel same atmosphere as Shirakawago!

It must be a great idea that you go to Shirakawago in the day time with J-hop tour and go to Light-up event in the night! It's affordable and you can enjoy two faces of the traditional old houses!

We are waiting you at J-hoppers Hida Takayama^^
Let's join us!



■Details■
Hida no Sato Light-up event (until Feb 28th)

●Entrance fee : 300 yen (Adults)  
                      100 yen (children under 12 years old)

●Bus to get there : 200 yen (Adults)
   for one-way       100 yen (children under 12 years old)

<Time schedule>
Takayama Nohi Bus center :      17:55     18:55     19:55
                                               ↓           ↓        ↓
Hida no sato                    :       18:08    19:08       20:08
----------------------------------------------------------
Hida no sato                     :      18:50     19:50    20:50
                                                ↓          ↓        ↓
Takayama Nohi Bus center  :      19:03    20:03      21:03


●Hida no Sato official website as below, 
http://www.hidanosato-tpo.jp/english12.htm


January 7, 2014

Crystal Ice Forest Tour

Crystal Ice Forest Tour (3300 yen →If you stay at J-Hoppers Hida Takayama)

The crystal ice forest is located in Akigami Onsen. It is 50 minutes from Takayama by bus) It is made by water is sprayed on the trees in the forest. You can enjoy mysterious and fantastic scene, especially the world of ice of cobalt blue in the morning tour and illuminations in the afternoon tour.

 Please check the tour details and schedule below


http://www.isitetakayama.com/pg58.html

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from Jan. 2 through Mar. 20.

If you stay at J-Hoppers Hida Takayama,you get 500yen  discount.
It is 3300 yen.

If you are interested in the the tour,please ask at J-Hop Tour 

http://tour.j-hoppers.com/    email: tour@j-hoppers.com



 

January 6, 2014

24th Day Market & Fair

The 24th Day Market & Fair

Nijuuyokka-Ichi

(nee-joo-yaw-kka-ee-chee)

 

Every year on January 24th, a very long stretch of road is closed off to make way for Takayama's biggest market event of the year, the Nijuuyokka-Ichi.

 

Nijuuyokka Ichi has been held every year since 1872! 


At this market, local farmers and citizens set up a massive array of stalls selling a variety of goods such as local food, vegetables, handmade crafts and clothes, antiques and much more!

 

The market takes place for only one day and is currently held on two main streets, Honmachi-dori & Yasugawa-dori.  


When?: Friday, January 24th 2014 [10am - 5pm]


Where?: Honmachi-dori & Yasugawa-dori

 

Access from J-Hoppers is convenient, exiting J-Hoppers to the right, walk straight up the road and you will arrive in just 5 minutes.