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Takayama - beware of bears

Today we took a bus through the mountains, over streams and through tunnels to Takayama.  The ride looked a bit like this but better


We ate Hida beef for lunch which we grilled ourselves on our little grill.  Hida beef is of similar caliber to Wagyu.  Delicious.  The cook came over saying “Atlanta, Atlanta” because Eric was wearing a Braves Jersey.  Then he talked about how great John Smoltz was and this immediately became my favorite restaurant.  
Then we walked through Shiroyama Park to see the castle ruins and Shorenji Temple.  It was really a 45 minute uphill battle.   Eric promised me a day of shopping if I climbed it.  Even though I knew he’d only give me a little shopping, I went along.  I was especially excited when I saw the “watch out for bears” sign.  Brilliant.  But the trail lead to some awesome views




Tomorrow we are going to visit this massive cult religious center.   


Then Eric did allow me some shopping in the Old town.  We went into a gourmet food shop which Eric declared it his favorite.   They had lots of samples.  

And here is the slightly scary, slightly cute mascot of Takayama


Tonight we stay in a traditional Japanese inn called a ryokan. It’s like a futon and breakfast with delicious dinner too.  And we get robes and slippers and an onsen. 



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