Sake

Hida Furukawa as well as Takayama is noted for the high quality of its water and so two Sake breweries producing particular good tasting Sake can be found in the old town. Look out for a huge Sakabayashi or Sugidama, hanging under the eaves of the brewery's front door. This ball of tightly bound Suigi leaves which slowly fades over the year turning from green to brown is used as a symbol for a brewery.

It was early afternoon and I seemed to be the only visitor around. What a delightful day, it had turned bright, sunny and warm, whereas in the morning my fingers were numb with cold. More than anywhere else on my trip I experienced a considerable difference in temperature during the day in the mountainous northern Gifu prefecture - but bear in mind this area is also called Japanese Alps.