Lost in Tokyo

I have to admit I did not take to Tokyo. Maybe the metropolis does not represent the Japan I was looking for, maybe I was just tired after touring Japan extensively, or 4 days in Tokyo - most of them spent traveling to places outside - are just not enough.I think you have to be young to get the feeling for Tokyo and you should not travel on your own.
To begin with, my hotel was reasonably priced, comfortable and conveniently located within walking distance to Ueno station. My accommodation was spacious with even a private Japanese bath, a tatami room, but without much what I had grown to like, there was no alcove and the pictures on the walls were of the same style as you can find everywhere in the world. Self-service-breakfast was complimentary, so I do not want to comment on the food, but I disliked much the polystyrene bowls and dishes you had to use. This was such a different world from the care and pride with which food was served in any of the other places.


But the most shocking experience at the beginning of my stay in Tokyo was that I found myself lost. Soon after arrival I left the hotel for Ueno Park being given at reception a map with detailed landmarks such as Macdonalds and big department stores. I had struggled before with maps but when returning after dusk I obviously missed one of the landmarks and could not find my way. I asked a lot of people but they were all commuters rushing to get their trains home. They were kind enough to stop but could not help me as they were not living in the area. I tried an office building but the receptionist was not any wiser. Eventually a young lady seeing my distress turned and guided me around a few blocks until she could see me safely walking through the Hotel door.
I am still most grateful for her kindness...

On the way to the Metropolis

My journey took me from rural Gifu once more to the highly populated Pacific coast of Honshu, changing in Nagoya from the enjoyable Hida Wide View Ltd Express to the fast but very smoothly running Shinkansen.
It was very comfortable and the high speed was only noticeable as the scenery was flashing past the train window. Suddenly I saw a huge mountain over topping majestically everything : 富士山 . I was very excited about this most unexpected sight, not so my Japanese neighbour who after confirming that this was Fujiyama indeed continued reading his sport's magazine.

Nakabashi at night

Back at Takayama after a splendid trip to the mountain village of Shirakawago I enjoyed once more a delicious dinner, my last Hida steak. Afterwards I went for a farewell visit to Nakabashi bridge which was beautifully illuminated in the night. The picture does not do it justice, my camera was not working perfect since my "accident" at Matsue...



It was pouring with rain during the night, but stopped when I left Oyado Yoshinoya for the station. With sadness I said my good-bye to the kind owners, mother and daughter, who came out of the house and followed my progress down the arcade of Yasugawa Street, seeing me off in the truly Japanese way...