Kaiseki Meal at Ryori Ryokan Takayama

Staying in this quiet mountain town and at the wonderful little Ryokan was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.  The fact that we decided to visit Takayama at all was of course, all due to Paul and his indispensable travel blog.  Ryori Ryokan Hanaoka was just the icing on the cake.  Takayama is in Central Japan, in the Gifu Prefecture.  It boasts a well-preserved old district, with beautiful machiya (merchant townhomes) as well as numerous centuries-old temples and shrines, many of which are accessible via a 3.5km loop north of the main town.  The Ryokan is truly a short little trot from the JR Takayama Station – all told, some 5-6 blocks away by foot.   Note that the proprietors adhere to checkin time, which is at 3pm sharp, though they will gladly hold your luggage for you prior to checkin. Continue reading →