It was time for a little vacation. Emi is really good at planning our trips, everything always goes smoothly. This time was no different. We boarded a Shinkansen train in Shin-Yokohama and at Nagoya we transferred to the Hida "Wide View" express train that followed the Hida river all the way to Gero Onsen. Our hotel sent a shuttle bus to meet us at the station and hotel check-in was quick and smooth. After dropping our things off in our room the hotel gave us a ride back to the train station (free service) so we could go for a walk around town.
From the train station it's a very short walk to a bridge that crosses the Hida river.
On the other side of the river is a small tributary that flows into the river.
We followed the tributary because that's what one does in Gero Onsen. It's very scenic.
Eventually we arrived at a small park.
There is supposed to be a morning market around here in (of course) the morning. There's a peaceful atmosphere in this park.
And, the cascading water provided a welcomed cooling effect on a hot afternoon.
Nice moss covered steps that apparently nobody steps on.
We follow the path back down the stream.
We are not alone.
After a pleasant stroll we're back where we started. Time to explore other areas of town.
The last thing I expected to see was a vintage Ford Mustang roaring through town.
Here's another thing I didn't expect to see.
This town comes complete with a long and winding road.
The next morning the plan was to take a local train to visit Hida-Takayama. Again the hotel gave us a ride to the train station.
The station is clean and not very busy.
Standing on the platform waiting for our train.
The local train has arrived! Let's get onboard!
I like trains.
Off we go! Not so many people are onboard.
Hida-Takayama is a much bigger station than Gero Onsen is. Also, it started to rain.
We visited a local history museum and after about 45 minutes the rain stopped and we were free to walk around the town.
Hida-Takayama is a great town for walking around.
A lot of nice buildings and shops.
The last place we visited was the Takayama Jinya Historical Site.
It's a self guided tour kind of place and we had it all to ourselves.
Huge tatami mat room.
The underside of the overhang shows how wood shingles are used.
Time to take the train back to Gero Onsen. The train operator gets his computor display set for his height.
And, we're on the road again.
It's a single track train line.
Last day and it's time to go home. We're back at the Gero Onsen train station to catch the Hida "Wide View" back to Nagoya.
The "Wide View" has arrived.
And, we have this car all to ourselves. The Pandemic is really putting a hurt on tourism. This train should normally be full.
Last shot of the trip: Looking out the train window at the Hida river as we ride the rails back to Nagoya.
Thanks for stopping by!
Mike
Bonus shots!
