Day 02: Let's stroll around Gifu!

Nothing beats having a refreshing morning after a good night's sleep, washing away the fatigue from yesterday's flight and tour. After a simple breakfast, we were off on a cruise ride. Warning tho, should I put a theme on this day, it shall be a blend of water and flowers. You'll see what I mean. Enakyo Yuransen is the name of the gorge (unfortunately an artificial one) formed after the Oi Dam, supposedly Japan's first electricity-producing dam. The Kiso River became the victim of this construction.

I was placed in the front seat because the Jeffrey insisted I have a decent chat with the cruise driver. What a nice old man he was, pointing out on ducks and telling me the names to them. The boat is so clean and comfy, I wouldn't mind going on it again. Perhaps another time when the sakura flowers are in full bloom and the birds migrate back here. I'm sure you would love to come along with me then and I'd be delighted to have you on board, so as long as you buy your own ticket. Epic line today: Atama ga iiyone! (Loosely translated: You've got smart brainss!)

Then, we stepped back in time, walking along stony pavement meant for horses and worn travelers at the Magome-juku. It's an old town, more specifically the 43rd post-town from the Edo Japan Bridge starting point. Every house lining the streets are a wonder to behold, minus the fact that they now sell souvenirs to foreign tourists, each with their jet black shiny roof and lovely exterior.

But seriously, it had to rain again. While disappointing, it is probably for the better. The sound of plitter platter puts one in a calmer state of mind, and you really relive the Edo jidai. And I had a sudden urge to buy a horse. Dad had to forget the umbrella too, so I had fun sheltering my camera from the rain instead, because when you're travelling, it elevates in importance. The next pit stop is yet another amazing historical building that I've only seen in anime, the Matsumoto Castle. The sight of this national treasure is truly a breathtaking one, the rain not hampering the beauty one bit and I took it all in like a sponge and became deeply satisfied that we made the decision to do this trip.

Where are the flowers you say? Why, can you imagine this for a sec, the entire garden surrounding Matsumoto jyou covered with sakura flowers. It is no wonder the Japanese revered cherry blossoms, I would too. I mean they make a pretty good Kit Kat flavor. As an ice cream flavor, not so much.

While we're at food, we had a chance to visit an actual wasabi farm -- Daio Wasabi Farm. The vast stretch of wasabi plantation is really interesting and it helps debunk all those myth on wasabi. Did I also mention that we get to sample products produced by the farm and that includes fresh wasabi keroke and wasabi ice cream? Ain't getting better than the night's stay at a hot spring ryoukan, desho?

Chocolate, Strawberry, or Coffee?
Vonnie S.