Postcards from Gujo-Hachiman, Japan

I wrote about Gujo-Hachiman here and have added some photos.

Trains from Tokyo to Gujo-Hachiman include the super fast shinkansen (bullet train) and the ambling single carriage local train that finally takes you to the town.

The shinkansen is even faster than it looks.

A slow local train allows the traveller to savour the journey

Once in Gujo-Hachiman it’s time to slow down further, to stroll through the old part of town, admiring the centuries old wooden houses, the Shinto temples identified by their torii (entrance gate), to mingle with the relaxed locals, and find water everywhere.

Strolling in Gujo-Hachiman brings rewards

The old part of Gujo-Hachiman

Another torii (the entrance gate between the profane and the sacred) welcomes you to a Shinto temple in the back streets

Water is truly everywhere. The river flows through the centre of town, joined by numerous streams and canals descending from the hills. They provide the music of moving water, from tinkling and trickling sounds, to louder gushing, and the higher crescendo of the river’s waterfalls and runs.

Pure water to drink

 

This is the memorial to the fire victims of 1652.  If you are curious, more is revealed by the link above

After taking in the sights of town, a reasonably steep climb up the hill brings the visitor to the (restored) 16th century castle with its fine view over the valley and surrounding forested hills.

 

The road from the castle to the town

Gujo-Hachiman is a delight.