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August 22, 2014 - Gifu Road Trip Part 2: Gujo City and Shirakawa-go
Sarubobo dolls for sale at Gujo Castle
Picking up from after we left spooky cave #2, we drove to Gujo City, parked the car, and headed up the mountain to the castle. As we walked, we enjoyed the river running along side the street and were able to soak our feet multiple times. There are numerous areas with drinking water available to keep hydrated as well.
It was hot and humid, and the path to the castle is up a mountain half on the same road cars pass up, and half steep stairs. The castle itself is a replica, and there isn't a lot to it, but it has a great view of the surrounding area.
We were too late for it, but you can buy a combination ticket to both the castle and the city museum, where demonstrations of the Gujo Odori dances are given hourly from about 11-3. August is actually the month of the Gujo Odori, but while originally I was hoping to stay in the are and watch that night's dance, we ended up moving on to Shirakawa-go instead.
I've never seen this style of building at a temple beforefoot bath area along a street on the way to the castleWhere there are cups, you can drink!Details about the combination ticket to both castle and museumView over Gujo City from Gujo castle
Gujo is known for its food replicas, but we decided to skip a visit and just move on to Shirakawa-go.
We arrived at Shirakawa-go just as things started to close. We had hoped to grab dinner, but even the restaurants close early, presumably because anyone just visiting is gone by 5pm, and anyone staying will get dinner where they stay.
Still, we were able to look around and enjoy the late sun a bit before it went behind the mountains. Shirakawa-go is probably beautiful in every season, but while winter is an idea time to visit because of the light up, summer among the rice fields is also really nice! Maybe I'll get the opportunity to see both!
Gifu's Gotochi Film Card, postcards which I collect for all prefectures in Japan I've visited. If you're interested, visit postacollect.wordpress.com for info on the Gifu cards!The river was still pretty highGassho-zukuri houses and rice fieldsLosing the light by the time we made it to the viewpoint, but still nice!Thatch and flowers
Part 1 featured Gifu City and Otaki caves, and part 3 follows with Takayama.
For more info on Gotochi Prefecture postcards: postacollect.wordpress.com
