Travel

[World Traveler]

@lulu1 Yes, I figured as much, so I didn’t enter any of my personal information; and the hotel doesn’t know my email address or Facebook page, which I rarely open anyway.

In this case, our group was the pilot for this phone with this hotel. All brand new phones. They wanted us to try it out and tell them whether we felt it was beneficial to provide it to guests.

But, I may get a surprise when I get home too, as there are always ways for advertisers to find you!

[Big Sister]

@World Traveler  How wonderful that you are documenting your Japan journey for us to follow.  I am enjoying Japan vicariously through you.  Thank you so much!

[World Traveler]

Friday, March 30 - Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (near Kanazawa)

Another very full day of venturing out, meeting people, and always, always asking questions.

Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are mountain villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the forested countryside outside Kanazawa. Because of their relative isolation, these areas developed independently of Japanese society, resulting in a unique culture and lifestyle.

In addition to creating their own dances, festivals, and traditions, residents developed a distinctive architectural style known as gassho-zukuri. Characterized by steeply pitches thatched roofs that are both striking and elegant, these dwellings are considered to be some of the most efficient farmhouses in Japan.

[World Traveler]

March 30 - Making Japanese Mochi

In Shirakawa-go, we learned the art of mochitsuki, or rice-cake making, with members of the community.

As the photos show, we had to pound the sticky rice down to a very smooth consistency, then we helped roll the mochi, coating it with various flavors, and then ate it. Mochi is very big in Japan.

Our guide, Mariko.

[World Traveler]

March 30 - Washi

We visited a workshop to see how washi, a thick, fibrous paper made from mulberry bark, is created. While there, each of us were involved in making our own postcards from this beautiful paper.

First we picked out the design we wanted from little pieces of colored paper. Then we took a three-paneled frame and dipped it into the liquid paper, three times. Then we put the design we wanted on the wet paper. And finally, they put more washi liquid on top to seal the design.

Next, a vacuum sucked out the extra washi mixture. Then they posted all our artwork on a heat-applied board, allowing it to dry. About 30 minutes later, enough time to find something to buy in their store, they gave each of us the three postcards we made.

The mulberry beaches used to make washi.

The store had plenty of washi paper products to purchase.

[World Traveler]

March 30 - Lunchtime

We stopped for lunch of soba, buckwheat noodles, at a local restaurant and were entertained by the owners and their kitchen help. A really good time!

My lunch and beautiful tray.

Origami toothpick holder they gave each of us.

[World Traveler]

March 30 - Murakami House

We stopped at the Murakami House, which was built in 1578, and is the oldest ghasso style house in the area. The owner talked with us about the history of the area and then entertained us.

Buddhist altar in this house

Shinto shrine in house.

[World Traveler]

Nothing like a great view while eating ice cream!

[CoffeeNut]

The postcard making looked like it would be a lot of fun.  I love seeing all the hands on experiences they are providing.  Your lunch looked delicious !!!

Enjoying your report.

[itsmagic]

Love reading your trip report and seeing all the pictures!