Takayama 2019: Old Town and Morning Market

On my departure day I was able to see a bit more of Takayama before leaving and I started by walking down to the city’s old town. A section of Takayama close to the Miyagawa River is full of old buildings from Japan’s Edo Period (1600-1868) and is a pleasant place for a walk. There were a lot of visitors wandering around the old town that morning and the lighting conditions weren’t ideal for the photos I wanted but I still had a good time walking through the narrow streets.

Near the old town and alongside the river is one of Takayama’s morning markets. The vendors at this particular morning market were mostly selling produce and crafts.

While looking around the old town and morning market I bought a small treat from one of the shops. I think I’d best describe this little cube of tastiness and being like a toasted, creamy marshmallow.

Once I was finished at Takayama’s old town I headed over towards the ruins of Takayama Castle (the subject of tomorrow’s post) and along the way I encountered a group of monks that were playing flutes to raise funds for their temple. While I had seen many monks during my journey across Japan and Korea this was my first time seeing monks wearing tengai, which are large hats that look like a basket and cover the entire head. As I understand it, monks that wear this particular outfit are part of the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism and while most other forms of Zen Buddhism are known for meditating in silence, the Fuke monks have a habit of meditating while playing their flutes.