When it’s green, it may not be avocado!

Today is the day you get to eat lots of interesting food and gain a look at some historical areas. Now I know most of you have heard the story of my first experience of Japanese food. I thought that delicious green mixture sitting on the plate ready to add to your food was avocado. It wasn’t and I still have not acquired the taste for wasabi

How fussy is this type of radish. It only grows in gravel beds that are fed by very clean river water.

Our trip to the wasabi farm was truly an eye opener. Did you try wasabi icecream? Funnily enough….. I couldn’t bring myself to but reports were definitely mixed on the taste and appeal.
All parts of the plant can be eaten. There is a vast array of things it is added to including the usual foods such as beer, salt, pepper, oil and crackers but would you consider a wasabi lip balm. Not me!

Now if you didn’t grab a snack , you will love our next stop, Takayama. This is quite an historical area of this part of Japan. One whole street has been preserved . It has  always been a shopping street but the buildings are now kept in their original style  There is a wide variety of foods, Japanese artisan goods, sake breweries and restaurants. Let’s try heaps!

Sated. Nap time. I will wake you up when we reach Shirakawa.This is the only thatched roofed village in Japan. The roof shape is to represent praying hands.

Imagine being forced to settle here with no resources. That was the fate of a defeated army following an ancient civil war.. They were forced into the valley and to live communally ( not accepted in Japanese culture) until houses were built. They could only use available materials. It took 3 years to complete the first house. The houses are made of wood with internal walls and doors being made from paper. Silk production and farming supported the community. Farming is still important but tourism is now the main source of income.

The thatch is super thick to insulate the houses in winter. Snow here can reach two metres thick.

I hope you were careful!

I didn’t want to get wet . It is raining so I didn’t play in the river.

How cute is this tractor. They use them in the paddy fields to prepare them and plant the rice.

Dinner at the roadhouse.

Different to Hungry Jacks or MacDonalds…especially the vending machines and this zen addition to the Ladies bathroom. Put your money in, push the number and out it comes.     

    Bed! Kyoto tomorrow.