Takayama -home of hida beef

Takayama got a big wrap in the guidebook and I'm not surprised. It was a little touristy, but the streets and canals were gorgeous and traditional shops and artisans were a great way to spend a rainy couple of days. There were Japanese tourists everywhere for golden week and even our little Ryokan (guesthouse) seemed filled with tour groups.

Our days spent wandering morning markets and attempting to find a good coffee ( nil for three) were punctuated by evening meals of beef that won the meat Olympics ( so said the sign). It was pretty fantastic. We ventured to a French place that did a great deal to avoid any Japanese weirdness which is just what I needed in my food at that point. The second night we found a rockabilly American Hamburger place which also didn't have a hint of umami or unidentifiable pickles or rice anywhere.