Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Takayama Part 6 - Shiroyama Park and Takayama Castle

If you want a relaxed day walking around through snow covered trees and walking through trenches of fresh snow then take some time out to walk around Shiroyama Park. The park has a walking course that leads you around the mountain and up to the ruins of Takayama Castle.


The path we took to get to the walking course


Grounds of a temple located along the walking course

I actually loved walking up the mountain and through the dense woodland. Along the main walking course we saw some older Japanese couples (no doubt locals) keeping fit and going for a walk. They always stopped to say hello and give us a big smile.

Once we got off the main walking course and started to climb the mountain we were completely alone. It was great fun and many a snow ball was thrown....mainly at me!


Snow ball damage!
There are some huge stone ruins which formed part of the castle grounds and entry to Takayama castle called Ote-mon gate.


The Ote-mon gate with the ruins on the right and left

Huge stone wall ruins

Lots of snow = lots of fun!
As you wind around the mountain there are a few look-out areas to see the views over Takayama.


The view over Takayama

Standing on top of Takayama Castle's ruins
View of surrounding mountains.
Along the path through the forest you encounter some very large trees which evokes scenes from a fairy tale. As it was just the two of us climbing up the mountain it was completely silent except for the occasional thud of over laden branches dropping piles of snow on the ground.

If you have the time and enjoy a peaceful stroll, I highly recommend walking around Shiroyama Park - we had lots of fun.

G

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