4-Day Road Trip Across Central Japan Episode 3 japan-guide.com

Previously on Episodes 1 and 2. In this four-episode series, we're taking a four-day road trip starting at Chubu International Airport and making our way through Nagoya and the surrounding prefectures. So join me, Raina Ong, as we continue on Day 3 of our road trip from the coast to the peaks of central Japan. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Day 3 Today we head west to Inuyama, a city north of Nagoya to see its castle. Then to Mino to learn more about Japanese washi paper. Before heading further north to Okuhida in the Japanese Alps where we'll spend the night in a rustic Japanese inn. Inuyama is most famous for its castle, Inuyama Castle, which is one of only 12 castles with a main keep that has survived since the feudal era. Designated a national treasure, Inuyama Castle offers visitors an opportunity to see traditional castle design up close and in spring transforms to become a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. The former castle town lies at the base of the castle and its look has been preserved from the 16th century. I'm standing here on Nagoya Michi or Nagoya Street which used to connect Nagoya Castle which we saw on Day 1 to Inuyama Castle which we're going to see today. The street still retains a lot of its charms with lots of traditional buildings on its left and right. Many of the shops in the castle town sell popular local snacks and souvenirs. While Inuyama Castle looks small and compact from the outside, there are actually six floors inside. Behind me is Inuyama Castle, Japan's oldest castle. I hear the view from the top is pretty nice so let's go inside and take a look. Several quirks and highlights make visiting Inuyama Castle a fun experience for all. For example, did you know that one side of the castle on the first floor above ground is not laid out at a 90 degree angle? And some of the stones in the stone walls contain chert? Trivia aside, one of the best things at Inuyama Castle is the top floor which has a balcony going all around that offers panoramic views. On a good day, you can even see the skyscrapers of Nagoya about 25 kilometers away. From here, I get back in my car and drive to Mino in Gifu Prefecture. The city is known for producing Japanese washi paper which is a traditional craft and Mino washi has been highly regarded for centuries. I'm here at the Mino Washi Museum and I'm super excited to be making my own Japanese washi paper. So stay tuned! At its peak, there are about 5,000 washi companies but only about 30 remain today. Washi is made the traditional way here and its uses have broadened to match the modern times. Here at the Mino Washi Museum, we get to learn about the history of Mino washi and how the local paper is made as well as try making washi. There are several types of washi paper and I pick one to make. The activity takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete and after that, I could choose to further embellish my washi at home. Ta-da! My completed piece! After that visit to the washi museum, I get back on the road and make my way to the mountains. Okuhida is a remote and mountainous region located in the Japanese Alps and the area is known for its hot springs, rustic atmosphere and mountain scenery. One of the best ways to enjoy the area is to stay overnight at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. After a nice hot spring bath, I'm ready for dinner. The ryokan I'm staying at serves adobatayaki dinner, which I'm looking forward to. Look at this spread in front of me! I'm especially excited to try this which is grilled over the charcoal. Itadakimasu! Oh, this is so good! And that was day three of our four-day road trip through central Japan. Be sure to join us on episode four as we continue on the last day of our trip taking a ropeway to an elevation of about 2,000 meters, going on a beautiful driving road and visiting a few sake breweries. For more information about this trip or to watch another video, click the links on the screen now or head over to japan-guide.com, your comprehensive up-to-date travel guide first-hand from Japan. Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe and click the notification bell for more videos about Japan. Happy travels!