🍶 Japan Day 6: Takayama & Zenkoji Temple

📍 Places: Zenkoji Temple, Takayama

🚅 Shinkansen to Takayama

We took the Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed bullet train, to travel to our next overnight stop. The Shinkansen stops for only 15 seconds, so we were told to rush inside, place our suitcases on seats first, and once everyone was on board, store our luggage where there was space. On this train, you can eat snacks, candy, and drinks, and of course, there are bathrooms. On the way, we even caught a glimpse of Mount Fuji through the window.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Be ready on the platform with your luggage before the train arrives, Shinkansen does not wait.

• Keep small items like drinks or snacks within reach, since your luggage might end up stored farther away.

• For travelers with reduced mobility: Reserve seats near the door or ask for luggage space ahead of time.

🛕 Overnight at Zenkoji Temple

We arrived in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Takayama, where we would spend the night at Zenkoji Temple. Almost all the girls were placed in the same room, with nine futon mattresses laid closely together on the floor. The air felt a bit stuffy, and I struggled with my asthma.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Bring a small travel inhaler or nasal spray if you have asthma or allergies, old buildings can sometimes feel dusty or have poor ventilation.

• Earplugs or a sleep mask can make shared rooms more comfortable.

• Respect the peaceful atmosphere, temples are quiet places, so be considerate of other guests.

🍶 Sake Tasting Experience

After checking in, we went sake tasting at a local shop that sold alcohol. We sat down at a table inside and were served shot glasses of sake containing 60% and 70% alcohol. It tasted like strong moonshine, just a bit milder than the Norwegian version. Honestly, I didn't like it.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Sake can be very strong, sip slowly if you're not used to high alcohol content.

• Many shops also offer milder or sweeter varieties, ask if you'd like to try those.

• Don't drink on an empty stomach, carry a small snack if you're unsure.

🛍 Market Walk & Dinner Mishap

After the tasting, we browsed the market for a while. When I felt done exploring, I returned to the temple to rest. Later, we went as a group to a restaurant that offered a variety of dishes, hotpot or pre-made meals. At our table, we struggled to figure out how to place an order or call the staff until some time had passed. It turned out you had to press a button on the wall to call the waiter. We ordered meat and side dishes but only received the sides, the kitchen forgot our meat. In the end, we only paid for what was served. Disappointing.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Many Japanese restaurants have a button on the table or wall to call the waiter, look for it or ask politely.

• Double-check your order with the staff, especially when it's busy.

• If something is missing, let the staff know politely, Japanese culture values courtesy even when mistakes happen.

🎯 Onsen or Archery – and Asthma Strikes

After dinner, we had two options: visit an onsen (hot springs) or try archery with a professional instructor. Onsens require bathing naked with others, which I wasn't comfortable with, so I chose archery. Unfortunately, my asthma flared up again, and I had to return to the temple.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Onsen etiquette: You must wash thoroughly before entering the baths, and swimsuits are not allowed. If you're uncomfortable, look for facilities offering private baths.

• Archery in Japan can be a unique cultural experience, take your time and breathe steadily, especially if you have breathing issues.

• Always carry necessary medication (like an inhaler) in your bag, not your suitcase.

🌟 Day Summary

Overall, it was an okay day. The restaurant was disappointing since we didn't receive all our food, and my asthma kept me from enjoying archery. But the souvenir shops, sake tasting (even if I didn't like it), and the friendly people I chatted with while resting at the temple made up for it.

💡 Extra Tips & Tricks:

• Take breaks and plan for rest if you have health challenges, long travel days can be demanding.

• Explore Takayama's small souvenir shops, they offer unique, handmade items you won't find elsewhere.

• Bring cash, some small shops and restaurants don't accept cards.

• If things don't go as planned (like meals, weather, or health), focus on the little moments, those often make the best memories.