LEODESTRAVELOZZ

20251217b After a little research, Sharyn struck gold with her dinner choice. Suzuya Restaurant, quietly rooted in Takayama since 1966, is a celebration of regional flavours and the passing of seasons. Housed in a traditional folk dwelling, its weathered exterior stands as a gentle reminder of a time when craftsmanship and patience shaped everyday life. Step inside and the world softens. Warm Hida wood surrounds the room, and the floor—laid with thick, woven tatami mats—absorbs sound and slows the pace. Seated in this traditional Japanese space, you feel less like a diner and more like a guest welcomed into history. Then comes the moment the menu truly speaks. The Magnolia Leaf Miso Steak arrives, fragrant and deeply comforting. Sweet, beautifully marbled Hida beef is grilled over a magnolia leaf, its aroma mingling with savoury miso, forest mushrooms, and wild vegetables gathered from the surrounding land. Each bite tells a story of place—of mountains, seasons, and a food culture shap...

20251217 We arrive home from Shirakawa-go’s and head up the street to check out a Retro Museum, just a few minutes walk from the old town and a popular spot for children. As for the adults it’s like taking a step back in time and reliving your youth, and for a couple of hours, and that’s exactly what we did, the kids ravelled in the the different machines like the: Space Invaders: Released in 1978.  Asteroids:  A vector graphics space-themed shooter from 1979 where players must destroy incoming asteroids and flying saucers. Galaga:  From 1981, fixed shooter features waves of insect-like aliens Donkey Kong: Released by Nintendo in 1981, this platformer introduced the world to both Mario, originally "Jumpman". And the ever popular PAC-Man, released in 1981, featuring new maze designs and slightly different gameplay mechanics. Not to mention the many retro toys, games and even the lollies for the sweet tooth. The sign politely asked us to take our shoes off on the mat. I pol...

20251215 We settled into Mina’s Samurai House with 4 Bedrooms, 9 Beds and 1 car Parking in one of the Ancient Towns in Japan. Phil and Sharyn take a short walk for supplies and much needed wine after a long trip with three boys, as we settling in for a movie before a good night’s sleep. The history of Takayama is rooted in its success during Japan Edo, a period (1603–1868), a time when Japan was ruled by the shoguns (military leaders). It thrived as a timber-rich strategic town governed directly by the Shogunate. The government established the  Takayama (magistrate’s office) and designed the town’s orderly, grid-like streets, leading to its nickname, “Little Kyoto.” The town was originally developed in the late 1500s by Kanamori Nagachika, who constructed Takayama Castle and its surrounding castle town. Supported by abundant high-quality wood, skilled carpenters, and rich natural resources, Takayama grew into an important center for administration, tra...