takayama at night

by mikka


We didn't actually spend that much time in Takayama proper, but the town at night is very pretty, with old fashioned buildings flanking the river. 


Pretty, at least, when it's not having *terrifying* giant nightmare mascot contests:


Above: Once again, I know very little about what's going on here, except that the guy in the red will give me nightmares for the rest of the year. 


Above: the courtyard outside our hostel.

It was a bit difficult to enjoy too much of Takayama's nightlife as our hostel was nestled in the middle of a shrine, which meant a strict schedule of curfews (10:00), lights out (11:00) and wake up loudspeakers (7:00). Still, it was quite cool to sleep inside a shrine, especially since our little tatami room overlooked the gardens - it was definitely the most remote and peaceful-feeling place I've ever stayed in the middle of a big city.