On a whim, we decided to head up into a little town called Uchiyama at the base of the Tateyama mountains because we heard that there was a brewery with a tour and a tasting of a the various types of beer. Mmmm... Beer. Once we got to the town, however, we couldn't find the brewery but discovered this cool little rickety open-air train that runs up the Kurobe Gorge, a river-carved valley that runs behind the Tateyama mountain range. The train hugs the side of the hill and runs up about 10 miles through some unbelievable scenery and up to the end of the tracks where you can find hot springs, jumping monkeys, and some hiking trails. Unfortunately we only had about a 1/2 hour at the top because we had to catch the last train back, but the train ride itself was fun, and I plan to make it back, next time better prepared to make a day or two out of it, and to find the brewery.
Hanging off the side of a moving train made it hard to compose a decent shot, but these were taken on the way up. I plan making it back for some hikes to take advantage of the views.
End of the road, just enough time to explore for 30 min, then make it back for the last train down.
Wheres the brewery?!
Made it out to the Irago cape, Aichi Prefecture, just before sunset. It was 1 foot offshore shorebreak, perfect for a swim to rinse off the road.
Just like the Wedge but 1 foot instead of 20.
We stayed in a traditional Minshuku. Very simple as you can see. They measure the room size by the number of tatami mats that are laid on the floor. We were living large in this size "10" room.
The village is famous for its thatched roofs that are built to withstand the heavy snowfalls in winter.
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