Today I’m traveling from Gifu City to Takayama. I actually really liked my hostel in Gifu City. I stayed for 3 days, and for two of those days I was completely alone. On the second day, there was just one other girl.
 |
| My bed in Guest House Tokai, Gifu City. |
.jpeg) |
| In house slipper is provided in Guest House Tokai. |
 |
| Ready to leave Guest House Tokai. |
I was literally the only person in the entire hostel for two days.
Check-out is at 11am. I need to take two buses to get there. First, I walk about 5 minutes to the nearest bus stop and hop on any bus heading to Meitetsu Station.
It’s always so awkward for me taking local buses. The ride is short, so I usually don’t take off my main backpack. I just sit there awkwardly, facing the window, with the backpack still on my back.
After about 17 minutes, I arrive at Meitetsu Station. From there, it’s another 2-minute walk to the bus station. The bus to Takayama doesn’t come often, so I end up waiting almost an hour. The Takayama Nohi Bus leaves from Platform 6.
 |
| Platform 6 |
 |
| Random drink machine in Meitetsu |
 |
| Meitetsu |
I thought about going to McDonald’s nearby, but the idea of bringing my huge backpack inside put me off. Same with going to the supermarket… just didn’t feel like walking around carrying both backpacks.
So I just wait at Platform 6.
When the bus finally arrives, a lady starts yelling “Takayama!” and everyone lines up. When it’s my turn, a male staff member asks for my ticket. I tell him I don’t have one since I didn’t know it had to be bought in advance. I ask if I can buy it from him, and thankfully he says yes. It costs 2900 yen. The journey takes about 2 hours.
Once I arrive in Takayama, I immediately notice there are so many foreigners! I hardly, almost never see any in Seki, Mino, or Gifu City, so this feels completely different.
 |
| Takayama |
Check-in at the hostel is pretty easy using a self-check-in tablet, though there’s a lot to read. After that, someone suddenly appears on the screen and talks to me, explaining how to get the key and everything. Then out of nowhere, they ask me to pay a 100 yen tax, which is surprising to me since none of my previous three accommodations asked for this.
 |
| Common room in Backpackers Hida Takayama |
.jpeg) |
| Self-check in at Backpackers Hida Takayama |
Honestly, that feels a bit sneaky. I’d much rather they just include it in the price upfront.
My room is on the 2nd floor, bottom bunk. It’s actually really great and comfortable. There’s even a small cupboard near my head for storage, and I can lock it with my own lock. The best part about this hostel is the free laundry, washer and dryer. I really needed that.
 |
| Free laundry! |
Later, I head out to a small supermarket to get dinner. I go to one called “Boss.” There aren’t any big supermarkets around, which is a bit disappointing. Surprisingly, groceries here are more expensive than in smaller towns like Mino and Gifu City. I actually find it hard to spend money here.
.jpeg)
After buying a bunch of food, I walk past McDonald’s. I wasn’t planning to eat there, but I got curious and decided to check the prices.
To my surprise… a chicken burger is only 190 yen!!! That’s insanely cheap. I couldn’t believe it. Apparently McDonald’s is actually cheaper than the supermarket here?! A full meal, burger, fries, and coke is about 500 yen.
Even though I already had a ton of food in my backpack for the next few days… I couldn’t resist. I had to get McDonald’s.
I order using the machine, feeling super impatient… why is the person in front of me taking so long?! And suddenly it’s my turn!!!
They even have an option to deliver the food to your table. What?! That’s amazing service. I was genuinely so happy. It was a good day.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Total spending:
McDonald’s: ~AUD $5
Groceries: ~AUD $10
Hida Backpacker via Agoda – AUD 22.05/night
Bus: 250 yen (Gifu → Meitetsu Station)
Bus: 2900 yen (Meitetsu → Takayama, Platform 6)
0 comments:
Post a Comment