Unfortunately, I had miles to go before I slept (or rather collapsed). I cycled northwest and then angled south on this tiny road - yet another climb to 950m. At that point, I had really had my fill of climbing for one day, so I’d have to say it wasn't the most enjoyable ride, despite some lovely scenery.

Nevertheless, I still made it to journey's end: Hida-Takayama, one of the very few cities in Japan that actually deserves its claim of being a "miniature Kyoto." Whole sections of the city have been preserved in very near their original state, and traditional crafts are carried on, making the city a virtual living museum of Japanese culture. For an excellent article and some great photos, see the piece by friend Steve of Kyomedia entitled "Living Takayama" on the Kyomedia web site. And expect to see an in-depth article on cycling in and around this lovely city on a future KANcycling page.

For suggestions on how to continue your journey, see Alternatives.