Hi<BR>We want some information on Takayama. What kind of temperatures can we expect in the later part of October? Is it difficult to get there from Hakone? Any other information will be greatly appreciated.<BR>Thank you

October is a great time to visit Takayama. Not too sure about temperatures, believe it will be in the low 60s. <BR><BR>From Hakone, take the Shinkansen from either Odawara or Mishima and tranfer at Nagoya for the Takayama Line.

Thanks Joe.<BR>Can someone recommed a place to stay in Takayama? So far the only place that has a website is Ricksaw Inn in Takayama. Anyone stay there?

Our family stayed at the Rickshaw Inn last month. I recommend it highly. Spacious rooms, very friendly staff. In addition, it has a very nice, full sized gift shop attatched right next to it. In fact, it was the best place to buy stuff that we encountered in our whole vacation. Very attractive, high quality stuff is featured. Easy 5 minute or so walk from the JR Station, couple minutes to morning market. I recommend it highly.

Thank you Mr. Ohno. I feel much better about the place. Did you stay in a Japanese style room? I understand they dont have a restaurant, but there are numerous eating places near by and a bakery for a quick breakfast?

Yes, we stayed in a Japanese style room at Rickshaw. We always stayed in the Japanese style since they tend to be bigger than the western style rooms at most places in Japan.<BR><BR>As for eating places, there are some close by (tempura, noodles, etc.). Actually, in the morning I grabbed some great things to eat at the morning market. My kids wanted bread in the morning so they walked to a bakery which they found to be about a 10 minute walk or so from the Rickshaw. Great place, wish I was there again!

what is the best way to get from tokyo to takayama?

Our family of 4 stayed at the Sumiyoshi Ryokan last month and were very pleased. It is right on the riverfront, so convenient to the more traditional parts of town.... filled with antiques, very sweet staff, nicely updated Japanese bath.