Takayama treasures we bought while visiting for a week to celebrate my birthday a few years ago...

I loved collecting sake bottles while we lived in Japan. Amanda woke up at 3:00am due to jet lag and wanted to go out side...so Steve took her out for a walk.

They found the funnest morning market with lots of fun items to buy, places to shop at and one of our favorite little veggie, fruit markets.

...There was a sake place on the corner across the street. Steve and Amanda went shopping for my bithday. They bought the 2 smaller bottles and cup and then they emptied the sake out of the.

Aaron and I joined them at 5:00am to do some more exploring and shopping. I found the big bottle and thought I needed it as well. Steve convinced the clerk at the store to let him have the display, so we didn't have to dump out all the sake...We had a great time shopping and just being in Takayama and surrounding areas...

The wooden, square cup goes with the big bottle...

Another birthday treasure from Takayama from Aaron... Found these amazing items that the people cook with in Takayama...Many were out by their homes cooking breakfast while we were exploring each morning. They also use them for different meals. So, I bought a couple of sets...They are so fun to use, but I did learn you use charcoal and not the solid fuel candles.

I use these for decoration above my kitchen cabinets... and we also pull them down on occassion and cook on them...
Aaron remembers the fun shops and is thrilled to be back in Takayama to go exploring some more and to be apart of the charm that can only be found in Takayama...The people are so friendly and love to visit and share their info about their families and their fabulous mountain town.
One of our family's favorite places to stay and visit in Japan...