The understated prefectures of Toyama, Nagano and Gifu entice with an enchanting mix of historic and new attractions
Photos: Weekender
“He says the equipment is only allowed for children,” the translator explains as an unimpressed museum minder glances at me.
We are at the Onomatopoeia Rooftop of the spanking new TAD: Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, where graphic designer Taku Satoh has erected various play equipment inspired by the imitation of sounds. I was at the foot of an avant-garde bouncy installation, shoes off and ready to fully immerse myself in this multi-sensory masterpiece.
As if she read my mind, the translator continues: “Those adults are allowed on as they are the children’s parents to…you know, keep watch of them. You, on the other hand…” She trails off, flashing an apologetic smile.
Aside from the stinging reminder of my adulthood, my time at Toyama, Nagano and Gifu prefectures in Japan proved to be an enlightening experience.
While tourist hordes in popular areas like Tokyo leave no street unexplored, here are seven alternative places to visit from the three above-mentioned prefectures.
5. Daio Wasabi Farm, Nagano Prefecture
He begins by introducing himself as a wasabi ninja, before pulling out a photograph of his first love. His request? To make known that he’s waiting for her at this wasabi farm – the place where they met the very first time. That was 55 years ago.
Meet Hama Shigetoshi: Daio Wasbai Farm’s resident wasabi master and a hopeless romantic. When the 72 year-old is not giving his entertaining tours, you’ll probably find him working in fields filled with wasabi plants, irrigated by the flowing waters from the Northern Alps.
As I savoured a wasabi soft serve, Shigetoshi shared passionately about all things wasabi. For instance, wasabi slices taste completely different when the root is grated, opposed to being chopped. Who would’ve known?
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