Takayama and the Japanese Alps

Imagine a 400-year old township up in the Hida range of the Japanese Alps. Picture in your mind's eye, a semi-traditional ryokan hotel with a rooftop open-air onsen. Conjure up softly-falling winter snow. Add in a hearty meal made complete with local Hida beef, arguably more delicious than Kobe and Wagyu. That literally sums up a magical place called "Takayama" in Gifu Prefecture. Another little-known secret about this alpine retreat is the enchanting nightly illumination at Hida Folk Village, just a convenient few minutes outside of town.

We first ventured into this region of Japan in 2013, as part of our cherry blossom chase. Alas, the weather at that time, even in mid-April, was still frosty cold and the sakura buds were tightly closed. Nevertheless, the historic feel of the town and the incomparable Hida beef left a lasting impression.

Takayama is also a convenient launchpad to the famous alpine villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, accessible by local bus within an hour's journey away. Slightly further away by bus is the awesome Mt Hotaka mountain range whereby a 2-stage cable car system called the Shinhotaka Ropeway, whisks you up to a winter wonderland of permanent snow and ice.

What better time to re-visit than in January this year, where daily temperatures regularly dip below zero and snow is guaranteed to transform the landscape for picture-postcard images on bluebird days (bright blue-sky days with freshly-fallen snow on the ground). Even with light snow and overcast skies, there is something special about the place. Of course, we were amply prepared for the bitter cold and icy conditions - crampons on our hiking boots and warm ear-muffs/beanie caps were par for the course !

Universal Studios, Osaka

After experiencing snow madness in Takayama, we lined up 5 nights in USJ or Universal Studios Japan, Osaka. Theresa and I wanted to see the latest theme attraction called the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" found only in Japan and the original American Universal Studios in Orlando and Hollywood.

USJ can be compared to USS or Universal Studios Singapore, as a bigger sibling, complete with its own Japanese theme rides and attractions. While the USS has been our favourite "playground" right in our own backyard, ever since it officially opened in 2010, we were keen to check out the USJ for its unique features.

Back when the kids were growing up, Theresa and I used to regularly enjoy theme parks in Los Angeles and Orlando with them during school vacations. Over time, they graduated seamlessly from Disney to Universal Studios. The boys are now grown men but Theresa remains "young-at-heart". As for myself, I have to say that my threshold for thrill rides is much lower and will avoid anything that is vertigo-inducing !

What was really endearing about USJ was the genuine Japanese hospitality we felt throughout the Park. They also catered to the younger ones by having a segment called "Universal Wonderland" with Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, Snoopy and friends.

As a special note on accommodations, we stayed at the Keihan Universal Tower. It is conveniently located just 300m from the USJ main gate, with it's own Universal Citywalk of restaurants and shops. Amongst the hotels available, ours was unique for it's very own "onsen-with-a-view" up on the 31st storey while breakfast could be had on the highest 32nd storey restaurant with amazing panoramas.