18‏/08‏/2012

Memories of Kawaramachi

Revisiting the Past of a Past Revisted

By Michelle Ishiki

Community writer

Feel like you stepped back in time in Kawaramachi.

Sidestreet - My favorite part of Kawaramachi

Take a quiet stroll behind the main street.

Lighthouse near the cormorant fishing wharf.

Ukai Boats - The Nagara River was filled to the brim that day.

Look for the monkeys at the entrance of the remnants of Koushndou.

Hey, it's me. - A great place for a ride.

Hand spa - especially nice on a hot day.

After consulting the weather radar I guesstimated that I had a few hours before the next rainfall would start. In need of some fresh air and a change of scenery I headed across town to Kawaramachi on my mamachari. I’d been there several years before, but not since moving to Gifu in 2010. Funny how unreliable memories can be. I was convinced it was on the north side of the Nagara River. It’s not. It’s on the opposite side. In my head the memory of the old traditional wood buildings lining the main street stood out, but I didn’t remember the details like all of the paper lanterns or the monkey statues. Note to self: Must go back before the winter holidays to stock up on handmade crafts.