Visiting the historic Shirakawa-go and Ainu villages before departing Takayama.

Visiting the open air museum, Hida Folk Village and stopping to make our own Sarubobo dolls. Ending the beautiful day surrounded by cute kitties!

A long day exploring Old Town, retro museums, and a 3.5km hike on the Higashiyama Walking Course, culminating with sake tasting and even more Hida beef yakiniku!

Travelling from Kanazawa to Takayama on the Hida Wide View train… good views plus cake, coffee and meat!

Ringing in the New Year by visiting shrines in Kanazawa.

Exploring the beautiful Kenrokuen garden as well as the historic Kanazawa Castle before heading down to Omicho market.

A half-day visit to see the Snow Monkeys in their natural habitat and then settling into Kanazawa with a nice meal.

A day around Nagano with some heavy snowfall.

An early start for us with a full-day’s itinerary in Karuizawa before we finally got some rest.

Day 3: We visit the famed Goto-kuji, Omotesando, Shinjuku and end the day with a delicious yakiniku meal.