We started the morning exploring Kanaxawa Castle and the nearby gardens of Koraku-en.

We took advantage of the free guide who was great, explaining the castle exterior and elements of the garden, such as the animal shaped trees, special lanterns, bridges and even Japans oldest water fountain. It was beautiful and we rounded it sll off with a nice tea ceremony in the park.

Then we high-taiked it to the station and bullet-trained our way to Takayama. What a beautiful place and the traditional Ryokan hotel was incredible, we were shuttled to the hotel and greeted by the beating of a massive drum to welcome us. The staff were amazing and our room was full on Jaoanese with a mattress on the ground and accompanying wardrobe, but the best part was the onsen bath on the top floor.

But that would have to wait as first up was our traditional kaiseki dinner, which was delicious. We both dined looking the part in Yukata (pyjamas) and haori (over jackets), sandals, complete with traditional socks, where the big to is isolated from the rest of the foot. The food and sake was awesome and it all felt very authentic.

After checking out the hotel band and another round of sake we decided to top off the evening with a visit to the onsen.

The onsen is a special bath filled with healthy minerals and is taken naked, men an women bathing separately. It was a little strange at first, but I soon got the hang of what all the lotions and buckets were for and had a great time. Very relaxing.