Thursday 29th
This morning it was pouring with rain and didn't look great for an excursion day
Never the less you have booked so you go. The bus left at 9.00 am for Shirakawago and Gokayama Villages - it was 1.30hours to drive. to Gokayama to a Washi paper making factory. We all made ourselves 3 postcards and there was lots of shopping happening at the store. It was a very nice surprise for everyone. Then the bus left around the hills rather than the expressway to the Shirakawago Village. There were lots of houses there and the rooves are thatched, our tour guide walked us to visit one of the homes and then we were left to wander on our own. Three hours we stayed there and so lucky the rain had stopped. Lunch wasn't on the schedule and you got your own. I had a beef croquet and a cup of coffee. Back on the bus at 1.00pm to return to the ship - 1.5 hours. Another great tour operator and well spoken. I am going to go down to the coffee lounge and get a hot flat white and watch the sail off in about half an hour
Tomorrow it is Sakata and then a day at sea to follow and our trip is finished on Sunday morning at Yokohama.