Thursday 13th April, we visited Matsumoto Castle and it's Japan's oldest, constructed in the 1590's, it's spectacular with the cherry blossom in bloom and the snow topped Alps in the distance. There's a fine collection of samurai armour and swords on display. Later bus to Takayama, next morning short bus trip to Hida Folk Village to see how the mountain people lived and believe me they had it tough. Then back into town to watch a traditional puppet show then a parade of beautiful ancient floats which we watched again in the evening with lovely lanterns hanging on them, the small hotel we stayed in did us a traditional breakfast and dinner and it was some of the best food we've had in Japan (even Ga liked it). Saturday 15th April we took three trains to Kurashika, had a wander around old buildings alongside a canal that connects to the sea and a nice meal in a food court, followed by an early night after a busy day. J & G