The inn we were staying at was on the outskirts of town, so we drove in to Takayama, parked by the station and ate breakfast in a cafe serving "Morning set" which are usually at reasonable rates. Kevin and had different breakfasts but both seemed to come with ice cream. Kevin was surprised when it turned out this was potato salad. Takayama is a small city but has lots of heritage. We crossed the river and came across the market where vegetables, pickles and Hida...

After a good night's sleep we turned up for breakfast 15 minutes early which seemed to throw the hostess into a flurry of activity. Whilst eating breakfast the landlord came doen, Mr Ichiro Yumoto, and he asked why Joan spoke Japanese! He seemed to like gadgets as in the breakfast room was both a juke box and self-plying piano which he duly turned on. He was a very kind host, and asked us where we were going, producing English language pamphlets and meticulousl...