Nikko to Kanazawa - had a bit of a nightmare journey as the Shinkansen trains (normally so reliable) were mostly Shincancelled leading to mayhem and grumpiness but eventually arrived. At one point when Rob tried to reserve some last minute tickets, a friendly Japanese passer by grabbed him and asked if he was Ok. He then proceded to exclaim 'gaijin!' (Japanese word for foreigner) and dragged him to the front of a queue of about 20 people. Thankfully it was the worng queue anyway and Rob could skulk off in shame to another part of the station.

So... Kanazawa is a lot more modern than we expected, given the main reason for coming here was an antiquaited garden. The road near where we're staying looks a bit like a Hollywood film set and the shops are too cool for school. Kenrokuen garden is one of 'the big 3' gardens you're supposed to see if you get the chance. 'Kenrokuen' refers to the 6 attributes believed to be important in a garden according to the Sung dynasty, China; artificiality, seclusion, spaciousness, antiquity, abundant water and broad views. We managed to appreciate all of these, but sadly in the rain once more.

Have found a gem of a Ryokan to stay in just near everything - Kikunoyan. The family are lovely and our room is massive (10 tatami for Ryokan lovers worldwide) with free internet (hence sudden profuse blogging). Off to Hiroshima now and only 2 trains for once - hurrah!