grumeti peking

Another Kaiseki Dinner, delicious and so different again. We don't want to leave but the next destination is waiting for us.
Driving along the rural narrow streets to reach Ainokura Village, World Heritage & National Historic site. It is cold, still snow around even it has started to melt, we can see how much there must have been. Interesting the wooden houses with thatched roofs. Continue to Shirakawa, very touristy village but great for lunch, many small places. We finish the day in Takayama, visit the main spots and the shops. The afternoon gives the sun a chance and the day gets warmer.
The Hotel is more a practical one, our room has a great view towards the parking lot.

Next day we drive to Matsumoto, the weather is nice and we explore the centre as well as the Nawate Street. The history says it was once a horse carriage free street and the visitors enjoy to buy ( Kaeru ) and go home safely ( Kaeru ). Since then, people started to call the street “ Frog Street” ( Kaeru = frog). So the shop keepers put a big frog statue at the entrance of the street to watch over us and keep safe.
Of course the Matsumoto castle is a must see and we see it with the cherryblossoms and a wedding in progress. What an experience!

For the night we have an Onsen Hotel about 30min drive into the forest, again so different and special. We have our private Onsen on the terrace, a spacious room and Japanese hospitality.
We just love the Kaiseki Dinner and this time we include a Sake tasting, no more to say.

Our last day with the car, the weather is superb and Mount Fuji appears in its beauty. Good viewing spot, the snow covered top in the sun, just like I imagined. With us hundreds of other tourists, please don't stand in the way to take a photo.

Tokyo, our last few days. Our Hotel, modern and great location near the Imperial garden, is a good starting point to discover Tokyo.
Of course we have to see Ginza, the shopping district, busy and all the labels you can think of. Surprisingly nice small restaurants and cafes with moderate prices.
A must see is the Meiji shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station,

 

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