We left the big city of Tokyo today and headed for the mountains by bullet train. The students were greeted by a lovely tour guide who and we had a private bus to the mountainous town of Shirakawa-go. The gassho-zukuri houses were incredible to see. The combination of snow on the mountains, cherry trees in full bloom, and carp steamers out of Boy's Day was just breathtaking. The joy in the student's faces was contagious. We are enjoying a night in a traditional inn with tatami beds and a hot springs bath. The food has been very traditional and local specialties and all the students tried many new foods. They are very adventurous! Enjoy the photos!