An early start today, but also a chance, with -1 deg outside, to catch a clear view of the Japan Alps from our bedroom windows:

We had a three-hour journey by private bus from Takayama to Eiheiji through some stunningly beautiful scenery — mountains, rivers, lakes, dams, waterfalls, gorges and hillsides splashed with the colours of autumn.

Ninety minutes at the 700-year-old Zen Buddhist temple of Eiheiji was probably not long enough to take in the subtle splendour of this exquisite complex set among a cedar forest, about 30 minutes from the city of Fukui.

The temple afforded glimpses of autumn colour at every corner, as well as ceilings full of watercolour art.

After Eiheiji, there was a quick lunch (and of course a soft cream) at Fukui station before taking the super fast Thunderbird Express to Kyoto — the last stop on our tour.