Oh, how fun! See, it worked out for the best, Kavey. There's always a plan B. Please link a picture of your cup--I want to see what an accomplished potter you are now.

The graciousness of the Japanese never cease to amaze me. What might have been a so-so experience elsewhere in the world, turned into a great day in Japan. I just knew the potters would fuss over you.

Loving following your instagram feed in real time (and reliving our trip from last year, which started on the exact same date as your current trip)! Looking forward to more!!

You are so right, CL, the Japanese made the day special, and the mochi Miho being closed was serendipitous, since I doubt I'd have had time for pottery making had gone there.

Thanks Russ!

Photos from pottery now on the Instagram feed!

And the other question mark of yesterday, what would our Miyama thatched cottage be like? It's brilliant! Cold but we've had heaters on to help. Going to the loo during the night was a killer though!!!! We cooked a nabe hotpot ourselves for dinner with local deer meat, mushrooms, leeks, tofu and rice. Some photos on Instagram but walkaround videos too long so they're on my Facebook instead.

I know several of you have stayed in Hotel Trusty n Kanazawa, and I'm here because of all of you, most of all whoever stated there first. It's a great choice! THANK YOU!!! ��������

@FromDC Hyakurakuso is gorgeous!!!

Wonderful, thanks for letting me know. Been following you on Instagram.

You're going to love it! And hopefully being a few weeks later will mean less things closed as out of season! Hyakurakuso is just wonderful. Loved it more than Hakone Ginyu, I'd say!

Wow, what a recommendation! looking forward to the Noto Peninsula, we love coastal drives. Looks like you're having a great time.

By the way we've found that Google maps underestimates driving times, so if you've used that to plan, beware. The car satnavs are spot on though.

Haven't planned the Noto route. Do you have a recommendation? will be coming from Kanazawa train station. Love your pictures, hope you're feeling better.

Poke me when home (end of April) and I'll review our route? But basically coastal roads over internal ones...

Ok, enjoy the rest of the trip.