I bought a day tour package to the World Heritage sites of Ainokura in Toyama and Shirakawago in Gifu. The lunch included a comfortable and clean bus, excellent and and English speaking guide. The pick up was at the Nohi Bus Center at 08:30 and we were delivered back at the same place at 15:10 of the same day.

The package also included a lunch stop at the restaurant right next to a small observation deck where professional photographers are waiting to fleece, I mean, offer you their services at a price. You are not obligated to buy the photo/s if you don't like them but you can give them a wide berth and take your own photos next to the platform for free.

The tour also included a lunch set of vegetables and a fish. The vegetables are grown in the area and the small fish comes from the many rivers that run through the nearby mountains. The fare is simple and humble and true to real Japanese home cooking. At the time of this review, the restaurant and small souvenir shop are run by 3 elderly Japanese ladies.

No English menu and you can't pick and choose what you want to eat. But if you need some help, the tour guide/assistant will be on hand to help you sort things out.

If you have a big appetite, you can ask for 2 to 3 refills of rice. Be careful though - if you drink loads of fluids, your stomach might explode because Japanese rice really soaks up and retains liquid.

I was hooked on 2 home made vegetables items (not the usual pickles) but sadly, they weren't selling them at the store.

The lunch menu changes according to the season and I found it quite enjoyable although I regret finishing my one bowl of rice, little portion of cold soba noodles and a bowl of miso soup. Do give the tour a go. Saves you alot of hassles and headaches!