The full-day tour was an excellent choice, allowing ample free time between each stop. This included the walk to the observatory in Shirakawa-go for the amazing view, trying the rice cake dipped in soy, enjoying an extra stroll in Kenroku-en Gardens (but only after Sakura had already given us a great guided tour), and finishing it all off at Higashi Chaya District with a hands-on gold postcard experience and a gold leaf ice cream to end the day perfectly. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently, thanks to both our tour guide Sakura and our equally amazing bus driver on March 26, 2009. An unforgettable thank you.