Gora Kadan is a former imperial retreat that’s been sensitively reworked into a ryokan. Rooms feature tatami flooring, low-slung furniture and often come with private onsen baths. Service is attentive and the atmosphere feels calm without being overly formal. Dinner follows a kaiseki tasting menu focused on seasonality, fresh ingredients and a range of cooking methods. Be mindful of ryokan etiquette of removing shoes, wear the provided yukata (gowns) and familiarise yourself with onsen customs when bathing.

This lovely open-air museum boasts wonderful collections of artwork made by some big names in the art game - from Picasso, to Taro Okamoto, to Henry Moore. The various exhibitions are surrounded by gorgeous mountainous landscapes that accentuate the stunning sculptures of the museum.

Think of Yubadon Naokichi as a temple to tofu, prepared in a way that highlights its delicacy and texture. The menu is short, dishes are clean and balanced, all designed to be appreciated without heavy seasoning. It’s a refreshingly light meal, but resist adding too much soy sauce over everything as you want to taste the subtlety.