I think we packed the whole tour into Day 2!!

Just when we thought the day couldn't get any more amazing we entered the theatre of the Awaji puppets and were treated to an explanation as to how the puppets are made and operated before watching a performance. Although the performance was completely in Japanese, the music, tone of the narrator, and intricate movements of the puppets, allowed all participants to immerse themselves in the performance. But there was no time for hanging around. We had a baby koala to visit! The next stop was Awaji Farm Park where we greeted our very own Western Australian koalas and the beautiful new baby koala, which has caused great excitement around Hyogo Prefecture. I felt like a proud mum! So...the day had so far included feats of engineering and architecture, whirlpools, traditional puppet theatre, and baby koalas. What else could we possibly need? A visit to one of the best sake breweries in Japan, of course!! We departed Awaji Island and drove to the Nada area of Kobe where we found Shushinkan, producer of one of Japan's finest rice wines. We were treated to a tour of the brewery before having a taste. Mmmm...I must confess I had to buy a bottle of the sparkling variety, which really hit the spot after a long, but truly incredible day. Who would have thought so many experiences could be crammed into just 12 hours?? Hang on a minute, is this really only Day 2? It already feels like we have been here for weeks!