We purchased these cute little bottles of Hida milk in Takayama for AU$1. How delightful is the old-style packaging, sealed with waxed cardboard and protected with cellophane? As I pulled back the top I smiled - the milk was non-homogenised and a thick layer of buttercup yellow cream sat delectably on top, the milk itself, full bodied and sweet.

Milk is not as common in Japan as it is in Australia, due in part to the traditional dietary habits of the Japanese and the reduced agricultural availability of farming land. Unfortunately, with an increase in the cost of cattle feed (corn, barley, oats etc.) of late, the dairy industry is in real trouble. Worrisome times ahead.