The train from Tokyo to Matsumoto was leisurely, not the Shinkansen, but fast enough, winding its way through small villages and larger towns, heading west.  Scattered amonst the bigger towns were factories for well known companies – Seiko and Epsom.  The further west we went, the higher the mountains and the more snowy peaks we saw.

There was a feeling of trendiness to this city.  We were staying in an area surrounded by walkways of market shops which made for leisurely strolls and it was only a short walk to the city centre.

Matsumotto is known for Matsumotto Castle, one of only 12 castles left in original condition from over 3,000 castles built before the Shogun era.  This castle’s nickname is crow castle because of its distinctive black walls.  The Japanese Alps loom behind the castle.

Its main defence was a series of elaborate moats surrounding the castle.  Three moats in all – inner, middle and outer.

We managed to get a tour guide which made our visit much more interesting.  Inside the castle it was very cold and you had to remove your shoes to go in.  Our guide gave us warm slippers to wear.

The armour of the Samurai Warrior.  Darth Vader’s outfit was designed on this.

Ninja Apprentice.

There’s also hot springs here and the bigger streets have channels of running spring water.

This was our first Ryokan – a traditional Japanese style room.  We had to wait until the maid came after dinner to make up the beds which made lounging around during the day for an afternoon siesta impossible.  Such is a traveller’s life.

Trash n treasure markets are the same the world over with clothing, bric-a-brac and furniture.  I thought there’d be lots of interesting Japenese bric-a-brac but it was simply ordinary household items and clothing – we could have been in Australia.  There were some interesting characters though.

Jeff decided to embrace the Japanese tradition of public onsen bathing in the hot springs.  Off he went with his little basket in hand containing all the necessities for public bathing, complete with slippers.

We found a small family owned restaurant (Dad was cooking, Mum was waiting on the tables) for dinner.  Enjoyed two hotpot type dishes with lots of leeks – quite flavoursome.

The next day we wandered around – who said the Japanese hide their sense of humour!

We upgraded our dining experience our second night – a bit posher.  The Japanese serve something to nibble with your drink while waiting for dinner.  Not the kind of pre-dinner nibble I’m used to (dried fish spines).  I stuck to the almonds.

The mains were good 🙂  Tempura.

Next destination – Nozawa Onsen.

Jeff and Catherine xx