Tuesday - May 6 - Matsumoto

Our Seifuso Ryokan is very lovely. We woke up to western breakfast (with soft classical music playing in the background). Take had to work today, so we were on our own. Richard needed to work a bit this morning so we got a later start than usual. The ryokan loaned us some bikes and we rode down along the river, arriving at the city center in no time. Continuing our theme for this trip "It's all downhill!" There were huge carp kites strung across the water. It was Children's Day! Carp stand for strength and courage.

Children's Day!

The city has very narrow clean roads, with lovely planters, and it's also bike friendly. It makes this place seem intimate and not so crowded. We arrived at the Matsumoto Castle about 11:30. Beautiful setting! We presented a letter from Take at the ticket booth and received free entry.

view from a rickshaw

beauty of spring

Matsumoto Castle saved by a school principal!

Beautiful weather always!

Wisteria blooming, lovely fragrance

Rock construction of castle

An English guide found us and kindly told us about the exterior of the castle. We had some time to wait for our tour, so we walked around the mote taking pictures, then went to the corner store for some lunch. Did I mention that the wisteria is blooming and the smell is glorious.

Climbed into the square drum tower where the guide let us play the large drum. Returned to the castle and found our English guide and toured the interior. There were very steep steps to climb and a "moon viewing" room. Apparently the castle has a shrine to the moon on the top floor that has protected it over the years. Interesting display cases with early "muskets" and full shogun armor.

Shogun Armor

interior beams

Moon Shrine

Japanese guide

view of Matsumoto from the tower

Although the castle was never inhabited, it was used as a watch tower and a meeting place for the shoguns. This is a view from the top. An interesting note. In the 1950's the castle was going to be torn down. A school principal started a campaign to raise money and save it. It was restored and is now a very stunning destination in itself with the beautiful motes and the Japanese Alps rising behind it. I think the moon shrine worked!

street art

Frog Street shopping

Take texted us and met us at the gate at about 2:30. Richard headed back to the ryokan to work and Take took me shopping along "Frog Street" and along a beautiful street of old "store houses" as Take called them. We went into a shop with a spring outside of it where they made sweets. The Japanese are big on sweets!

sweet shop

water feature on street

the art of manhole covers

The owner gave us a tour of his back rooms which were much like museums and then gave us some green tea and a delicious chocolate covered rum ball. I signed his book and he took our picture and Take and I were on our way to find the "waving cat" that Richard had seen. The ultimate sacrifice for a man to go shopping. I'm telling you the Japanese will do anything for you. Did I mention how lovely the manhole covers are?

I left Take and biked back to the ryokan. Richard had eaten at "Moss Burger". Not very good he said, but at least there was no moss on the burgers.  I found a local ramen shop. Very local and interesting characters eating there. No one spoke English, but the ramen and pot stickers were good and cheap.

Watched some Jon Stewart and Sunday Morning from my computer. I can't get Netflix or Comcast here but I'm glad I brought my computer so I can download pictures from my phone to free up space and blog about the trip. It is nice to hear a little English now and then. Tomorrow is our last day in Japan and Mr. Ito and Mr. ?? are picking us up at 9:30 to take us to the Wasabi Farm and the mountains. Our last night here will be at the New Station Hotel - next to the train station and the Chamber of Commerce will be giving us a reception. Wow!