By Matsumoto
When the planning starts a year ahead you know you are in for a special trip. Thankfully, my friend did the all the leg work and I was grateful to just tag along. This blog post is broken in 4 entries.
1. Matsumoto
2. Magome to Tsumago
3. Takayama via Kamikochi
4. Shirakwago & Yamanaka Onsen
Tokyo to Matsumoto
In 2.5 hours, we found ourselves in Matsumoto. The express train made it a painless journey. We were met at Matsumoto train station by the affable Kenichi Nakano, who was to be our guide for the duration of our trip.
What’s there to do in Matsumoto? Well, there is:
- Nakamachi Street
- Matsumoto Castle
- Matsumoto Art Museum (a must if you are a fan of Yayoi Kusama – you know, the lady who loves them dots)
Nakamachi Dori (Street)
Nakamachi Dori (Street) used to house old merchant houses and now, it is home to a variety of quaint shops. It was a very pleasant walk and not far from the JR station. There are many places to stop for a small snack or a meal.
I couldn’t resist getting this “kawaii” bento box at the Shinjuku station for my snack en route to Matsumoto!
This “well” (Kurashikkukan) is open to all.
The “Tenmari” ball is a common symbol of Matsumoto. Here it is featured along the pavement
Our guide, Kenichi San, told us that the ball that you see outside the shop indicates that this is a sake shop. The “Sugidama” also sometimes called a “Sakebayashi” is made from cedar leaves and is hung fresh in November and December when the sake is made. When the leaves turn dry, it indicates that the sake is ready to be drunk.
Matsumoto Castle
In use between 1504 to 1868, Matsumoto Castle is listed as a National Treasure of Japan, and is well worth the visit. Be aware that the stairs are very steep (especially the last 2 flights up to the top) so strong legs and steady footing is an unspoken requirement to enjoy the castle to its fullest potential. Not just an attraction for mature audiences, children will surely enjoy wandering through the gigantic castle and exploring the exhibitions of old firearms.
The view at the night is said to be spectacular.
Unfortunately indoor photography is not permitted.
Matsumoto Castle
4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873, Japan
8:30am–4:30pm
Matsumoto Art Museum
With somewhat tired legs, we trooped off to the Matsumoto Art Museum to enjoy 2 exhibitions. One of the exhibitions explored Japanese blockwood prints and the other was by Matsumoto native, Yayoi Kusama.
Entrance to the Matsumoto Art Museum
Matsumoto Art Museum
4 Chome-2-22 Central, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0811, Japan
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Temporarily Closed. Updated: 5 Feb 2022)
Allow a day to enjoy this area. It is extremely charming and well worth the visit.
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