The traditional Japanse castle in Matsumoto is the oldest and only one of the surviving castles to be painted black. It is very well preserved and Includes and exquisite collection of match and flint lock guns.

The vast majority of the day was taken up by an annoying local train ride into the backwoods of Nagano prefecture. But, I actually managed to help some locals trying to exit through and inoperable train door. Half the time I speak Japanese I think people don’t understand because they are so surprised that a white guy is speaking to them. (The other half is because my Japanese is shit). I could see how for an ex-pat that could get old quickly.

The final destination of the day was Tsumago, an old post town. This the the second and final ryokan in which we will be staying, and much more refined than the previous. Check out the view from our room: a garden and koi pond on either side. The entire town has been preserved just as it was in the 1800’s. Modern conveniences are here but hidden from street view. The mist rising from the mountains in the distance and cacophony of frog croaking in the evening make for an
Idealistic escape.

Accomplishment: getting money from a Japanese ATM.
Disappointment: having my credit card rejected by the Ghibli museum ticket kiosk.

The daily food wrap up will follow in another post.