< Tokyo Again | Japan (Spring 2003) | Hirayu-Onsen >
Matsumoto
2003.May.23 - 2003.May.26
Matsumoto has one of the most famous castles in Japan. And indeed, it is gorgeous to watch. I took quite a number of pictures of this castle, by day and when the spotlights were lighting it up at night. There are also a surprising number of small shrines scattered all around town, in back alleys etc.
A mere three hours train ride from Tokyo, this place is in quite a different environment; 
it's all surrounded by mountains. Well, of course it must be, as this is just at the edge of the Japanese Northern Alps. Typical mountainous weather also greeted me upon my arrival. While the sun was shining nicely when I arrived, it was almost dark as dusk one hour later and very heavy rain started falling. The mountains and even part of the town completely vanished in black, dark clouds. After another hour it was bright again, the rain gone.
I'm very fond of Ukiyoe and there is an Ukiyoe museum a bit outside of Matsumoto. I went there on foot. It is a bit tricky to find, if you ask me. And although it was nice, the expectations I had after reading a description of it surely were not fulfilled. I'd say you don't miss too much if you don't have the time to see it. The visit to the nearby mountains, to Utsukushigahara Kogen, surely was more worthwhile for me, even though it was rather misty at times.