Day 32 - Sendai to Matsumoto

An early start today for the train journey from Sendai to Matsumoto, changing at Ōmiya and Nagano and arriving just before noon.

The afternoon’s highlight was Matsumoto Castle. We toured it with an English-speaking Japanese guide who had quite a sense of humor—a welcome addition to the history lesson!

The castle’s main keep dates from 1593–94, toward the end of Japan’s turbulent Warring States period. It is the oldest surviving keep with five stories visible outside but six floors inside, and its historic tower complex is designated
a National Treasure.

While exploring town, we spotted a large, ridged cake turning on a spit in a shop window: Baumkuchen, the layered German-style “tree cake.”

Then came our practical project: groceries for a simple dinner. We successfully cooked small salmon slices in the hotel microwave and now plan to try a larger piece tomorrow. We also sampled a local Shinshu red wine, made entirely from grapes grown in the region.

An onsen soak after dinner rounded off the day. A travel day with a castle, a humorous guide, and a small culinary victory.

Footnote from Cindy - see photos at end

Saw this manhole cover and wondered what it was about.. until later. Many places have their own mascot on the manhole coversRead more