Matsumoto castle

We are staying in a village called Hakuba (the venue for the skiing at the 1998 Olympics, not that you'd know it!). The clash was down so we decided to go to the nearest big town, Matsumoto. It's a bit of a hike on the stopping train, 90 mins, but it was well worth it. This is the castle which was built in 1594 and, mainly, in its original state. The museum bit was well organised and very interesting. Very much a fortress it seems rather than somewhere the landed gentry lived, at least at the beginning. We also went to the modern art museum, also good!

Once we got back, we went to the nearby onsen (hot baths) which was quite ritualistic, naked and pleasantly got. Very relaxing! There are no photos, you'll be glad to hear!!