Final day in Matsumoto

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Part three of my postings on Matsumoto. I've taken the non castle pics and compiled them in here. Met a number of other travelers here, including a younger couple from Spain at the Ryokan. Their English was passable. Besides the castle I also stopped off in their small museum which I have a few pictures of and other various little stops in the city like Nacamachi Avenue. This is an older merchant district now converted into restaurants and shops, a very picturesque area. Walking around the city was always an adventure, other then the main streets, there really isn't any places to walk on the road other then right on the road. And when the road itself is a two way barely wide enough for a one way... it's exciting. Overall I really enjoyed my time here. Stopped in Kyoto for lunch yesterday on the way to Nara. Nara was the very first capital of Japan, although only for about 75 years. It's home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I'll also probably head into Kyoto for an evening and check out the small back-streets there again. Maybe even catch another Geisha picture or two! A bit nervous about the stop after that... Shikoku Island, where I get to rent a car and drive on the wrong side for a few days. Here's hoping that ends well!

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Photos

Very long Muskets
The one on the right is nearly as tall as I am.

Japanese art
Took these at the Matsumoto City Museum.

Burial Monument
These were used in services for the dead.

Matsumoto City
Population at this time would be about 16,000

Matsumoto-jo
Nice reconstruction of the castle

Royal Paliquin
Ladies would be carried in these.

Armor - with holes
made by bullets, whoever wore this did not fare well.

Police Instruments
Now this would be considered police brutality!

Portable Lamp
A handy lamp you could carry with you, just be careful!

Traditional Japanese Room
Very much how the ryokans are setup.

7 gods on the boat
The Treasure Boat housed 7 gods. one is on the front and another is missing from over the years.

A Puppet
Apparently.

From Salt Lake City
This Crystal Vase was given from Salt Lake City, apparently they:re sister cities.

Comments

[Dad]

Pictures
Hi Son - the pictures are awesome. The temple is certainly beautiful. I am not sure about the lunches though. Good luck driving on the wrong side of the road.

[Sharon]

Good Luck in Shikoku!
Hey dude! Good luck with the driving. Hopefully it will be a VERY small car, so even if you wander to the right, no one will notice. I thought the last shot of the castle was particularly notable. Keep up the good work. (Mom says hi.) -Sharon