Matsumoto: Frogs and a castle

Of course, it was pouring rain when we drove from the Fuji lakes to the Japanese Alps! Remnants of Typhoon Champi pelted us as we – as in Kayla our driver! – drove this day. Returning the car was easy, even if we got a bit wet in the process.

Initially, we planned to hike two days on the Nakasendo Trail, first from Magome to Tsumago and then Tsumago to Nagiso. However with black bear warnings, logistical hurdles, and weather hazards, we ultimately spent one night in Matsumoto and the next three nights in Takayama.

With one afternoon and evening in Matsumoto, we visited Matsumoto Castle, designated by Japan as a National Treasure, and climb its steep and irregular 141 steps up the tower. What goes up, must come down! I used my Kinfish stairs technique and faced inward when going down the very steep steps!

Construction at an intersection near our hotel showcased frogs, a cultural phenomenon of Matsumoto. Frog Street, frog statues, and frog signs abounded!

Dinner that night: pizza at a small restaurant in the historic distract! We sat watching the cooks prep the dough, layer the toppings, and bake the meals. We had a short night as the next morning we needed to transition to Takayama.