Matsumoto is an ancient royal city of Japan where Matsumoto castle is the iconic landmark of the city. It is an impressive 5 storey castle. Looking out from the wooden castle window into the moat was a scene that still remain vividly in my mind.
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| Matsumoto castle |
What attracted me more was the 2 hour journey by train and bus to the Daio Wasabe Farm, outside of Matsumoto. It is considered the world's largest wasabe farm. The wasabe is planted with shades and it is just a green root. However, it is understood that it takes lots of effort to bear wasabe produce. It was also my first taste of wasabe ice cream that I did not have an recollection of how it tasted. There was a small river with an ancient looking wooden watermill for irrigation that made a perfect pictured scenery.
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| Wasabe |
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| Wasabe ice cream |
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| Tranquility in a farm |
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| Ancient watermill |
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| A shady farm |
Another place to explore outside Matsumoto is Kiso Valley, where we explored one of the post towns, Tsumago. It a small town with 2 rows of ancient wooden houses lined along the main road. A walk along the quaint village reveals the historical footage of the past.
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| Tsumago, the valley's best preserved post town |
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| A walk in the valley |
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| End of town |
We were greeted by a friendly local Japanese aunt cum a shophouse owner who invited us for a tea. Though there was a communication barrier between us, we could feel the kind and warm hearted hospitality.