Matsumoto
I've been pondering what to do next - it doesn't feel like I've long left in Japan now. Today I think I'll just go have a look around nearby Matsumoto.
On Friday I'll head to Kogagame where I've booked a couple of nights in a hostel. From there I can catch a bus and probably the cable car up to the Kiso-Komagatake hiking area, and maybe see if I can reach that elusive summit from the other side...or just enjoy some more mountain views.
River by the campsite
I've booked 2 more nights at this campsite. I feel like taking things slowly for a couple of days, and it's quiet here.
Bit of a leak?
Liquid nitrogen or similar maybe?
Shinsno Liquid Acid it says on the big tank
Matsumoto Castle
Pretty impressive castle! It had 3 moats at one stage - two sides of the 3rd moat is in the process of being restored.
The castle is one of the oldest original castles in Japan - it hasn't burned down and been rebuilt! Parts date from the 1500s. It did come close to demolition in the 1870s, and was in danger of imminent collapse until a preservation society was established in 1901 and repairs started.
Matsumoto Castle
Drum Gate
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle
Former Kaichi School
As Meiji restoration started European style architectural features were copied. This building has a mix of Japanese and European elements.
27 May 2026 - 14:50
Museum of Art
Their most famous contributor is Yayoi Kusama, a contemporary artist, born in 1929 and still creating at 97!
Most of her exhibits inside the museum we weren't allowed to photograph. There was much use of light and mirrors as well as some paintings, poetry and, of course, the big plastic sculptures.
Museum of Art
Museum of Art
Cats
I went to the supermarket in Matsumoto to pick up some food before heading back to the campsite, but on the way I went past a cat café. It was priced per 10 minutes to spend time with the cats, but they had nice big windows so you could see them from outside.
Rest Day
Today I didn't do much; a little washing, a trip to a supermarket, a superficial clean of the bike and sitting by the river reading.