A six-day summer trip to Japan was truly an extended journey, traversing multiple cities and diverse regions.

This review marks the conclusion of the fourth region of our trip, Chubu. We had a total of two days and one night, but as usual, it was packed with both quantity and quality.

Our itinerary is as follows: We will visit Nagano and then stay in Matsumoto. The next day, we will visit the Daio Wasabi Farm in Hotaka before returning to Tokyo to catch our flight home. . . . Hooray!!!

We've already told you that our trip was intensive, right up until we boarded the plane home. Now, we're waiting for the JR train to take us to Nagano. . .

* You can follow our epic Summer in Japan trip in episodes 1-3 by Seally-Go-Round at the links below.

Stars of Sendai VS Sky, Wind, and Sea at Matsushima > > >

  • Summer in Japan #2 :

Almost became a 'box human' in Hokkaido [ Noboribetsu - Sapporo - Asahikawa - Furano ] > > > https://th.readme.me/p/10227

  • Summer in Japan #3

Episode 3.1 : Visiting Hachiko's hometown in Odate, Akita Prefecture >>> https://th.readme.me/p/10321

Episode 3.2 : 3.2 Rice field + Art = Tanbo Art Rice paddy art in Inakadate village, Aomori Prefecture >>> https://pantip.com/topic/36615443

Episode 3.3 Visiting Japan's biggest summer festival. . . ' Nebuta Matsuri ' Giant lantern parade in Aomori Prefecture >>> https://th.readme.me/p/10523

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And this review is...

Summer in Japan #4 Unseen Matsumoto Castle: Matsumoto Castle as you've never seen it before

Continuing from our previous episode, we had a blast at the Nebuta Festival in Aomori. However, we had to leave before the festival ended to avoid missing our train again, as we did the day before. Since all accommodations in Aomori were fully booked during the Nebuta Festival, we had to retreat to another city to spend the night. And guess where we ended up? Sendai!

Our journey to Nagano began at JR Sendai Station. We boarded the Shinkansen from Sendai and transferred at Omiya, arriving in Nagano after a two-hour journey.


The announcement echoed through the train car, "Next stop: Nagano." I stirred, wiping the drool that had stained my neighbor's shirt, and prepared to disembark.

Nagano is renowned for its buckwheat noodles.

Even on the platform of Nagano Station, there is a standing soba shop next to it.

Let's meet for lunch in Nagano. We'll definitely have soba! ^^

Our destination in Nagano is "Zenkoji Temple". We won't be spending much time here, just stopping by for lunch and to pray at the temple.

Despite the overflowing luggage, it miraculously multiplies from one to two, two to four, and four to eight. Seriously, is this a suitcase or an amoeba?!

To facilitate our sightseeing, we must deposit our belongings in the station's lockers.


Absolutely not. History will not repeat itself like it did in Sapporo. (To find out what happened, read this thread.)

We have meticulously calculated the time to ensure you won't miss your train or flight again. Guaranteed.

Let's take a look at the luggage storage lockers at Nagano Station. Aren't they cute?

After feeling light and refreshed, we headed to the bus stop in front of the station. We got off at Senkoji Temple, which was easy to find. From the station, we simply walked straight down the road until we reached the temple.


The distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers. While walking is an option in cooler weather, the temperature during midday can exceed 30 degrees Celsius, making a bus ride a more comfortable choice.

The street leading straight from the station to Senkoji Temple is called Chuo dori. Along the street, there are many shops and restaurants. If the weather is good and you are able to walk, it is recommended to walk there.


A soba restaurant conveniently located right before the temple entrance caught my eye. With a steady stream of customers, it seemed promising. Let's give it a try.

A chef is demonstrating the making of fresh soba noodles to attract customers.


Despite its unassuming facade, Daimaru boasts a surprisingly spacious interior, filled with eager diners. The friendly server, a kind aunt, informed us of the restaurant's name.

The restaurant's menu is in Japanese, but if you are a foreigner, they will provide you with an English menu. The restaurant's signature dish is soba.

Buckwheat noodles, as far as I know, are made from buckwheat seeds. Buckwheat is very beneficial and can be used as a substitute for wheat flour for people with gluten intolerance (a protein found in wheat and bread flour). It is also low in calories. Excellent!

However, those who have never succumbed to any food allergies, like the seals, would also like to try some of these soba or buckwheat noodles. After all, it wouldn't be right to say we haven't truly arrived in Nagano without doing so.

And then I had a cold soba with assorted tempura.


In all honesty, I don't usually enjoy eating soba noodles because they tend to be hard, rough, and crumbly.

Upon trying the noodles at this restaurant,

Slurping the noodles into his mouth... his eyes widened... Wow! These noodles are amazing! They're chewy, soft, and springy, unlike anything I've ever had before.

However, there will also be tempura rice bowls available for those who prefer not to eat noodles.

No wonder the restaurant is packed. The hot soup served in a pot is delicious. If you visit Senkoji Temple, give it a try!

Full from our meal, it was time to continue to the temple. The temple was right in front of the restaurant, very close. We crossed the crosswalk and were in the temple grounds within 3-4 steps.

Let's pin our nationalities for a moment.

The Sensō-ji Temple, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, boasts a history spanning over a millennium. It holds a profound significance for the Japanese people, who often aspire to visit it at least once in their lifetime.

Lined with shops on both sides, Nakamise Street in front of the temple resembles the one at Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo. Be careful not to spend all your money on the tempting goods before entering the temple, or you might find yourself broke!


Let's postpone our shopping spree for now and head into the temple. It's scorching hot right now.

(Is it the hot weather or do we feel hot when we enter the temple? Hmm…)

Why are the leaves changing color so quickly? It's still summer.

Women in yukata pay their respects at the temple.


Photography is prohibited inside the chapel where the main Buddha statue is located. An additional fee is required to enter the inner zone.

If it is inconvenient, you may sit and pay respects outside.

After paying respects to the Buddha, they went to cast lots.

Naively, we followed the instructions on how to cast fortune sticks at the temple, meticulously completing each step. However, we foolishly neglected to read the final note: "Fortune predictions are in Japanese only!"

After receiving blessings from the monks, we strolled through the Nakamise shopping street in front of the temple. While not as extensive as the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, where tour groups often spend half a day, there were still enough shops selling snacks and souvenirs to tempt us to open our wallets.

The majority of the karmic creditors who follow the cat wherever it goes seem to come in the form of soft cream. Since arriving here 4-5 days ago, it has eaten about 5-6 of them already. However, it has also been affected by this, and it is also the flavor it has liked the most since it has been eating them. That is, the apple flavor at this shop.

Indulge in the tantalizing aroma of fresh apples and the velvety texture of this soft cream. Its sweet and fragrant notes will leave you speechless. A true delight for the senses.

There is also a mixed vegetable soft cream, but I can't eat it anymore.

The other option is a green tea ice cream sandwich with wafer biscuits.


The hot weather makes me want to eat as much ice cream as I want. My mom doesn't mind. Hehe ^^

After a sweet victory and a visit to the temple, it's time to head back to JR Nagano Station.

We will continue our journey to Matsumoto, which is only a 50-minute train ride away. We have booked accommodation in Matsumoto for tonight.

Upon arriving at the station, a tourist information center was available to inquire about sightseeing information. However, unbeknownst to us, on the day of our visit (August 8th), a significant event was being held at Matsumoto Castle, an event that only takes place once a year!

Wow, it's here on the exact day! This is a must-have.

Let's check in to our booked hotel first. Since we are unsure of the transportation options to the accommodation, we are not certain if there are any buses available in the area.

We had no choice but to take a taxi. When we hailed the taxi, we told the driver to take us to the Tsuki no Shizuka hotel.

They wouldn't understand anyway ...hehe 😛

Show them the picture and name of the hotel so they don't get lost.

The driver informed me that the fare was 2,000 yen. While it seemed expensive, I had no choice but to pay.

The taxi ride from JR Matsumoto Station was quite long. The driver kept the meter running, and as we approached our destination, I noticed it had reached 2,000 yen. To my surprise, the driver then reset the meter to zero, stating that the fare would remain at 2,000 yen.

A kind citizen placed a crown on a taxi driver's head!

Upon arrival, we unloaded our belongings and proceeded to check in.


This onsen hotel is located a bit far from the city center, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere amidst beautiful nature.

The bedroom exudes a Japanese ryokan aesthetic.


However, the beds will be standard, not Japanese futons.


The room is equipped with a sink and a toilet. Shared shower facilities, separated by gender, are located downstairs.

(I'm curious, if a woman is on her period, will it stain the communal bath red? I'm genuinely curious >.<' )

The hotel provides yukata for guests to wear. The receptionist informed me that it is acceptable to wear them outside the hotel. I plan to wear it to visit Matsumoto Castle.

After transforming and changing clothes, they went out to explore the city of Matsumoto.

This time, we won't be relying on taxis. We checked with the hotel, and they informed us that there is a bus stop within 100 meters to the left of the hotel entrance.

This bus stop has a very difficult name to pronounce: Utsukushigahara Onsen. How do you even say that?

The bus schedule for this stop is displayed here.

This evening, we will stroll through Nakamachi, a shopping street characterized by alternating black and white buildings.

The streets are lined with charming shops.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

Matsumoto is a quiet city. Today, it is unusually quiet, and the streets are deserted.

At the end of the road, you will find a sacred well. Those who drink from it will be blessed with good fortune and wealth.

Contrary to popular belief, the "Aeryyss" is not a magical spring. It is, in fact, a natural well located in the heart of Matsumoto City. The water is clean, refreshing, and perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.

Lined with shops on both sides, this area is perfect for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day. As you cross the bridge, you'll be greeted by the sight of the Metoba River, which flows through the heart of Matsumoto.

The atmosphere today is pleasantly breezy, although the temperature is not particularly cool. Japanese summers are just as hot as those in Thailand, but evening strolls are still enjoyable.

NAWATE STREET

After crossing the street, you will find Nawate Road, a street lined with single-story antique shops. The symbol of this area is the frog, and you can see frogs everywhere you go. It's quite charming.

Many shops seem to be closed today.


Departing from Nawate Station, Matsumoto Castle is within walking distance.

Ah, here it is! I've found it: Seikando Secondhand Bookstore.

This shop is a must-visit photo spot for tourists in Matsumoto, boasting a unique castle-like design.

The owner of this bookstore designed it to resemble Matsumoto Castle. During the 1950s, Matsumoto Castle underwent a major five-year renovation. The owner, Seikando, felt that tourists who came to see the castle would be disappointed if they came during the renovation period when it was closed.

CR: http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/contents07...

Walking along, we arrived at Matsumoto Castle.

In reality, Matsumoto Castle closes in the early evening. Its operating hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Therefore, tourists who visit the castle during the day can only walk around the outside of the castle.

...But today is Special!!! It's only one day a year...

What's so special? Let's go inside and see.

The unique feature of today is...

"August 8th is the only day

when Matsumoto Castle opens its inner area at night

for a Noh performance,

an ancient national performing art of Japan."

Source: http://www.go-nagano.net/shisetsu-detail?shisetsuid=2013007

Noh theater, a unique form of Japanese theatrical performance, has a rich history spanning centuries. Traditionally performed on an open-air stage surrounded by the audience on three sides, Noh features a backdrop of painted pine trees reminiscent of Japanese landscape paintings. Actors don elaborate, heavy costumes and wear masks that convey distinct expressions and character identities.

The cast will be composed entirely of male actors. The play will feature stories, legends, and tales of ghosts and ancient beliefs, accompanied by musical performances.

Currently, Noh plays can be seen in specially built theaters, of which there are only a few, such as in Tokyo, Osaka, etc. However, today is a special occasion, with a Noh play being performed in the garden next to Matsumoto Castle. The performance will begin as the sun sets behind the Japan Alps.


The play may be difficult to understand at first, but before the performance, the audience is given a program with an English synopsis to help them follow the story. Noh theater is similar to traditional folk performances, which are gradually disappearing. However, Noh is considered a national treasure and is preserved through dedicated传承 and the construction of theaters in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where performances are held for the public.


If you're lucky enough to visit Matsumoto Castle on August 8th, you'll be treated to a unique experience that only happens once a year.

After watching the drama "Kimi no Hana ni Naru" for a while, I decided to leave as I was starting to feel hungry and worried about missing the last bus back to my hotel. Matsumoto City is relatively quiet at night, and not many restaurants are open. The sea lion had dinner at a restaurant that I unfortunately don't remember the name of, but it resembled a fast-food establishment. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The restaurant is located within walking distance of Matsumoto Castle, although it's not exactly close.

After a satisfying meal, we waited for the bus back to the hotel. We weren't sure which bus to take, and the wait was long. The bus we needed wasn't coming frequently, and we were afraid of getting on the wrong one. So, we showed the driver a picture of the bus stop sign for our hotel.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I took a relaxing bath in the onsen. The crowd had thinned out, making for a very comfortable soak. Unfortunately, photography was not permitted, so I have no pictures to share.

Take a shower and prepare for bed. As usual, we have to leave early tomorrow morning.

After waking up, I went downstairs to shower as usual. Since I booked the accommodation without breakfast, we would have eaten in this room if it had been included.


However, we didn't eat anything. We checked out of the hotel and waited for the bus at the same bus stop. This morning, we will go to Hotaka to visit the Daio Wasabi Farm.

This morning, I had a light breakfast before heading to Daio to indulge in their signature Wasabi menu.

Take the JR Oito Line from Matsumoto Station to Hotaka Station (30 minutes, 320 yen one way, 1-2 trains per hour).

Upon arriving at the station, I planned to rent a bicycle to ride...a bicycle again! During my six days in Japan, I rode a bicycle four times, amidst temperatures in the thirties.

Out of convenience, we (reluctantly) have to ride bicycles (again).

Upon exiting the train, I stumbled upon this shop with bicycles parked in front, suggesting that bicycle rentals are likely available.

This establishment is a café, specifically a sheep café, as the owner has a fondness for sheep.

The cost of renting a bicycle per hour is unknown, but it is considered expensive for this shop.

Turning the corner, I stumbled upon another shop offering a lower price.

The shop was charming, and I had the opportunity to speak with the owner, a friendly gentleman who spoke excellent English. He mentioned his fondness for sheep, and in response to my own love for seals, he kindly wrote "seal" in Japanese for me. ^^

Renting a bicycle from this shop comes with a cafe discount coupon. This allows you to enjoy refreshments while waiting for your train.

With bicycle in hand, I headed straight for the Daio Wasabi Farm.

The 2.5-kilometer ride was easy due to the light traffic in the city. However, the weather was a challenge. Even at 9-10 am, the sun was scorching, penetrating deep into the skin.

Remember, when cycling in Japan during the summer, apply a thick layer of sunscreen and wear long clothing that covers your arms and legs. The sun is incredibly harsh, so sunglasses are also essential. Bring a water bottle and a handkerchief, as you'll likely sweat profusely during the ride.

The scenery along the way is mostly rice fields, with mountains in the background. These mountains are a popular spot for trekking.

Riding through the rice fields here, I thought I was riding around my hometown in Korat. The weather is quite similar.

We arrived at the Daio Wasabi Farm and parked our bikes in front.

The Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場, Daiō Wasabi Nōjō )

The opening hours are approximately 9 am to 5 pm. Today, we arrived precisely at 9 am.

One of the first customers, so to speak.

The shops haven't opened yet, but I'm already hungry, so I'll wait for them to start selling things for a bit.

I had my eye on the Wasabi soft serve before I came here, and now I've finally gotten to try it. It's delicious!

Nagano is renowned for its delectable cuisine, including not only soba noodles but also oyaki, a savory pastry akin to a steamed bun or savory scallion pancake. Filled with vegetables, oyaki is a local specialty.

And this green drink? It's not chlorophyll water, but wasabi beer!

The flavors were decent, but the wasabi was not as strong as expected.

After lunch, take a walk and explore the farm.

Daio is home to the largest wasabi farm in Japan. However, growing wasabi requires more than just soil and water.


Due to the stringent environmental requirements, the wasabi must be cultivated in a controlled setting with a constant supply of pure, cold, flowing water. This water originates from the Northern Japan Alps. During the hot summer months (May to October), shade cloths are used to protect the plants from the intense sunlight.

CR Source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6056.html

Wondering how cold the water is? I dipped my feet in, and even though the air temperature is over 30 degrees Celsius, the water is freezing cold. I couldn't keep my feet in for more than 5 seconds. It's incredibly cold!

Daio's vast expanse is divided into zones, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the farm.

This zone features a wooden waterwheel in a stream. Tourists can enjoy a 20-minute scenic rubber boat ride for 1,200 yen.


Upon entering, visitors will encounter the Daio Shrine and a small cave where they can pay their respects.

I was initially hungry and hoped to try the wasabi menu at Daio's restaurant. However, the restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, and it was not yet open when we arrived. We could not wait because, based on our calculations, we would miss our train. We had to return to Matsumoto Station to change trains and head to Tokyo before returning to Thailand tonight. Therefore, we had to skip the meal. We were very disappointed.


No problem, let's stop by the gift shop in front and buy some wasabi products instead.


Alternatively, you can purchase fresh wasabi root and grate it yourself. However, it is likely to spoil before reaching Thailand.


After finishing, we rode our bikes back. This time, the sun was even stronger, and we almost fainted again. We had to stop along the way to find water to wash our faces and drink some sweet water to prevent fainting.

While I'm typically not susceptible to the elements, the Japanese sun is undeniably intense. If you visit during the summer, you'll realize that Japan isn't just about the cold.

Successfully returned the bicycle. While waiting for the train, I visited the Tourist Information Center. This center provides information on sightseeing in the vicinity of Hotaka, including the Japan Alps.

Documents are also available in Thai. The staff who provide information can speak English and offer friendly advice. There are also souvenirs available for purchase.


The train has arrived. Let's board and return to Tokyo.

The train will arrive at Shinjuku Station in almost 3 hours. Passengers can enjoy a long ride and find food on the train, such as stir-fried rice and iced milk tea, to satisfy their hunger.

"Oh my! I didn't get to leave from Hua Lamphong Station. I'll grab a sandwich and hot coffee first. I'm thinking of having one last meal in Tokyo before I head back."

This is the translated text. It is simply an empty paragraph with a line break.

In Tokyo…

Tokyo's summer heat is more intense than other parts of Japan. The city's dense urban landscape, with its abundance of buildings, traps heat and creates a noticeable heatwave effect. Despite the sweltering conditions, Tokyo residents seem unfazed, except for a lone tropical seal who stands panting in the heat.

For my last meal before returning home to indulge in spicy papaya salad with fermented fish, I entrusted my heart and stomach to a restaurant beloved by Thais: Midori, the overflowing sushi restaurant. Arriving at the off-peak hours of two or three in the afternoon meant no waiting in line, and I finally got to enjoy a satisfying sushi feast.

Exquisitely delicious! If you're in Shibuya and don't visit this restaurant, you're making a big mistake!

The price is also reasonable, considering the quality received.

Before returning, we stopped by to say goodbye to Hachiko. On this trip, we also visited Hachiko's hometown of Odate.

https://pantip.com/topic/36595963

For those seeking souvenirs featuring Hachiko, the iconic loyal dog, visit the shop located in the mall adjacent to Shibuya Station. You'll find an array of adorable Hachiko-themed merchandise.

It's time to return to Thailand after a fulfilling 6-day, 6-night summer trip in Japan. This memorable journey was packed with unforgettable experiences.

Farewell . . . Until we meet again, JAPAN

See you again in the next review.

Seally-Go-Round

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