Matsumoto

Matsumoto

Although it took quite a long train journey to get here, it was definitely worth it. Matsumoto castle is very beautiful! It is one of only 4 castles in Japan to be designated a national treasure. I was quite suprised to be offered a free tour of the castle by a Japanese volunterr guide. As a result I learnt lots of history and information that I wouldn't have otherwise.

On the top of all Japanese castles they have a Chinese creature that has the face of a tiger and the body of a fish. It is believed to spout lots of water out of its mouth when it gets hot, so it will protect the castle from fire! Also, unlike English castles, Japanese castles are either white or black, depending on the family that originally owned them.

By request here is some Japanese. If you don't understand, it is just a summary of the above. If you do understand, sorry.
Douyoobi ni kankoo o shimashita. Watashi wa hitori de densha de Matsumoto e ikimashita. Densha de hon o yomimashita. Matsumoto no oshiro o mimashita. Oshiro wa totemo kirei deshita. Matsumoto wa nigiyaka ja arimasendeshita. Demo omoshirokata desu.