The Essence of Japan (continued)
Next day, our exploration of Matsumoto Castle begins by making a strenuous climb of the six floors of the keep. Despite our guide
(Akiko) telling us that we would not be asked to remove our shoes, this is what we have to do, and then we are required to carry them
with us in a plastic bag provided for the purpose. Some of the stairs are very difficult with high steps and not much headroom, and
they would have been far easier to negotiate with well shod feet. However, the views from the sixth floor, over the nearby mountains
and the castles gardens with its immaculately preserved red bridge, are superb. The gardens contain some lovely azaleas, wisteria
and other flowers
Still in Matsumoto, we are taken to a sake emporium that has been in the same family for six generations. The current lady owner
shows us round her very old house (below), pointing out some interesting old family photographs and some aspects of how the house
was constructed with economy of space in mind such as drawers built into the stairs and sliding doors between rooms. But the main
feature here is the production of the rice liquor sake and we are able to taste various varieties before we leave at 11:30am.
Outside the house we are intrigued by the design of the streets manhole covers, particularly a colourful one whose design seems to indicate that it covers a fire hydrant.
From Matsumoto we head west, following Highway 158 towards Takayama, where we will spend the next two nights. This route is through
a section of the Japan Alps and we begin with a long climb up a valley. In parts the road is very narrow and goes through a number
of old and narrow tunnels. There are some stunning views down into a deep valley and we see large swathes of trees with the bright
green foliage of new leaves. There is also plenty of cherry blossom at these high levels and other colourful shrubs and plants. The
river we are following is dammed in a number of places to produce hydro-electricity. At about 12:30pm, we pass through the long (4.3-km)Abo tunnel, which is much more modern than others we have traversed earlier. At 12:55pm, we stop for a lunch break.
At a remote
location we find a restaurant specialising in noodles. We choose the local speciality of Takayama noodles which are served in a soup
with a piece of meat and a boiled egg (left).
Later in the afternoon we reach Takayama, where we will be staying for two nights.
We cross the river bridge (right) to reach the Hida Folk Village (below)
The Hida Folk Village is located just outside Takayama and has over 30 houses that have been brought here from the surrounding area.
The buildings, on a hillside with views of the Japan Alps, are interesting both architecturally and for how they illustrate the way
of life in a snowy climate. We have an hour here which gives us time to explore part of the village as we experience some drops of
rain. The most interesting aspects are an example of a gassho-zukuri house with its steep thatched roof, a wood carver who is using
a traditional one-knife method, and a huge bell that a number of us ring by using its heavy swinging hammer