Wabi-Sabi Sole

Finding Beauty with Imperfection

Category: Travel

Matsumoto

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On December 18, 2016

In Japan, Matsumoto, Matsumoto Castle, Temple, Travel

The second half of our day on Saturday was spent in Matsumoto. Matsumoto is a city surrounded by mountains in the Nagano prefecture. It was about a 1.5 hour drive from the Snow Monkey Park.


The highlight of our visit to Matsumoto was the Matsumoto Castle. This castle was unlike any castle I have ever seen. Mainly because it was a Japanese castle. 


The weather in the afternoon was perfect allowing for excellent lighting on the castle. We were amazed with the perfect weather we had all day. Clear in the morning so we could see Mt. Fuji, snowed while we were visiting the snow Monkeys and then perfect clouds in Matsumoto. 


The Matsumoto Castle is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. It is often referred to as the “Crow Castle” because it’s black color and roof line give the image of crow wings. 


The castle was built during the Sengoku Period and completed between 1593-1594. For 280 years, the castle was ruled by 23 different lords until the Meiji Restoration abolished the feudal system. In 1873, the castle was sold at auction and prepared for restoration. The main structure was experiencing a significant starboard list. Since 1873b, two significant renovations have occurred. One between 1903-1913 and the other between 1950-1955. An earthquake in June of 2011 caused 10 cracks to form in the walls of the main structure and potential renovations are being discussed. 

Upon entering the castle, visitors are asked to remove their shoes. You are provided slippers to wear while walking around. Dave had a little bit of a struggle finding a pair to fit his size 12. 


The Castle has 6 floors. Each floor is connected by a set of narrow and steep stairs! I wasn’t able to photograph each set because of the crowds. These will give you an idea. 


The view of the surrounding mountains from the sixth floor was beautiful. 


After exploring the castle, we walked around the gardens and had a couple unique photo opportunities. 


We had a little bit of time before needing to catch the bus, enabling us to explore the city of Matsumoto. We found this beautiful temple and I purchased another temple book. Two reasons – 1. I only have 3 spots left in my book. 2. I forgot mine. Ugh. Rookie mistake! 


When we first arrived, we were able to see the end of a wedding. 


We walked through the shopping district and found this cute store! It has my name! 

As always, thanks for reading! Hugs & kisses from Japan! 

Snow Monkeys 

By

On December 17, 2016

In Japan, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, Mt. Fuji, Nagano, Snow Monkeys, Travel, Yokosuka

Visiting the Snow Monkeys has been on my list of “must do” since we started discussing the possibility of taking orders to Japan. I first learned about Snow Monkeys when I taught AP Environmental Science at Bayside High school in 2004. A picture of a snow monkey was on the cover of our text book and we discussed the monkeys when learning about an animal’s ability to adapt to their environment. Snow Monkeys live in a harsh winter environment and use the onsen (hot spring) as a refuge from the cold.

I signed us up to take the tour offered by ITT on Saturday 12/17. The tour bus picked us up at 3:30am and we returned at 10pm. It was a long day on the bus, but well worth it!

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen or Snow Monkey Park is located near the city of Nagano in the northern part of the Nagano prefecture. Nagano was the sight of the 1998 winter Olympics. It is about a 5 hour drive from Yokosuka.

We had two rest stops on our way to Nagano. The first was slightly before sunrise and gave us a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji.

The Nagano area receives heavy snowfalls and the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen remains snow covered four months of the year. The elevation of the park is 850m (2,788 ft). The path to see the snow monkeys is very narrow and and only accessible by foot. From where the buses drop you off, it is approximately 2km through the forest to see the monkeys. The park includes mountains forests surrounding a valley. The onsen is located in the valley. The steam from the hot springs during the cold winter makes the name Jigokudani, (meaning: “Hell’s Valley”) appropriate because the steam rise up.

The path to the Monkeys was an unexpected delight. It was already snow covered and the forest was serene. About 5 minutes into our walk along the path, it started snowing. Talk picturesque!

At one point a park worker passed us on his snow mobile!

We moved to the side for him to pass and then continued on our way.

A sharp right turn took us up the steps for the Snow Monkey Park. But first, let me take a selfie!

Our tour guide passed out our tickets and we were off to find SNOW MONKEYS!!

And did we ever… I hope I convey how big of a deal this was for me. Like I said, I have thought about this for years. It was better than I expected. The monkeys are so chill, they don’t care about humans and the opportunities to observe and photograph them are endless.the first set of photos were from the creek bed area. The brown furry rocks are monkeys.

The monkeys are wild Japanese macaques. They are free to roam the forest. There is nothing preventing them from coming or going. Often they are seen just sitting, walking about or grooming their friends.

I think if I could have stayed all day, I would have. They were fascinating to watch. This one… just posed and posed. Their faces turn red as they warm up in the onsen. Notice the difference in the earlier pictures.

Here are a few shots from the upper viewing area.

The close-up pictures are amazing. I also tried to see how many I could photograph at once.

Frequently, momma gives rides.

As we left the park, my heart was happy. I felt so fortunate to have experienced such a magical moment. We are sacrificing a lot by being away from our family and friends. Especially during the holidays. Having the opportunity to go on adventures and explore helps ease the separation. And being able to share it with you, helps me feel grounded and connected. Wow. That was heavy. We obviously need more monkey pictures!!

And a few more pictures of the walk back to the bus. It was still snowing!!

Can you believe this was only the first half of our day? We left the Snow Monkey Park at noon. We stopped about thirty minutes away for lunch. Shockingly, I had ramen. Although not the best ever, it was perfect on a snowy snow monkey day!

I am going to save the second half of our day for tomorrow. I have already written half a book with numerous pictures. I will save our afternoon in Matsumoto visiting the castle and exploring the town for tomorrow!

P.S. If you decide to visit in the winter months, we will definitely add a visit to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen to your list. As always, thank you for reading. Hugs and kisses from Japan.

Peek-a-Boo

By

On August 4, 2016

In Google Map, Japan, KitKat, Shopping, Train, Travel

Long story short, I saw our future house today!!  Here is a picture of our “le” (pronounced “e-et”).  It was great to put eyes on our home sweet home.  Less than 2 weeks!


What you can’t see is the long hill I climbed to get to the house.  Nor can you feel how hot and sweaty it was to make the climb.  I know the U.S is feeling the torch of summer and Japan is no different.  It was 89 degrees – 70% humidity with a heat index of 99 degrees.  Sounds familiar to so many!


Added bonus is that it is an end unit and tucked away with a woody backyard.


And now for the longer part of the story.  Let me back up to Wednesday, 8/3.  Two key things happened.  1.  We obtained our Japanese cell phones.  This enabled me to utilize GPS and cellular service beyond wifi.  2.  My newest friend, offered to show me how to use the trains.  Armed with my new cell phone (iphone 6s) and money for a drink at a vending machine along our journey, my friend, her two kids and I, set off on a field trip to Ikego Hills and back.  We were successful in our adventure and I was prepared for my solo journey on Thursday.  Here are a few pictures to provide better understanding of the Japanese train system.

  1.  Boarding passengers form a line behind the diamonds while waiting.  Also notice the passengers across the tracks.  The benches are unique. 

  1. If you desire to sit on a bench and wait, you sit on a specific square on the bench.  Do NOT hog the entire bench.  If possible, leave a space between you and another person on the bench if you don’t know them as demonstrated in the above picture. 
  2. The trains are really clean.  Ok, maybe not the train station but, the train is really clean.  Also, it is really difficult to find a trashcan.  Another lesson learned, keep a trash bag in your purse at all times. 
  3. Do NOT talk loudly, eat, drink or anything else that would cause you to make a spectacle of yourself.  I should probably include “be a tall American women with blond hair” because people will stare at you.

This leads to my favorite game to play on the train.  During my first solo train ride on 8/4/16, I developed the adult version of “peek-a-boo”.  I sat in silence and I played on my phone for a minute or two.  Then spontaneously I would look up, make eye contact with the person staring at me and smile.  Without fail, each time I looked up, someone was staring at me.  After I looked up and caught them staring they would quickly look away or at the floor.  It was hard to keep a straight face.  I was giggling on the inside.  I didn’t feel threatened by any means.  It was more a feeling of being a mysterious anomaly who should be admired and studied.  Too much?  Seriously, I didn’t feel threatened or awkward just different because I am and that is OK!

Continuing on with my journey, here is a screen shot of my Google Map.  In case I haven’t explained how easy Google Map is to use, if you look at the directions at the bottom, it tells you what time your train will arrive, which platform, how many stops your train will make and total travel time.  Even more helpful, the blue dot travels along the route.  Enabling visual verification you are on the correct train.  Completely user foreigner friendly.


I also develop a mnemonic to help me identify my stops.

  1. Jimmuji Station – Jumanji (Station by our housing area)
  2. Kanazawa-Hakkei Station – Kwanzaa-Hanukkah (Where we switch trains)
  3. Yokosukachuo Station – Yokosuka”chew” (Station near the base)

Silly, but very helpful when everything is indecipherable.

After my trek to and from housing, I shopped along Blue Street as I made my way back to the base.  Here were items I found at a little convenience store.  Tomato Pretz, 2 flavors of KitKats (still searching for wine flavored), clorets (gum) and two individually wrapped Japanese “uncrustables”.  One flavor is egg salad and the other peanut butter.  Interestingly, neither were refrigerated and both had an expiration date of 8/6/2016.  Hmmm….


Finally, it was time for lunch.  This was a yummy soft bread covered with macaroni salad, 3 pieces of broccoli and 1 shrimp.  It was served warm.


I am happy to report that I was not a bobbing blond bobble head while exchanging currency.  I made two separate purchases and felt I handled it like a 96-hour newbie.  I followed the locals in line ahead of me and placed my CASH on the little tray that was by the register.  I bowed slightly each time (only once) and said “hai” and “aragoto” – (thank you).  Oh, and of coursed smiled.

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