We checked out of hotel and took a hotel morning shuttle to the train station and left our luggages at the coin lockers. There are sizes ranging from 100¥ to 800¥.
We like Matsumoto town very much. It has a small town european feel with nice designs. Maybe because they have lovely gardens in the streets.
We walked 30 mins from the station to Matsumoto castle which has a pretty Japanese style garden with wisteria. (We later went to Nagoya castle and between the two, I like Matsumoto better. Kumamato castle is my other favourite).
Matsumoto castle also known as crow castle is one of 5 castles considered as national treasures of Japan.
It has square foundation and is a flatland castle with a moat for defense. A pleasant 18 min stroll from the train station. Combine the walk to Nawate street shops and to the shopping belt.
Do try the fish pancake, it is the best we have tried. Look at the long queue.
The batter is crispy and tasty.
They had a savoury sausage version which I like very much.
Another soba place which we didnt try because of the long queues. Matsumoto is famous for its buckwheat noodles or soba. Its golden week of holidays in Japan.
Matsumoto’s famous child is Kusama who was having an exhibition while we were there. Her pumpkin was on display at ground floor of Media Garden near the Timepiece museum.
Cafe noyie (Cafe Neue)
Himself bought a nice green glass sake cup.
Very good soba and tempura at Kippo
Kippo (そば処) 吉邦
7-40 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture 390-0873
0263-36-270
https://g.co/kgs/Aj7Pwu
Soba-dokoro Kippo
Caught a train to Nagoya and arrived at 4pm. Checked into Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Taiko Dori side, about 5 min walk from the train station. I will gladly stay in this hotel again.
We managed to drop our bags and return to the bus terminal to catch the Meitetsu line to the Winter illuminations at Nabana No Sato.