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| Castle's black and white design is even more impressive when illuminated at night |
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Matsumoto Castle: A Rival to Himeji and Kumamoto (3/3)
Matsumoto Castle: A Rival to Himeji and Kumamoto (2/3)
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| Majestic Matsumoto Castle: Framed by Uzumi Bridge and Stone Walls |
Honmaru Gardens: Gateway to the Castle and Its Towers
Matsumoto Castle: A Rival to Himeji and Kumamoto (YouTube link)
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| Honmaru Gardens: A Castle's Front Yard |
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| Legend of the 26th Night God 奉鎮祭二十六夜神: Protective Amulet at Matsumoto Castle |
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| Castle Defenses: Steep Stairs, Stone-Dropping Openings, Archer Loopholes |
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| Hospitality Team in Traditional Attire Greets Visitors at Castle |
Matsumoto Castle: A Rival to Himeji and Kumamoto (1/3)
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| Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure with a striking black and white contrast against the mountains |
Matsumoto Castle⭐⭐, a national treasure of Japan, is a must-visit destination for history buffs and travelers seeking a glimpse into the country's rich past. Its striking black and white exterior stands out against the surrounding landscape, while its intricate wooden interior offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture. The castle's unique design, featuring both a main keep and a secondary donjon, is a testament to its historical significance. Visitors can explore the castle's grounds, admire the surrounding cherry blossoms in spring, or simply soak up the serene atmosphere of this iconic landmark.
A Peaceful Moment: Along the Castle Moat
Matsumoto Castle, a renowned cherry blossom destination, offers visitors a serene stroll through its spacious grounds and park. Surrounding the outer moat, hundreds of Somei Yoshino cherry trees create a breathtaking spectacle when they bloom in mid-April. Regrettably, our visit from April 4th to April 7th, 2024, was a week too early to experience this natural beauty at its peak, as the castle staff informed us.
A Peaceful Moment: Along the Castle Moat (YouTube link)
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| Regrettably was a week too early to experience this natural beauty at its peak, as the castle staff informed us |
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Exploring the Magic of Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
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| The iconic Three Houses that define Shirakawa-go |
Shirakawa-go (白川郷⭐⭐) is a picturesque village located in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan, renowned for its traditional Gassho-zukuri houses. These unique houses, with their steep thatched roofs resembling clasped hands (Gassho), were designed to withstand heavy snowfall in the region.
Key features of Shirakawa-go:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Shirakawa-go was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural heritage.
- Gassho-zukuri Houses: These iconic houses are a testament to the ingenuity of the local people, who adapted their homes to the harsh winter conditions.
- Scenic Beauty: The village is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Shogawa River and the Japanese Alps.
- Cultural Experiences: Visitors can explore the traditional lifestyle of the local people through various cultural activities, such as traditional crafts and local cuisine.
Shirakawa-go offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, providing a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Sweeping view of the Shirakawa-go 白川郷 (YouTube link)
Shirakawa-go's Scenic Gateway: The Ogimachi Suspension Bridge (YouTube link)
Discovering the Beauty of Shirakawa-go
I spent one night and two days in a guesthouse (民宿 / みんしゅく) in Shirakawa-go, staying from April 11th to 12th. As a popular tourist destination, the main street can become crowded. To avoid the crowds, I visited the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Open Air Museum on my first day. This open-air museum is similar to Hida no Sato village in Takayama. On the morning of my second day, I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the village and took most of my photos.
Day One: Exploring the the Gasshozukuri Village
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| Hachiman Shrine Shirakawa 白川八幡神社 |
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| Nomura そば処 乃むら (Soba noodle shop) |
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| Mixed Experience: Soba Noodles at Nomura Disappoint, but Service Shines |
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| The name of the hotel "Iccha 一茶" is very special |
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| Saruboboさるぼぼ, a charming lucky charm from Gifu |
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| Shirakawa-go's iconic Three Houses 三小屋 |
Staying in the Guest House
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| The cozy guesthouse (民宿/みんしゅく) where I spent the night in Shirakawa-go |
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| Our dining area at the guesthouse featured a traditional irori, a sunken hearth that provided warmth and a cozy atmosphere |
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| As the guesthouse host mentioned, the village was pitch black at night, and it was |
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| Hachiman Shrine Shirakawa 白川八幡神社 |
Day Two: Embracing the Tranquil and Serene Morning Atmosphere
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| Shirakawa-go's iconic Three Houses 三小屋 |
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| The Shogawa River庄川, flowing beneath the watchful gaze of the Japanese Alps |
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| The serene Ogimachi Suspension Bridge, bathed in the golden light of dawn and devoid of crowds |
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| Another angle of the suspension bridge |
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| The three houses glowed golden in the morning sun |
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| A line of people waiting outside the solo luggage storage facility in Shirakawa-go |
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