A rest day, spent resting. Most of it was taking in and appreciating Matsumaya Castle. Built from 1602 onwards, rebuilt after fires in the 1800s, and bombing damage in 1945.
It had its own Capability Brown to divert the main river. Stonemasons to craft the huge chunks of granite. Skilled carpenters to build the massive gates. All high tech including different types of wood to keep the insects down. Not much info on the toilets. I suspect they’d be amazed at the electronic contraptions the Japanese use now. Push the wrong button and you’ve got tears in your eyes.
Much like we are taking a peek into the past, I wonder what the then residents would have made of Matsumaya now, with trams, cars, and buildings jostling to fill the space? Compared to today’s 0.5 million it was a new castle town of 5-10000, consisting of sumurai retainers, builders, merchants and their families. Like any medieval castle town really.
It was a refreshing change to go around a non-European castle of this vintage. Still holes for arrows, guns, stones. The armour was a cut above ours in the fashion stakes.
Barbara explored the famous Dogo Onsen (hotspring); I was a happy bike shed fairy.
Tomorrow back to the green hills and temples.
Travelling reflections 