長野と松本を探索：古代寺院、烏城、グルメシーフードの饗宴！
Welcome back to the journey! Today, we’re heading deep into the mountains — to Nagano Prefecture, where ancient temples, gorgeous artwork, majestic castles, toad samurai, and unexpected gourmet surprises await. From Karuizawa, it’s just a 30-minute ride on the non-stop Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano City, the capital of the prefecture. A JR bus offers direct service to the Snow Monkey Park, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes. Our first stop is the legendary Zenkō-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important and popular temples — and it’s over 1,400 years old. This temple houses the very first Buddhist statue ever brought into Japan. The original is kept hidden, while a replica is shown to the public every six years. Missed it this time? Don’t worry — the next chance is in 2027. In Japan, it’s said that everyone should visit Zenkō-ji at least once in their life. And during the statue’s last public viewing, over 6 million people came. The main hall, rebuilt in 1707, is a designated National Treasure. Inside, you’ll find stunning Buddhist statues — and for a small fee, you can explore the inner chamber. There’s also a mysterious underground passage in complete darkness. While walking through it, you’ll feel for the “Key to Paradise,” believed to grant salvation to those who touch it. Here is a picture of the sacred statue. Outside, the gardens hold hidden stories — like a memorial honoring the women of the Tokugawa Shoguns… and a lantern dedicated to the spirit of a famous courtesan from the Edo Period. Just outside the temple grounds, a lively street awaits — lined with local shops and souvenirs. Grab a snack, soak up the atmosphere, and get ready for the next leg of our trip. From Nagano, it’s about an hour to Matsumoto — our stop for the night. Tomorrow, we’ll explore the breathtaking Kamikōchi, but for now, let’s dive into Matsumoto’s rich culture and food scene. First stop — the City Museum of Art, home to the works of world-renowned artist Kusama Yayoi, who was born right here in Matsumoto. Even outside the museum, you’ll find her art — like this giant tulip sculpture at the entrance. Next, we visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles, and a designated National Treasure. Nicknamed “Crow Castle” because of its striking black walls, it was built on the plains instead of a hill — a rare sight in Japan. The black exterior of Matsumoto Castle not only creates a striking visual impression but also serves as protection against the elements. Matsumoto Castle is architecturally unique, featuring both a secondary donjon and a turret connected to its main keep. The main keep and the smaller secondary donjon were constructed between 1592 and 1614, during a time when conflict still loomed, requiring strong fortifications. By 1635, as peace had taken hold, additional structures were added, including a lightly defended turret and a special tower designed for moon viewing. The main keep appears to have five stories from the outside but actually contains six floors within. And yes, there’s even a ninja here! Inside, visitors can walk through the original wooden interior, offering a truly authentic experience. You’ll find narrow wooden staircases, and an observation deck with a view of the city. and an observation deck with a view of the city. The steep staircase can be quite a challenge— especially when you’re balancing a camera in one hand and your shoes in the other. In the peaceful Edo period, a Moon Viewing Tower was added for a Shogun’s visit. Today, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a serene view of the castle grounds. Don’t miss the Castle Night Illumination, held from mid-December to February— it’s a magical sight if you happen to be in town. Just a 5-minute walk from the castle is Nawate Street, where a toad samurai greets you at the entrance. This charming shopping lane is packed with local snacks, souvenirs… and frogs! Yep—you’ll spot frog statues all over the place. Now, it’s time for dinner. We’re visiting a seafood restaurant with a focus on oysters not something you’d expect in a landlocked city like Matsumoto! Here’s what we tried: 🍅 Tomato salad — sweet, juicy Japanese cherry tomatoes. 🦪 Steamed oyster from Miyazaki — plump and flavorful. 🥢 Karasumi (dried mullet roe) with radish — salty, rich, and perfectly balanced. 🔥 Grilled scallop with seaweed — smoky and tender. 🦪 Deep-fried oyster with potato salad — unexpectedly delicious combo. 🐟 Shishamo spring roll — crispy and bursting with umami. Named “willow leaf fish,” shishamo is a beloved autumn delicacy. Deep-fried shrimp cake, perfectly crispy on the outside, served with grated daikon and tender asparagus on the side. And the star of the night… 🍲 Sea urchin hotpot — 🍲 Thick, creamy hotpot broth made from dashi and sea urchin — perfect for dipping pork and cabbage. It’s absolutely delicious. 🎁 monkfish liver, also known as the foie gras of the sea. Drizzle on ponzu, and it’s absolutely divine. finish it off by adding rice and egg for a rich chazuke. That wraps up our journey through Nagano and Matsumoto. From ancient temples to samurai castles, and a seafood feast we’ll never forget — this was a day to remember. Thanks so much for joining us on this leg of the adventure. If you enjoyed the video, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. Until next time — stay curious, stay inspired, and we’ll see you in the next one. ✨
Discover Nagano & Matsumoto: Ancient Temples, Crow Castle & Gourmet Seafood Feast!
Welcome back to the journey! 🌄 Today we dive into Nagano Prefecture—ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Karuizawa to Nagano City in just 30 minutes,. Our day kicks off at the 1,400-year-old Zenkō-ji Temple (next public statue viewing: 2027!), where you can explore a mysterious underground “Key to Paradise.”
Next, we head an hour south to Matsumoto—home of the art-lover’s City Museum of Art (featuring Kusama Yayoi) and the majestic Matsumoto Castle (“Crow Castle”), with its black lacquered walls, and a Moon-Viewing Tower added for an Edo-era Shogun. Stroll through charming Nawate Street, where toad samurai statues and frog motifs abound.
Finally, a surprise seafood feast in landlocked Matsumoto! From Miyazaki oysters and karasumi to shishamo “willow-leaf fish” spring rolls and a rich sea urchin hotpot—plus the “foie gras of the sea,” monkfish liver.
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00:00 Intro & Shinkansen Ride
00:42 Zenkō-ji Temple
03:09 Travel to Matsumoto & City Museum of Art
04:08 Matsumoto Castle (“Crow Castle”)
07:28 Nawate Shopping Street and Toad Samurai
08:09 Seafood Feast: Oysters, Shishamo & Uni Hotpot
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