Matsumoto

Bus on to the mountain city of Matsumoto for three days to explore some of the eastern alps and to experience some of the healing waters of Japan's most famous onsen. Matsumoto's a pretty city with a picturesque castle and pleasant old town area. This time we're staying in another “semi-double” western style business hotel, which actually works out cheaper than a hostel (which seems often to be the case here) with a bit of charming negotiation.

Visited the castle, took a day trip to Norikura Kogen Onsen for a cleansing spa (see the post on bathing in Japan) and celebrated 14th July at the local French restaurant with home made countryside pate and huge leg of roast pork, followed by a nice dram of calvados and Celine's rendition of “la Marseillaise”... Vive la France!