Ladies Road Trip!

Matsumoto Castle

Japan is a not-so-small island with much to experience, all one needs is a really good map and an adventurous spirit. My neighbor’s mom had come to visit and experience Japan, and she is full of such an adventurous spirit.  Tavi, my neighbor, and her mom, Chris, decided that they wanted to see Mastumoto Castle and the snow monkeys that live further north, and they were going to spend the night in a traditional Japanese hotel called a "ryokan". Fortunately for me they were willing to have a tagalong. Road trip!!!

We started our journey around 10 am on a rainy Monday morning. Navigating in Japan was intended to be confusing; first of all, they drive on the left side of the road due to an ancient belief that developed from the Samurai warriors (it enabled them to draw their swords quickly if their opponent was passing on the left). Additionally, the roads were meant to confuse any invaders that entered the country, and this plan has been successful thus far. To say the least, ensuring that all directions were followed perfectly would be a falsehood. Chris took the role of head navigator, and she definitely had her work cut out for her, but completed her job successfully.

I should add that driving in Japan is also costly, and I’m not talking about gas prices. The cost of traveling on the highways is shocking. In order to use the Express Way, one must take a ticket when they get on the freeway and when they want to exit they must return the ticket for the total traveling fee, which is in addition to the yearly tax one must pay on their car (each car they own). For our journey, it took over five thousand yen each way (more than one hundred dollars). It took about 3 hours with Tavi’s “need for speed” to reach Mastumoto Castle and leave the rain clouds behind for a gorgeous sunny day.

The castle was stunning with black walls and clay demons strategically perched on the corners of the castle for added protection. We were honored to have an elderly Japanese woman volunteer to take us on a guided tour around the castle.  She taught us about the castle’s mission and structure. It was built with a secret floor, and to the unknowing outsider, the castle has 5 floors not 6. Our tour guide led us inside, and we discovered that the entire castle was made out of hand carved wood. Inner parts of the castle had archways that covered steep and narrow staircases, due to the amount of wood required to build such a castle, other guardians that looked like a fish was placed atop of the castle to keep fire away during battles. This castle was not like any castle I could have ever imagined; yet it’s intricate designs made it absolutely amazing.

Swans

The Castle Courtyard

The Demon 

Steep stairs!

Tavi is protecting the Castle!

Japanese Guns

Samurai Uniform

We left the castle starving, and went to find place for a picnic lunch. Seven-Eleven was on the corner across the street from the castle and we purchased cold drinks, salads, and other snacks.  In Japan, 7-11’s are everywhere, and they sell several nutritious snacks such as rice meals, salads, seaweed dishes, and for those that are gluten-free it is easier to find a plant based snack to eat, though one must be cautious as many sauces that accompany a meal contain wheat. We found a spot in a local market area and sat down to enjoy our food, then walk around the area exploring more shops. After our picnic lunch we were off to find our Ryokan, this time we had quite a time finding the place even with Google maps.

Ryokans are wonderful places to spend a night or several days on a relaxing vacation. To be classified as a ryokan, the hotel must have a natural spa on the property, and they serve dinner in your room with the option to eat in your robe.  Our dinner was very elaborate, yet not friendly to the gluten-free.  They offered me white rice, and I mixed my own tuna packet into the rice. Though my dinner was “humble” it was still very satisfying. Additionally, they offered me a cup of fresh fruit.  It is best to call these establishments before hand to ask for a gluten-free option, as most are willing to accommodate. After dinner we went for a dip in the natural spring water. The three of us enjoyed the bath very much, though the water was very hot. After our dip in the springs, we were ready for bed.

Breakfast was a traditional Japanese meal as well, and not safe for the gluten intolerant.  Before we left I prepared a batch of spinach and chocolate chip bars (with added protein powder) for breakfast with a banana. This was a great start for my day and was very inexpensive.

After breakfast we headed to another castle, called Arato-Jo Mountain Castle. It was far from elaborate, but it was used as a lookout post over the Chikuma River Valley.  The original structure was destroyed and the current structure was rebuilt to create a piece of Japan’s history.  Unfortunately, spiders are the main inhabitants now, and I was struck with fear when I noticed one on my clothes. On the border of hyperventilation, I yelled, “Get it off me!!” Chris came over and heroically grabbed the web to remove the arachnid from my shirt. It was then I realized it was lifeless, and thank God for that! I wasn’t endangered of being bitten. Spiders are amazing creatures from a safe distance.

It was time to see the snow monkeys – up close and personal – after a short detour on the expressway in the opposite direction. Again, driving can be a mental puzzle in this country; however, one should not be discouraged because of a little road confusion. We arrived and started our mountain trek to the monkey’s home. How cute!

These monkeys have access to a mountain spring year round, and bathe frequently.

The monkeys run the place just make sure you keep your belongings close to you, and watch your back; they just might jump on you. One of the juveniles suffered a disciplining sort of bite on the back of the head then proceeded to run across my foot! AHHH!! How can I lie? I really don’t like monkeys, and I don’t think they are cute. They actually strike a little fear into my heart. You just never know what they are thinking. What do you think about monkeys?

Alas, our adventure was coming to an end, as it was time to drive south for 3 hours back home. I had a fabulous time getting to know Tavi, Chris, and a “new” place in Japan. It was a wonderful trip!