July 24, 2008 – A ride on what I consider the most beautiful Japanese non-Shinkansen Express train (the Azusa) through the Japan Alps to visit another famous original castle: Matsumoto-jo Castle of the Takeda Clan. It may be smaller than Himeji, but its site makes it really impressive. The town is lovely too!
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- Peach-chan Mascot Sticker at Kofu Station
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- The Azusa Express—One of Japan’s most Beautiful Express Trains
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- Destination board, English Version
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- Front of the Train
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- Matsumoto Town
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- Riverside in Matsumoto
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- Tiger-chan Poster
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- Old and New, Matsumoto
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- Matsumoto-jo Castle
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- Matsumoto-jo Castle
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- Matsumoto-Jo Castle and Bridge
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- Musket Making Exhibit
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- Samurai Armor
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- Battlefield Illustration
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- View from the Top
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- Outline of former main building inside Matsumoto-jo Castle
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- Exit from castle—note the steps!
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- Matsumoto-jo Castle
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- Matsumoto-jo Castle
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- Fresh, Cold and Delicious Nagano-ken Alps Grape Juice
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- Matsumoto-jo Castle
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- Matsumoto-jo Castle, Main Gate
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- Local Kids Having a Drink, Matsumoto
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- Samurai Frogs!
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- Local Police Station
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- Frog-chan
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- Matsumoto Shopping Street
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- Matsumoto Shrine Bell
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- Yohashira-jinja Shrine, Matsumoto
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- Matsumoto Street Landscaping
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- A Whole Collection of Azusa Express Trains
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- E257 Azusa Getting its Face Washed
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- E351 Super Azusa Express Train – Super because it’s Faster Since it Tilts
journey, not destination 