A walk through old and new.

Who knew there would be two stations with the same name in one prefecture? Well, a lot of people I think, and with diligent research we may have been a part of the chosen many who knew this secret. For our second weekend trip away, Aimee organized a weekend away in Kamikochi and Matsumoto. Matsumoto, home to the oldest castle in Japan, and Kamikochi, a small hiking hamlet nestled in the Japanese Alps. We spent the Saturday strolling around the city of Matsumoto, exploring the castle and being invited by the locals to join in with two Japanese traditions. The first was the fanatical support of your local team. We have seen this already in Hiroshima with the Hiroshima Carps at Mazda Stadium, but this time we were accosted to join in with the festivities at a local bar with the fans of the Matsumoto soccer team. Second, is eating parts of an animal that weren't really considered the prime cut. After enjoying our beer, cow heart and pig intestine, we said our goodbyes and posed for the token Japanese/Gaijin photo and parted ways.

The sense of community in Japan is amazing! Regularly, communities will get together and celebrate local events and band together to help people in need. I do appreciate this sense of community, on several occasions we have been on the receiving end of this good fortune. But, I do have a problem when the community decided to do the 'weed whacking' outside our Ryokan at six am on a Sunday! But, what we thought was inconvenience was a blessing in disguise. We rose early and made our way to Kamikochi. A place interspersed with amazing dams, tunnels and awe-inspiring scenery. Getting there early we had the opportunity to enjoy the peacefulness before the crowds descended.

After some great views, a pleasant walk and several samples of the local omiyage we left on good terms. Leaving a little wiser, now knowing there is more than one station with the name Sawando in Nagano.

 Making new friends, capturing the hearts of the locals and eating the hearts of the cows.

 The upside of waking up at 6am.

Seeing the world feet first, Kamikochi