Jeannelle's Japan Journey: Matsumoto Castle and Snow Monkey

On Saint Patrick’s Day, Nyjai and I went to see the Castle first and then the Monkeys. It was so much fun. The Castle was from the Shogun Era. I do not recall seeing a castle with a real moat around it.

Not to mention the various hiding areas inside. The Japanese men had to be small, powerful with incredible agility to live in these quarters. The stairs were exceedingly steep and the ceilings low in the hideouts. The castle itself was massive (6 floors). They had the ability to see from every position. The enemy had no chance coming out of the hills to capture this city.

Of course, their military garb was innovative. Now that is my perspective considering I have never actually been in the military… LOL! It looked like it would protect them so- who am I to judge. I am thinking mostly about the time period.

Nyjai loved it too. We took pictures with Shogun militants who were visiting too. Our guide said that in the 10+ years she’d done the tour, they never saw the Shogun. This was a very rare occurrence. I think they came out to see who this exquisitely stunning Nubian Queen was. So I was sure to introduce myself.

Then we went to see the Snow Monkeys. When I say that to my Japanese students, they stare at me like I am crazy. They say it is a Monkey Onsen (hot bath).

We had to walk about 2-3 miles up a snow covered mountain. It was so funny. Nyjai wanted to stop to rest every 25 steps. You know I kept moving. This chic needs more exercise…LOL! When we go to the top about 30-40 minutes later, she was breathing all heavy. I just laughed.

The monkeys walked right up to us to say hello or feed me. I think it is more of the latter. We got some pretty good pictures with them. I enjoyed seeing them, but most of all I enjoyed spending time with Nyjai.

She is really a cool kid… I do miss my other daughter too!