My Time in Tokyo: Bathe like the Monkeys Do

A couple weeks ago I had a spontaneous weekend trip to Nagano, a nearby prefecture which includes the southern section of the Japanese Alps. Nagano has become quite popular recently due to the growing fame of the monkey onsen there.

Yes, an onsen for monkeys. Yes, an onsen is a natural hot spring. Here in Japan visiting the onsen is a favorite pastime for people (and monkeys!?) of all ages. Sitting in the restorative, mineral full, hot waters is possibly the most relaxing way you can end your day. Or start it. Any time is a good time to onsen really.

So Nagano has a monkey onsen. No, monkeys and humans do not bathe together. There is a low mountain where a tribe of Macaques live that has a hot spring with natural rock pools. So the monkeys live on the mountain and spend their winter days relaxing in the steamy waters.

The snowy mountain path to the monkey's resort

Leap frog anyone?

Last year a guest dropped their iphone in the hot water pool where the monkeys were bathing and a monkey picked it up and started swiping the screen while he sat in the bath! One lucky photographer snapped a shot of this moment. It is an adorable picture. A monkey using an iphone and sitting in an onsen- two activites we generally consider reserved for humans. Of course the picture went viral online, and now the monkey onsen is crowded with tourists vying to get a nice shot of the monkeys themselves.

The next stop on the Nagano tour was Matsumoto Castle, nicknamed "Crow's Castle" due to its distinct black walls. The castle was completed in 1593 and is still standing in its original wood and stone structure! This is incredible impressive since most castles are rebuilt structures after they burned down or were destroyed. Matsumoto Castle is still in great sturdy condition and is open for visitors to explore all seven floors. Walking through the rooms of the castle was so awe-inspiring as I thought about the fact that it has been standing for over 500 years.

Windows to fire bows from inside the castle

Matsumoto Warrior's armour

There were several muskets on display in a gun museum inside the castle

View of the city from inside the castle

The tour continued farther South in a town called Narai Juku, is one of the post towns on the Nakasendo road. The Nakasendo is one of the five routes established over Japan during the Edo period. Nakasendo serving to connect Tokyo to Kyoto, the new capitol to the old. Narai Juku is a special town because the buildings and town planning have remained largely preserved as they were built during the Edo period.

When I walked down the quiet streets of Narai Juku I felt as though I had stepped into a dream, or back in time. The calm atmosphere of the Edo town and its pristine Edo style really make you feel like you are in a different place. I enjoyed strolling down the streets, popping into little shops, and eating lunch at a delicious soba shop!

The buildings in Narai Juku are conspicuous because the second floor overhangs the first, an uncommon architectural feature.