To Matsumoto

After six days in Tokyo, we went to Matsumoto.  On the way, we stopped at several rest areas.  They are not like our rest areas on I-5!  They are mini shopping malls with restaurants, fast food and shops as well as bathrooms.  This is a sign letting you know which toilets are occupied, which are western style or Japanese style, where the changing stations are, etc.  Most of the restrooms also had fresh flower decorations.

More sakura merchandise.

Below are a couple of photos at the Mt. Fuji view rest stop.

Once we arrived in Matsumoto, we went to a miso factory.  This is the 6th generation owner of the factory.  We ate lunch on the other side of the barrels and everything was made with miso.  It even included a taste of miso ice cream.  It was delicious so we bought ice cream cones in the shop.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art.  Below are photos of a sculpture by Yayoi Kusama.  She was born in Matsumoto and this museum features many of her works.  (I could only photograph the ones outside.)

Matsumoto Castle at night