After a hectic skill session the following day we had breakfast from the hotel. The breakfast was super delicious with a traditional Japanese and Western style buffet. A light healthy breakfast kept us alive until 3 pm. Thanks for the food.
After having breakfast, we checked out. Last night Nera got a rough sketch of the following day’s plans, so we went with it. The windmill and the horse-riding warlord’s statute are close to the station. See his personality with all the armour.
I need to show you something special. Have you seen something like this, a great trick for endless fall? This was my first sight of such a thing. And seems to be a good idea.
Then we had a long walk to the Ueda castle ruins and the museum. First, we went to see the museum with tickets. The museum is a collection of historical and cultural objects dating back to the Japanese Middle Ages. Nera and I arranged this visit with a great desire to see these warlord costumes in the naked eye. We were truly enchanted. These warlords were in the middle age of Japan where warlords fought each other from late 1500 to the late 1600. We were fortunate since photographs are allowed, but only the flash light is prohibited.
Both of us were truly enchanted by the armor and important articles worn by the warlords who ruled the Ueda region in the Middle Ages.
My friends, do you have more pics and pieces of information on Japanese art of war? We were obsessed with the scenes. And we decided to watch some samurai movies and Japanese war history. Hope Netflix will save us. Any clues?
It has many pre-hostorical natural materials including fossils of various types of fish found in Ueda. This fish is the family of Socodi that swam in the Ueda sea 15 million years ago. (reconstruction)
According to the note, this fish is from the bream family that swam in the Ueda Sea 15 million years ago. (a reconstruction) So incredible.
Following are some more historic objects we captured. Some scripts and raw rice were used.
Following are the paintings of war heroes. And we could watch a 3D movie of the Ueda castle the way how it was. It was not allowed for any photographs. But the video took us to the Japanese Middle Ages.
Next, our visit was to Ueda Castle which was near the museum. The castle ruins are so glorious. Many say Ueda Castle does not have an attractive main tower. However, the castle structure is filled with protective mechanisms. The stream nearby is a good example of its defense mechanism.
And we worshipped the Sanada shrine. The Shrine entrance is decorated with the traditional Japanese Tori gate structure. The Tori gates are the symbol to mark a transition from the usual daily life to the sacred world. Once you pass the Tori gates you are entering the realm of the Gods. What a concept!
After worshiping and having blessings for the new year we headed to Yanagimachi street. The street is said to be an old merchant area of the Castle town. Many traditional houses and traditional boutiques are side the road. So sweet.
What an artistic capture by Nera. Seems to be an isolated home with creeps on dull gray walls which makes real sense of history.
The street remembers some historical ideologies. Most of the time Ueda’s sky was heavy with grey clouds as though a little one, was so close to crying. The sweet little kid did not cry and allowed us to continue our walk. Much thanks!!! Can you see the green-colored decorations hung at the front door? It is a traditional decoration for the New Year.
The little post box, is so attractive isn’t it?
Most of the shops were closed due to the holidays. But some were busy with their business. Following is the front view of a Soba Noddles eating place. All these attractions constantly reminded me of the awful traditional buildings in Galle Fort Sri Lanka. Some similarities of course.
The second day of our winter vacation became more historic. My love for exploring the Japanese Middle Ages and especially the Samurai Art of War grew inside secretly.
After our summer vacation, we determined to collect souvenirs in remembrance of each of our lovely journeys. Holding this in mind we walked through the main road that led to the city. Window shopping was the best thing. LoL! But we want buy something memorable with our budget. We entered into a somewhat big antique shop full of marvellous antique masterpieces. It was like another world. No one was visible. In a corner, one grandmother was sitting on a chair. We selected the following. Seems to be a noble lady, deity or someone with a high rank. Can you guess?
We went to the counter and Granny came to us with smile face and asked after before the money. It seemed she was very happy to talk with us and asked us to come again. Astonishing us she gifted us a valuable extra souvenir too. How kind she was. We had a lovely talk for considerable time. She was 94 years old and appreciated us very much. We took a memorable picture with us. We wished her health and happiness. The lovely incident will be forever in our minds and she will be cherished by us forever with her all kind words and appreciations.
Some people love you for no reason, someone has no connection with you at all. You might not see them again sometimes. But kind-hearted people will be always in our minds forever. So this 94-year-old Obachaan (Granny) will be in our minds. So this little picture will be a great memory for us.
Here is her gift for us. Isn’t it an enchanting masterpiece?
Following the lovely talks, we headed to the city for lunch. A small space with so cute arrangement.
We wanted to be in a traditional way. So we decided to have our lunch sitting on the floor. Short desk with cushion seat to the floor. It was my first time having food with such a seating arrangement. It was so pleasant of course.
We ordered mini Ramen, a bowl of rice, karage or fried chicken, and a small portion of cheese pasta. Thank you for the delicious food!!
So we left the historical town of Ueda, the hidden Gem of Nagano. We love the city. Till we come back again, keep up the glory and tradition to the bone!!
