Polka-Dot Travels -2- [Travel Diary]

Thank you for joining the Nagu-Nagu Tourist (Nagu-Tour) tour again today. Our journey back and forth along the Shinonoi Line in Nagano Prefecture, continuing from last time, begins now!

Today, we are visiting a place that even those who aren't train enthusiasts, but just love to travel, would want to visit at least once.

Yes, it's Obasute.

■ Back and Forth

Continuing from last time, do you remember the travel itinerary?

That's right, it was "back and forth." We departed from Matsumoto Station in Nagano Prefecture, got off at Akashina Station, and walked along the abandoned railway line, going back and forth, remember?

And do you remember the "switchback" remains along that abandoned line?

Actually, switchbacks aren't just for abandoned lines. Here at Obasute, you can see a fully active switchback.

And, the fact that it zig-zags and switchbacks means... it was a steep slope, right?

That's right, "the scenery is also great."

◇◇

Last time, we left Akashina Station at 11:24, right? That means we arrive here at Obasute Station at 11:53. (It smells like a Kyotaro Nishimura suspense novel... haha)

We watch the train we arrived on perform the switchback from the platform. Then, we get an "Obasute Rice Terrace Walking Map" at the station building. Since this is a steep slope, the rice terraces are also famous here.

After that, we leave the station building, map in hand, and start walking along the side of the tracks, and then...

Ta-da, ta-da,

Wow! At Obasute Station, where only local trains stop, this guy...

Here it is in frame-by-frame!

Yes, if you catch the 11:24 train at Akashina Station, you can see the rare limited express train pull into the station from the side of the tracks. If this were a Kyotaro Nishimura novel, a crime would happen here...

*This limited express (Shinshu No. 2) was a temporary service until June 2022; if you're interested, hurry!

■ 14:09 Depart Obasute Station

Next, I'm leaving the railway behind for a stroll through the terraced rice fields. The "Moon of Tagoto" (Moon of Every Rice Field) has been depicted by Basho and in ukiyo-e prints. You can walk there from Obasute Station.

I'll let one train pass and take a leisurely two-hour stroll until the next train (14:09).

Since it was just before the fields were filled with water, I walked carefully so as not to get in the way of the people who were busy with preparations.

Trek, trek.

Wait? Did I forget something?

Something more important than the switchback or the terraced rice fields...

Ta-da!

The rest stop I chose this time is "Obasute Park"
It offers a panoramic view of the famous Zenkoji Plain.

In these times of wearing masks, it's hard to eat ekiben (station bento) on the train. Please enjoy it on this quiet hill.

Sitting on a bench, looking out over the plain that was the stage for the First Battle of Kawanakajima, I let my thoughts wander. Even though it was a war that claimed many lives, 400 years later, both Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen are local heroes. It's strange, isn't it?

Lately, for some reason, even such historical facts make my heart feel like a "polka-dot pattern"...

And, 100 years after the Battle of Kawanakajima, Matsuo Basho also visited here.

A "back and forth" journey

The years that come and go are also travelers, after all.

While eating Sanzoku-yaki, I ponder what a journey really is.

*Actually, it seems Matsuo Basho set out on his "Narrow Road to the Deep North" journey the year after he visited here. (According to Nagnag's research)

Yes, the walking part of the journey ends here.
All that's left is delicious sake and a good night's sleep at a business hotel in Matsumoto City waiting for me...

Today's meal

A performance of juicy sake and mellow vintage sake. The dishes to pair with them are

Thank you for the meal!

Now, let's head back to the inn.

Heh, heh, heh,

Have you forgotten about the foreshadowing regarding Kyotaro Nishimura?

■ 20:53 Departing Nagano

A-c-t-u-a-l-l-y, the train that departed Obasute Station at 14:09 was not heading south back to Matsumoto, but north toward Nagano.

Yes, the izakaya mentioned above is a place in front of Nagano Station.
To enjoy delicious drinks and food.

That's not all.

This is what I wanted to see.

The local train heading from Nagano Station to Matsumoto Station late at night was filled only with locals.

We were the only ones exclaiming, 'Wow, it's beautiful!' It's a little embarrassing, but that's okay. Returning to a childlike state.

Finally, the switchback at Obasute, and then entering the station.

When the train doors opened

The magnificent night view of the Zenkoji Plain! The terraced rice fields!

Aaaaaah!!!!!!!!

A regrettable mistake

The station building (stairs) were in the way, so even though the doors opened, I couldn't see the night view...

I should have ridden in the front car. _|￣|○

While soothing my polka-dot heart...

It can't be helped.
Please enjoy the commemorative train ticket taken by a professional. m(__)m

Well, time to go back to the hotel and sleep!

■ Polka-Dot Travels

In the blink of an eye, it's morning!

The theme this time was "polka dots." When you think of "polka dots" in "Matsumoto City," what comes to mind? That's right. This person.

To wrap things up, a journey full of art and culture. The day I visited happened to be a free admission day at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, so I felt a bit lucky. Heh.

For the first time, I took a close look at Yayoi Kusama's work. I felt like I caught a glimpse of her inner self. Beyond the pop appearance, I was able to feel her loneliness, pride, and prayers for peace.

Please note that the polka-dot cola on the top shelf is not for sale.

Ah, it's starting to sprinkle.

My polka-dot journey ends with a rainy pattern. Just like Yayoi Kusama, I pray for peace as I...

Rain, rain

(The End)