Our two-day trip of enquiry and discovery on Alpico Kotsu’s Kamikochi Line - previously known as Matsumoto Electric Railway - in Nagano Prefecture continues. We had to return to the starting point of Matsumoto Station at the end of the first day. So we will begin the second day from Matsumoto Station again. We take the 8.40am train to Niimura Station, where we had reached the previous day. On the train, a passenger mentions that we can “rent” a train at Niimura Station.
The next train from Niimura Station is at 10.25am so we make use of the time to visit an old temple near the station. Senshoji Temple was established in 1436. The wooden main hall is more than 300 years old. We later take the train to the neighbouring Samizo Station. We arrive in less than five minutes and the next train from Samizo is at 11am. Hata District is known for its watermelons as the soil and climate in this area are ideal for growing them.
After enjoying this unexpected sight, we take the train to Shimojima Station, the neighbouring stop. We visit a traditional tofu shop in front of the station which was recommended to us earlier. Shimojimaya sells different varieties of tofu such as Yose, Zaru and Oboro. Its handmade tofu is made with soybeans produced in Nagano. We ask the tofu store staff to suggest a place for lunch. They mention a Western-style restaurant called Dynamo along the national road, near Hata Station.
We board the 1.50pm train and go to Endo Station, five minutes away. After asking for directions, we walk deeper into the mountains and reach the Matakuguri Niou Gate at a shrine. The gate has two statues of Kongo Rikishi. One of them, the Matakuguri called Agyo, is believed to bring good luck and health to children.