We went to Matsumoto recently with our friend Carrie who is visiting from California. The Matsumoto Castle there is one of the best preserved castles in Japan and considered to be a national treasure. For 600 yen, you can go inside the castle and climb all 6 floors (including one that is hidden from the outside).

The problem with this, we quickly discovered, was that the stairs are extremely tall and steep. Apparently, they were made this way on purpose to slow down enemies in the event of an invasion.

My thighs are still sore from climbing up and down those things. Makes me wonder how many people have broken their necks on those stairs.