Matsumoto

Matsumoto is a city located in Nagano prefecture. The city is known for its well-preserved Edo-era architecture and for being the home of Matsumoto Castle; a National Treasure of Japan. The city is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Japanese Alps and its many hot springs. Additionally, Matsumoto is a cultural center, hosting a number of museums and art galleries, as well as traditional festivals and events throughout the year.

Matsumoto’s History

Matsumoto has a long history dating back to the medieval period. The city was officially established in the 16th century and became an important center of culture and politics during the Edo period (1603-1868). During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Matsumoto began to develop as an industrial center, and many of the traditional buildings and streets were replaced with modern structures. However, in the early 20th century, a movement to preserve the city’s cultural heritage began and many of the traditional buildings were restored. Today, Matsumoto is known for its well-preserved Edo-era architecture and its many cultural and historical sites.

Things to do in Matsumoto

Some popular activities and attractions include:

• Visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior. This is the city’s most famous landmark, and is a National Treasure of Japan and is considered one of the best examples of Japanese castle architecture from the feudal period. It is known for its black exterior and its unique construction, which includes both a ‘donjon’ and a palace. For a small fee, you can enter the castle. It offers some great views from the top. Click this link to visit the Matsumoto Castle website.
• Explore the city’s museums and art galleries: Matsumoto is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. This museum is dedicated to the works of the famous artist and calligrapher Yumeji Takehisa, and also houses various exhibitions of contemporary art. Another museum of note is the Matsumoto Folkcraft Museum, which showcases traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
• Take a stroll through the historic city center: The city’s historic streets and alleys are lined with traditional buildings and merchants’ houses, many of which have been preserved in their original form. Visitors can also take a walk along the Nakamachi-dōri Street, which is lined with traditional merchant houses and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. This is a great place to experience traditional Japanese architecture and culture.
• Attend festivals and events: Matsumoto city hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Matsumoto Festival, a traditional festival held in August, and the Matsumoto Castle Festival, which is held in April.
• Visit the historic Kaichi school, one of the oldest schools in Japan which was built in 1873.
• Visit the Japanese Ukiyo-e Museum, which displays ukiyo-e prints, a traditional form of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings. (4km west of Matsumoto castle)
• Go hiking or skiing in the Japanese Alps: Matsumoto is located at the heart of the Japan Alps, and the area offers many opportunities for hiking and skiing.
• Relax in one of Asama Onsen’s hot springs: This hot spring area is located about 4km north of Matsumoto. The hot spring water is rich in minerals, and is said to have healing properties.

What to eat in Matsumoto

Matsumoto is known for a few local specialties and traditional foods that are popular among visitors. Some of the most notable ones include:

• Hida-gyu (Hida beef): Matsumoto is located in the heart of the Hida region, which is known for its high-quality beef. Hida-gyu is considered one of the best types of beef in Japan, known for its marbled meat and rich flavor. Visitors can try Hida-gyu at a number of local restaurants and yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurants in the city.
• Kaki-no-ha soba: This is a type of soba (buckwheat) noodle that is made with the leaves of the persimmon tree. It is said to have originated in Matsumoto and can only be found in a few places in Japan. The noodle has a unique texture and a slightly sweet taste.
• Hida-takayama soba: Hida-takayama soba is a local variety of soba (buckwheat) noodle that is made using buckwheat flour from the Hida region. It is known for its thin and firm texture, and is usually served with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce and green onion.
• Matsumoto curry: Matsumoto curry is a local variety of curry that is known for its mild and sweet taste. The curry is usually served with a variety of vegetables and meat, and it is accompanied by rice.
• Hida-takayama ramen: This is a local variety of ramen, which is known for its light and clear broth, made from a fish base and soy sauce. It’s often served with thin noodles and a variety of toppings such as green onions, bamboo shoots and roasted pork.
• Hida-beef shabu-shabu: This is a type of hot pot dish that is made with thinly sliced Hida beef and vegetables. The ingredients are cooked in a pot of boiling water and then dipped in a sauce before being eaten.

Day trips from Matsumoto

Matsumoto is located in the heart of the Japanese Alps and there are many interesting areas and towns around the city that visitors can explore. Some popular destinations include:

• Kamikochi: Kamikochi is a highland valley located in the Northern Japanese Alps, known for its beautiful scenery and hiking trails. Visitors can take a bus or a taxi from Matsumoto to reach Kamikochi, and spend a day or two hiking in the mountains and enjoying the scenery.
• Takayama: Takayama is a beautiful town located about 2 hours west of Matsumoto by car or bus. It is known for its well-preserved Edo-era architecture, traditional streets and festivals, and its morning markets. Visitors can explore the town’s many temples, shrines, and museums and sample some of the local delicacies.
• Shirakawa-go: Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 2.5 hours west of Matsumoto by bus or train. The village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are characterized by their steep thatched roofs that resemble hands pressed together in prayer. Visitors can explore the village and learn about the traditional lifestyle and culture of the area.
• Norikura: Norikura is a mountainous area located about 2 hours west of Matsumoto by bus. It’s known for its beautiful nature, hiking trails and outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in winter. Visitors can take the Norikura Kogen Ski Resort’s gondola and enjoy the panoramic view of the Japanese Alps.
• Kiso Valley: The Kiso Valley is a beautiful mountainous region located about 2 hours southwest of Matsumoto by train. It’s known for its traditional Japanese inns (ryokan), and its hiking trails. Visitors can take a walk along the Nakasendo trail, a trail that was used by travelers and merchants during the Edo period and passes through the valley.

For those interested in driving from Kawaguchiko to Matsumoto, please check this link.