While not existing anymore, Matsumoto City once belonged to a prefecture called Chikuma (筑摩県) between 1871 to 1876. Although the prefecture lasted less than five years, Chikuma Prefecture is known for its passion for education. In a short period of time, many schools were established with a high enrolment rate. Even after Chikuma Prefecture was […]
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Among all the castles in Japan, only twelve have a castle keep from the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Furthermore, among the twelve, only five are designated national treasures. So if you are searching for the best castle to visit for your next Japan trip, consider Matsumoto City‘s symbol, Matsumoto Castle (松本城), a national treasure
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Kamikōchi (上高地) in Japanese literally means “the ground that God descends upon”. It is the perfect name to describe how beautiful this area is. Surrounding by the magnificent Northern Japanese Alps, it is the ultimate tourist destination for nature lovers. There is not a single day that Kamikōchi looks the same because nature changes as
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If you are looking for a vegan-friendly Izakaya (similar to a Western pub, a Spanish tapas bar, or a tavern) in Matsumoto, visit Itōya (小料理 いとう家). Here, you can enjoy homemade local dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients, including vegan and gluten-free dishes. The owner, Itō-san, speaks English and tries her best to make things
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Probably because the city houses the magnificent Matsumoto Castle and is close to Takayama, Matsumoto receives more international tourists than the rest of Nagano Prefecture. To accommodate different dietary requirements, vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants aren’t uncommon in the city. So, given you have a couple of restaurant choices, refer to the below and pick a few for
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If you love naan bread, the best restaurant in Matsumoto to visit is Asian Station (松本アジアンステーション). Using a tandoor, the naan bread served in the restaurant will easily top the most delicious naan spots you have ever been to. The place, run by Nepalese, also has vegan and halal options, making it suitable for people
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If you are in Matsumoto and crave Indian food, visit Doon Shokudo Indoyama (DOON食堂 印度山). It is where you can find delicious home-style Indian food with a light twist to the Japanese taste. Many dishes are cooked using the recipes from the owner/chef’s grandmother from India. Like Kobayashi Soba, the couple who run the restaurant
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Matsumoto City (松本市) is probably the most popular travel destination in Nagano Prefecture. Prospered as a castle town of Matsumoto Castle, in addition to traditional and retro architecture, the shopping district is also filled with trendy cafes and boutique stores. Furthermore, Matsumoto is also known as a treasure trove for breathtaking natural scenery, making the
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Surrounded by mountains, Matsumoto City has a wealth of hot spring sources. Among them, Shirahone Onsen (白骨温泉) tops the list with its picturesque natural scenery and cultural elements. Putting its somewhat scary name aside, you will surely be enchanted by the onsen town’s charm!
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Apart from Kamikōchi, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is another breathtaking place in Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture. The best thing about the relatively off-the-beaten-path destination is that it isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport. So read on, and find out more about the charm of Norikura Kōgen!
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