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!
Norikura Kōgen – Matsumoto’s Hidden Picturesque Destination Read More »
Not too far from Matsumoto Castle, there is a street lined with traditional houses with a rather unique appearance. Nakamachi Shopping Street is the main street of the old Matsumoto. The houses on this street all look more or less like traditional warehouses. The reason? Fire hazard prevention.
The Must Go Shops and Restaurants in Nakamachi Street Read More »
If you are walking towards Matsumoto Castle from Matsumoto Station, you might walk past one of Matsumoto’s most revered shrines, Yohashira Shrine (四柱神社). But before you reach the shrine, you will see some frog monuments on Nawate Street (繩手通り)!
Yohashira Shrine and the Must-Go Spots on Nawate Street Read More »
Temples and shrines can be found everywhere in Japan. Among a large number of religious attractions in the country, a couple of them offer a more unique experience in each city. For Matsumoto, we reckon the below five temples and shrines below are worth your attention and time!
The Best Five Temples and Shrines in Matsumoto Read More »
Matsumoto’s most valuable and perhaps most popular historical attraction is the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle. But if that is the only historical attraction on your itinerary, you might be missing out! Within 5 km of the castle, there are a couple more museums with different themes that you might want to check out when you
A Guide to the Fascinating Museums in Matsumoto City Read More »
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
Explore the Old Schools in Matsumoto, Japan’s Education Prefecture Read More »
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
The Ultimate Guide to Matsumoto Castle Read More »
Important: Unfortunately, Itōya will close from the 1st of April 2025 with no plans to reopen currently. 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,
Itōya: The Best Vegan-Friendly Izakaya in Matsumoto Read More »
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
Doon Shokudo Indoyama: The Top Indian Restaurant in Japan Read More »