You’ll see Dōsojin all over as you explore Shinshu: elderly couples, standing arm-in-arm, smiling gently at everyone who passes. They can be found on roads, near bridges, even out in the woods. Say hello if you like, though you won’t get an answer. Because these kindly old folks, who have been watching over Matsumoto for a thousand years, are made of stone. Known as Dōsojin, they are the adorable old guardians of Shinshu. Where to Find Them Dōsojin (道祖神) are a centuries-old tradition particular to the Shinshu (i.e. Nagano) region where Matsumoto is located. Considered a sort of deity, or kami, they are often placed around the outskirts of a […]
Long ago the City of Matsumoto was known as the castle town of Fukashi. Much of this old castle town stretched northwest and south from the moats and walls of the castle. Near the southern end of town stood Fukashi Jinja. Established in 1339 by the region’s first ruler, this shrine still stands proud today, and is an integral part of your tour of the history of Matsumoto. Origins The 1333 Seige of Kamakura saw Emperor Go-Daigo wrest control of Japan from the shoguns of the Minamoto clan. To show his gratitude, Sadamune Ogasawara, local warlord and first ruler of Shinano, built Miyamura Daimyojin and enshrined the Shinto deity of […]
The “Mountain Horse Project” is organized by the residents of the Okada neighborhood in Matsumoto. This project aims to educate and inspire the community about nature and the environment through various activities. Local residents and visitors alike are welcome to share in all the events. Meet local residents and experience real country life in Japan at Yamato Ranch! Yamato, a former champion Originally from Hokkaido Prefecture, Yamato was a successful race horse who participated in many races, winning many medals and awards throughout his illustrious career. Yamato just celebrated his 16th birthday this year (which is middle aged in horse years). For many years Yamato has been accompanied by his […]
We are pleased to present our new “Matsumoto Sakura Video 2021” available right now on our YouTube channel. Discover Matsumoto City and its cherry blossoms from a local’s perspective! Watch our new video… The Sakura season in Japan is already coming to an end. So now is the perfect time to view our selection of the best images from 2021. Experience the cherry blossoms blooming throughout Matsumoto from the comfort of your own home! Matsumoto Sakura Video 2021 All the images on our new video were shot at different locations throughout the city. You may recognize Matsumoto Castle or Alps Park. However some other places known only to locals are […]
On Saturday the 13th of February 2021, in cooperation with local tourism organizations, Welcome-Matsumoto introduced you live from Matsumoto City some of the city’s most interesting sites, including the famous historic castle. Let’s get back behind the scenes with this Matsumoto Video Backstage Passport. Watch the video How did the project come about? In these times of worldwide health crise, it has become impossible to travel to Japan and enjoy the authentic charm of this ancient country. It was on this simple (and unfortunately quite sad) observation that the project was born. Initiated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the Nagano Prefecture, and more precisely the Nagano Prefecture Tourism […]
With the onset of spring comes the much-anticipated cherry blossom season. The Japanese know how to celebrate this event as it should! Matsumoto City is adorned with the most beautiful pink and white pigments. But do you know what happens after dark? Matsumoto and its historic castle are lit up for an even more impressive sight! Join us for a night walk through the Sakura at Matsumoto Castle. The interior garden of the castle The grounds inside the castle are normally closed after 4:30 pm. But during the Night Time Cherry Blossoms Festival, access is permitted to the interior garden of Matsumoto Castle for a limited time. It is from […]
