Rice paddy art – or ‘Tambo’ Art – is a unique Japanese art form that transforms a rice field into a living canvas. Instead of paint, artists use different varieties of rice that produce grains in varying colors: green, yellow, and purple. During the planting season, seedlings are placed in carefully arranged patterns. As the plants mature, the designs become more visible, shifting in color depending on the viewing time. Throughout the season, the ever changing artwork offers an unforgettable visual experience. Rice Paddy Art in Azumino In years past, you could view a stunning example of rice paddy art in Azumino, Nagano, just a 25-minute drive from Matsumoto. A […]
The city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture plans to raise the adult admission price for Matsumoto Castle to ¥1,200 for a digital ticket and ¥1,300 for a physical ticket starting April 1, 2025. Revenue from the Matsumoto Castle Entry Fee tickets will be spent on preparing for natural disasters and other work on the castle, according to the municipal government. New admission Fees Notes: Starting from March, digital tickets to enter Matsumoto Castle will only be sold for assigned dates and times. E-tickets without a designated date and time will no longer be available. Cancellations will not be accepted after purchase. Make the Most of Your Visit to Matsumoto Castle […]
Matsumoto Castle will observe its annual 2024-2025 winter closure during the New Year holidays. However, nearby attractions, including the Nakamachi and Nawate districts, will remain open, offering visitors a chance to experience the festive atmosphere, explore local crafts, and enjoy seasonal treats. Below are the details of the castle’s closure dates and updated opening hours for popular attractions in Matsumoto. Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle, often called the “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior, is one of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful original castles. Built in the late 16th century, it is a prime example of a flatland castle, strategically constructed on plains rather than hills. Renowned for its elegant […]
Japanese soba noodles are made primarily from buckwheat flour with a small amount of wheat flour. Widely considered a healthy food, they are gluten-free, rich in flavonoids, and help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Additionally, the long, slender shape of soba noodles is believed to symbolize stability and longevity. With its abundant natural resources and pure, crystal-clear water essential for soba cultivation, Nagano Prefecture is home to the Matsumoto “Shinshu Soba” Festival. Matsumoto and surrounding area are one of the largest and most well-known soba-producing regions in Japan. The Soba Festival at Matsumoto Castle The “Shinshu Soba” Festival in Nagano Prefecture is held annually in Matsumoto City every October. The […]
The Taimatsu Matsuri Torches Festival, also known as the “Asama Onsen Taimatsu Matsuri”, is a traditional fire festival with a rich history held annually in Matsumoto. This unique event features large torches, or “taimatsu,” and celebrates the local cultural heritage while also serving as a time of prayer for protection against natural disasters. History The Torches Festival has deep roots in ancient traditions. Historically, the burning of large torches was used as a ritual to cleanse the land and ward off evil spirits. It is said that the event was inspired by practices of mountain worship, which were common in the Japanese Alps. In Shinto beliefs, fire is considered a […]
When travelling to Matsumoto you will almost certainly be carrying luggage with you and may, for the sake of convenience, want to store it for a period of time. The easiest place to do so is at Matsumoto Station, where you will find five locations with lockers of varying size. Matsumoto Station is small and easy to navigate with all luggage storage lockers within a short distance of the ticket gates on the second floor of the station. JR East Matsumoto Station Map Arrival & Departure Area of Matsumoto Station / 2nd Floor When arriving in Matsumoto by train and passing through the ticket gates, you will find yourself on […]
