Taking in Matsumoto’s rich history is an experience to savor. Add a pint of great craft beer and it’s even tastier. Here’s where to go to drink in some of the best suds around. Matsumoto Brewery During the Edo Era (1603-1868) two important roads, the Nomugi-do and the Zenkoji-do, met to form a T-intersection in the middle of the castle town of Matsumoto. Today that same intersection sits lorded over by the shiny, modern Media Garden Building where, up on the third floor, you can find an impressive variety of excellent craft beer (and some finger-licking sides to pair it with) at the Matsumoto Brewery. The menu of brews changes […]
Downtown Matsumoto is a great place to get your Instagram on. From the grandeur of the castle backed by Mt. Jonen to the funky details of Frog Street there’s no end to the pics you can post. But if you’re looking for a great way to see and share more of Matsumoto, we highly recommend renting a bicycle and heading out of town. With e-Bikes available and a million roads to roll down, taking in the mountains and the countryside is a cinch. To make it even easier to find that perfect shot, let’s take a quick tour. Heading East Pedal this way and you’ll find yourself slowly rising toward […]
Matsumoto City is not confined to just its historic city center. Leave the downtown, and a unique journey into the Japanese countryside and passage back through time awaits you. And who can pass up our great wineries! Enjoy a local wine tasting around the Hayashi Castle’s ruins, brought to you by Welcome-Matsumoto and the Matsumoto Tourism Association. This new experience is coming very soon! Satoyamabe Area Located in the eastern part of Matsumoto City, Satoyamabe is easily accessible by electric bike. The district has many interesting sites, including a historic school built by the same architect who built the Kaichi School, listed as a National Treasure. The Ruins of Hayashi […]
Sushi is one of Japan’s most popular dishes and yet places where you can make your own are rare, especially alongside a real Sushi Master. But thanks to Welcome-Matsumoto and the Matsumoto Tourism Association, soon it will be possible to have that Sushi experience in a authentic Japanese cuisine! One of the city’s best sushi restaurants will open its kitchen doors between services for your introduction to the world’s most unique culinary art! Shinshu Salmon It may seem surprising that a city and a region without direct access to the sea offers a sushi experience! However out of all our local specialties, Shinshu Salmon is one of the highest ranked […]
As you explore this castle town you may notice a recurring round image. Something like a ball but just as much a work of art, these colorful spheres that pop up almost everywhere you look are called temari, and are both a traditional Japanese toy and a symbol of Matsumoto. The Temari Origin Story The name temari – written 手毬, meaning ‘hand ball’ – is said to have come from the term kemari (‘kick ball’), which referred to a toy brought to Japan from China over 1,300 years ago. Originally made of simple cloth ribbon wrapped around silk swaths of old kimono, temari eventually became objects of art, the rough […]
Matsumoto is not just limited to its castle and historic downtown. The areas surrounding the city offer picturesque landscapes both natural and historical. Hop on a bicycle and explore the Japanese countryside. Or stroll along the legendary Zenkoji kaido road which was once traveled by the lords of Matsumoto Castle. Let’s not forget a night tour of the city’s best Izakaya, finishing with an unforgetable view of the illuminated castle. Discover all the possibilities available to you with a guide to Matsumoto of things not to be missed! eTour of Matsumoto: e-cycling around the city Matsumoto is at its heart a country town where you can enjoy the tranquility of […]
