Located between the city’s two National Treasures, the historic Matsumoto Castle and the Kaichi School, the “Matsumoto Shrine” is also preparing for the summer festivities. Every year on July 10th and 11th , Matsumoto Shrine celebrates Reitaisai (例大祭), its main annual summer festival and fireworks. Held for generations, this event marks the beginning of the city’s summer festival season and brings residents, families, and visitors together around Shinto traditions that are still alive and well. A celebration at the heart of local traditions A stone’s throw from Matsumoto Castle, the history of Matsumoto Shrine is very much linked to its history. Indeed, Matsumoto Shrine is essentially a memorial shrine of […]
Kurobe Dam sits wedged into a steep valley in the Northern Japan Alps, one of Japan’s most ambitious postwar engineering projects. The massive concrete arch changed how the country generated power and turned this remote gorge into one of the most striking stops on the Tateyama–Kurobe Alpine Route. At 186 meters tall, it remains Japan’s highest dam, a structure so remote and difficult to build that its construction claimed 171 lives over seven years. Today, visitors come for the roar of the discharge plunging into the gorge, the alpine air, and the rare chance to walk across the crest of something built against considerable odds. A Dam Built Against the […]
Matsumoto Castle is one of the few original feudal castles still standing in Japan and a cultural jewel of the city of Matsumoto. Therefore, it continues to undergo essential work to preserve its historical and environmental integrity. Over the past several years, the municipal authorities have embarked on an extensive dredging work and maintenance program of the moats surrounding the Matsumoto castle. It aimed not only at restoring the aesthetics of this national monument, but also at maintaining a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. In 2026, this dredging work will be part of a long-term approach that combines modern techniques and respect for heritage, while consolidating the castle’s role as a […]
The Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum sits at 2,000 meters on Utsukushigahra highland plateau next to Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture. This is one of the largest and highest plateau in Japan. And the museum is an interesting place to visit with its original and intriguing works of art. Discover everything to know about Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum. Exhibitions at 2,000 Meters The exhibition space is outdoors and the pieces are big. Alexander Lieberman’s “Iliad Japan” stands 14 meters tall and weighs 36 tons. César Baldaccini’s “Thumb” is a three-meter marble cast of the artist’s actual thumb, complete with wrinkles. Susumu Shingu’s “Star Compass” was made for this site, with rotating […]
In Japan, almost every city, prefecture, or village today has its own local mascot called yuru-kyara, a contraction of “yurui mascot character.” These characters are designed to represent local areas, tourist spots, products or events, while arousing the affection of locals and visitors. These regional mascots in nagano are often designed with visual elements directly inspired by heritage, culinary specialties or local nature. And their main purpose is to promote tourism and local culture. Yuru-chara often appear as costumed figures at public events, tourist advertising. Or even as decorations in train stations and souvenir shops. The phenomenon is so popular that there was a major annual competition, the Yuru-kyara Grand […]
Nestled between the Central Alps and Yatsugatake mountain ranges sits Shiojiri, one of the oldest wine regions in Japan. This quaint little city is home to dozens of wine makers, and for three days their wines will be on full display. From May 3rd to May 5th 2026, Shiojiri city will held a wine tasting event where you can taste more than 15 different local wines for just 300 yen per glass! Wine Tasting Event in Shiojiri – Information Dates: May 3rd to May 5th, 2026 (Golden Week) Time: 13:00 – 17:00 Location: Shiojiri City – Tourist Information Center (Shiojiri Station East Exit) Disposable plastic glasses will be sold separately […]
