A Curated Journey into the Past
The newly inaugurated Matsumoto City Museum celebrates the city’s feudal heritage as well as the historical and cultural features that make Matsumoto one of the most popular destinations in Central Japan. Located on the street leading to Matsumoto Castle, it is the city’s newest museum and one that tells the story of Matsumoto alongside that of the surrounding region.
The museum’s permanent exhibition focuses on the castle and how the city grew around it. A highlight of the exhibition is a large-scale model depicting Matsumoto during its feudal past, along with artifacts from that period. Other exhibits reflect Matsumoto’s rich culture, including its celebrated temari, hand-embroidered balls that are synonymous with the city. The surrounding region, including the beautiful alpine valley of Kamikochi, part of the wider Chubu Sangaku National Park, is also a notable feature of the exhibition.
Permanent and Special Exhibitions
Matsumoto City Museum also features special exhibitions that change every two to three months, each highlighting different aspects of Japanese history and culture. Nestled between the feudal castle and the historic Nawate ‘Frog’ Street and the Nakamachi Shopping Street, it is ideally located for visitors who want to learn more about the history, art, and cultural heritage of Matsumoto City.
Most of the permanent exhibits include English explanations, though the coverage is not always consistent throughout the museum. To get the most out of your visit and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past, consider booking a local guide.
Matsumoto City Museum also has a café and a small souvenir shop. Just in front of the building, you will find one of the city’s beloved wells, a small but meaningful reminder of Matsumoto’s daily life and traditions.
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