2026-07-09 / Last updated : 2026-07-09 Elodie Suzawa Events

Matsumoto Shrine Summer Festival & Fireworks

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 […]
2026-05-27 / Last updated : 2026-05-27 Elodie Suzawa Notification

Dredging work at Matsumoto Castle

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 […]
2026-05-11 / Last updated : 2026-05-11 Elodie Suzawa Other

Regional Mascots in Nagano Prefecture

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 […]
2025-12-23 / Last updated : 2025-12-23 Elodie Suzawa Culture

Matsumoto’s New Year Fire Festival: San-ku-ro

Each winter in Matsumoto, after the New Year holidays quiet down, fires appear in fields, riverbanks, and parks. This is San-ku-ro (三九郎), a local New Year fire festival that marks the end of the season. It is part of the same family of rituals that other regions call dondoyaki: a bonfire where decorations and charms from the New Year are returned to the flames. Discover everything about Matsumoto’s New Year Fire Festival. Meaning and rituals San-ku-ro is usually held in early to mid-January. Communities bring their New Year decorations such as kadomatsu (pine arrangements), and shimenawa (sacred ropes). But also other seasonal items including old charms or daruma dolls. These […]
2025-12-22 / Last updated : 2025-12-23 Elodie Suzawa Culture

New Year in Matsumoto: Traditions and Festivities in Japan

New Year in Matsumoto – Japan, known as ‘Shōgatsu’, is one of the most important times of the year, marked by traditions that run deep in everyday life. In Matsumoto, a city in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the season unfolds quietly between family rituals, shrine visits, and local customs. The atmosphere stretches from the end of December into the first weeks of January, as decorations go up, bells ring, and daily routines slow down. New Year Foods in Matsumoto Preparations begin several days before December 31. Households do a major year-end cleaning, ōsōji, clearing out dust and clutter as a kind of practical and spiritual reset. On New […]