2021-02-24 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Mike Stiles Local Food & Drinks

Exploring Matsumoto’s spring water wells

I took a stroll around downtown Matsumoto to visit some of the many Matsumoto’s spring water wells. Just underneath much of Nagano Prefecture lies a subterranean aquifer. Much of this pure natural spring water is tapped by the many wells around the city. Small treasures around each corner In Matsumoto there are around 20 such public wells and dozens more private wells scattered all over the city. Each well, large and small, has its own character. Many of them are picturesque and easily accessible. Clear spring water bubbles up from these wells during much of the year. Prehistoric waters and a centuries old tradition The aquifer is eons old and […]
2021-02-02 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Mike Stiles Art

Exploring the latest art trends at Matsumoto City Art Museum!

What’s with the modernist building with the huge funky flowers out front? The building is the Matsumoto City Art Museum and the “flowers” are sculptures by local artist Yayoi Kusama. I had an opportunity to visit the museum and browse. Kusama’s work can be quite immersive and usually puts a smile on my face! Yayoi Kusama – A living treasure Born and raised in Matsumoto, Yayoi Kusama spent much of her early life and career in France and the US. During the 1960s she was a major fixture of “The Happening” art scene in New York City. Kusama returned to Japan in 1972. Since that time she has continued to […]
2020-12-30 / Last updated : 2024-09-17 Mike Stiles Local Food & Drinks

Getting a “kick” out of fresh real Wasabi in Matsumoto

I visited the Daio Wasabi Farm recently. With its wide open spaces, it is a great place to walk around and take some pictures. Also a good opportunity to pick up fresh real wasabi root in Matsumoto for the kitchen! If you like wasabi, the culture and history of wasabi farming is very interesting too! The largest of its kind… in the world!  The Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino is perhaps the greatest to be found anywhere! Nestled right next to Matsumoto in the foothills of Azumino Village, the farm is a charming place to visit any time of year. Founded in the early 1900s, the farm has been carefully […]
2020-11-24 / Last updated : 2024-09-17 Mike Stiles Sightseeing

Leisure Time On Nakamachi Street in Downtown Matsumoto

This afternoon I enjoyed a leisure time and a relaxing stroll on Nakamachi Street in historical downtown Matsumoto. It’s a short distance from Matsumoto Station and my workplace. The Market Street Nakamachi Street is a small stretch of about four blocks from Honmachi Street to Ohashi Street. Historically this was the central market for Matsumoto dating back to feudal times. Today it is a great place to visit for tourists and residents alike. A one-way street only for vehicles, there are very wide sidewalks here, so it is easily walkable. I like shopping for gifts, eating a casual meal or just relaxing and browsing the store windows here. Local Foods […]
2020-10-16 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Mike Stiles Sightseeing

Living and Working in Historical Downtown Matsumoto

Today was a typical day for living and working in historical downtown Matsumoto. I walked from my apartment to Nawate Street beside the Metoba River. The Frog Street There is lots of frog stuff here in Nawate Street. The entrance features frog statues, shops sell frog souvenirs, there’s even a small frog shrine! This pedestrian street sometimes is bustling with visitors or a lively festival, but today was very quiet and relaxed. I do graphic design and photography at a co-working space above a local bakery called Sweet Work. The old wooden market stalls along the stone walled river banks and arching wooden bridges provide plenty of inspiration for an […]