2020-12-30 / Last updated : 2020-12-30 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 […]
2020-12-21 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Sylvain Seasonal Topics

Christmas market: Matsumoto and its antiques market in Christmas colors!

Discover the unique Japanese Christmas market, Matsumoto style! Most know Christmas as a Western holiday with religious roots. Although Christmas was not traditionally observed in Japan in the past, today it is commonly celebrated across Japan, like it is worldwide. Every December, Matsumoto too is transformed into a Santa Claus workshop, dazzling everyone with its charming vision of the Christmas spirit! Christmas in Japan Christmas was first introduced to modern Japan from Western countries, many who still regard the holiday as an important religious tradition. Although not a religious holiday in Japan per se (only 2% of the Japanese population identifies as Christian), aspects of Christmas are celebrated by most […]
2020-12-19 / Last updated : 2020-12-20 Sylvain Translation

The “Tamayura” Collection: Poetry by Shizuka Miyatsu – is coming soon!

We are pleased to present our collaboration with local poet Shizuka Miyatsu on the translation of his works, which soon will be available in Japanese and French! All of us are very proud to be able to share with you his unique vision of the world and help you discover his humble vision. He never stopped writing poetry despite the indifference of his contemporaries. His life is the sensation of existing without existence, silent but with determination! Poetry by Shizuka Miyatsu! The author Shizuka Miyatsu is a local poet who was born in Matsumoto City on June 5th, 1963. Although Matsumoto was his birthplace, most of his formative years have […]
2020-11-26 / Last updated : 2020-11-26 Léa Van Cuyck Notification

Japan Magazine: Discover Matsumoto while respecting the local life and people

Presenting the release of the new Japan Magazine, discover Matsumoto City through the eyes of Léa Van Cuyck. Her fascinating article “Matsumoto: Discover this region while respecting the local life” perfectly sums up what to expect when visiting Matsumoto. Between nature, tradition and modernity, discover all the secrets of Matsumoto City from your own home, and prepare for your future trip to Japan! Extract from the article Become lost in a field of green which transforms according to the mood of the seasons! Matsumoto is a gateway to Japan’s cultural past. Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, this rural region has an economy mainly centered on agriculture, from […]
2020-11-24 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Mike Stiles Sightseeing

Leasure Time On Nakamachi Street in Downtown Matsumoto

This afternoon I enjoyed a leasure 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 […]
2020-11-03 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Sylvain Special Offer

Visit Matsumoto by train: Great Price for Foreign Residents with the JR East Rail Pass

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 makes the open spaces of Matsumoto’s natural landscapes more attractive than ever. If you want to enjoy your travels while avoiding the Three C’s (Closed spaces, Crowded places, Close-contact settings), Matsumoto is a perfect countryside getaway opportunity! Visit Matsumoto by train with the JR East Welcome Rail Pass which represents great value for the money and convenience of a safe trip in Japan! Recommended For Foreign Residents of Japan The JR East Welcome Rail Pass 2020 is only available for sale to residents of Japan holding a foreign passport. The pass is an excellent value at 12,000 JPY for adults and 6,000 JPY for children. […]
2020-10-16 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Mike Stiles Sightseeing

Living and Working in Historical Downtown Matsumoto

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 artist like me. Local Foods This street has many small local shops and restaurants. I usually take lunch at a Soba noodle shop or grab a […]
2020-10-09 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Sylvain History

Matsumoto Castle: The National Treasure through Modern Times (From 1871 to now)

The scheduled end of Matsumoto Castle (1871 and 1872) From September 1870, people were allowed to enter the castle freely for the first time since its construction. Then in 1871, Matsumoto Castle was placed under the jurisdiction of the newly formed national government who sold the castle at auction in 1872. The castle keeps were then scheduled for demolition. Matsumoto Castle rescued by local residents (From 1872 to 1901) Upon hearing of the planned demolition, a group of local residents led by Ichikawa Ryozo began collecting donations and raising funds in order to save the castle from destruction. They obtained permission to organize several events around the castle. Thanks to […]
2020-10-06 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Sylvain Available Positions

WHV in Japan: Winter jobs are available! Apply now!

Recruiting staff for the upcoming winter season Ski and snowboard for free and enjoy world-class powder conditions at Japan’s top ski resorts! We are seeking highly motivated staff to work at Japan’s most popular ski resort area for the upcoming winter season. Work Type: Full-time positions in Tourism Industry (Ski lift operations, Restaurant staff, etc.) Duration: Winter jobs are available from mid-December to end of March. 3+ months contracts. Location: Nagano, Niigata and Hokkaido Prefecture. Most of the positions are available at Nagano Prefecture (Hakuba). Wages: From 848 to 861 Yen per Hour with advantages (share accommodations, meals, free ski pass). *Our offers are the minimum hourly salary you will […]
2020-09-25 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Sylvain History

Matsumoto Castle: Origin and History of the National Treasure (From 1504 to 1871)

Fukashi Castle (From 1504 to 1582) In ancient times, the region of Matsumoto was called Fukashi. Thus, the original castle built by Lord Shimadachi Sadanaga in 1504 was named Fukashi Castle. The location of the castle was not chosen by chance. This site is said to have been divinely selected and is believed to be a sacred place. Matsumoto Castle (From 1582 to 1590) In 1582, after being momentarily chased away from the domain, Lord Sadayoshi Ogasawara returned to capture Fukashi Castle by cleverly subverting the castle’s defenders. He then had the fortress renamed Matsumoto Castle. The construction of the current Matsumoto Castle (From 1590) In 1590 Ishikawa Kazumasa was […]
2020-09-02 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Sylvain Sightseeing

Matsumoto City: Cultural Significance of the Historical Castle Town

Japan is one of the most integrated countries in the world, mixing modernity and deep-rooted tradition. Its large metropolises such as Tokyo and Osaka, its traditional cities like Kyoto and the sumptuous landscapes offered by Mount Fuji as well as the Japanese countryside make this country one of the most important tourist destinations in Asia. Beyond the Clichés Here in Matsumoto City, off the beaten popular tourist track, is where you will find more than the usual Japanese clichés. Matsumoto invites you to discover the Japanese ancestral way of life where traditions and culture remains. Feudal-era Castle & Samurai With its real Feudal-era Castle registered as a National Treasure of […]
2020-08-18 / Last updated : 2020-12-21 Sylvain Notification

Greetings from Welcome-Matsumoto!

We are pleased to announce that our new website is now online! Why we do it: Welcome-Matsumoto was established to share this historical city and harmonious country with the world. We want to share our knowledge, experience and passion for Matsumoto City and Japan by helping you have the best experience whatever your pursuits may be while simultaneously being respectful of our local heritage and culture. How we do it: By joining you with our local partners and hosts in order to provide the best experience in Matsumoto from the top spots to a deeper look at the local culture and history. Thanks to our extensive network, we are connected […]