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 […]
2026-05-16 / Last updated : 2026-05-16 Sylvain Art

Everything to Know about the Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum

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 […]
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 […]
2026-04-14 / Last updated : 2026-04-14 Sylvain Events

Shiojiri Wine Tasting Event

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 […]
2026-04-07 / Last updated : 2026-04-14 Sylvain Nature

Mount Hikarijo and Nagamine in Azumino

Tucked in the scenic Azumino valley of Nagano Prefecture, Mount Hikarijo and Nagamine rises gently above farmland and rivers, offering a window into the region’s rural charm.  This local peak draws hikers for its views of the Northern Alps and the apple orchards spread across the valley floor. At 933m, the mountain offers accessible trails and seasonal interest, from spring cherry blossoms to winter snow cover, without the crowds of more famous destinations. Reaching the Summit with Ease Getting to Mt. Nagamine is straightforward by car or train. There is free parking at the trailhead near JR Akashina Station. Or you can drive the winding road to the summit during […]
2026-04-01 / Last updated : 2026-04-01 Sylvain News

New Accommodation Tax in Nagano Prefecture

From June 1, 2026, guests staying in Matsumoto City or Nagano City will need to keep a new accommodation tax in mind when planning their trip. It is not a large charge, but it will become part of the cost of an overnight stay in either city. What Travelers Should Know For most guests, the system is simple. If the room-only, pre-tax accommodation charge is ¥6,000 or more per person per night, an accommodation tax of ¥200 per person per night will apply. This rate is scheduled to remain in place for the first three years. From June 1, 2029, the standard amount is set to rise to ¥300 per […]
2026-03-26 / Last updated : 2026-03-26 Sylvain Other

Kissa Yamaga: The Café That Started a Football Club

Matsumoto Yamaga FC has been part of this city since 1965, when a group of Nagano Prefecture football players began meeting at a small coffee shop near Matsumoto Station. The owner, fond of the mountains surrounding the city, had named it Yamaga, combining yama (mountain) with yūga (elegant). The players borrowed the name for their club, and it stuck. The original Kissa Yamaga café closed in 1978 when the station area was redeveloped. But in 2017 the club opened a new version a few minutes’ walk from Matsumoto Castle. J.League: 100-year Vision Today Matsumoto Yamaga FC competes in the J.League’s Hyakunen Koso League, the 100-Year Vision division, which groups clubs […]
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2026-03-19 / Last updated : 2026-03-19 Sylvain Sightseeing

One Day, Two Cities: Nagano and Matsumoto Cultural Experience

Two of Japan’s most compelling National Treasures sit barely an hour apart by train. This full-day tour connects two distinct experiences: Zenkoji Temple’s spiritual heritage in Nagano City and Matsumoto Castle’s samurai legacy, linked by a scenic train journey through the heart of Nagano Prefecture. Two local guides, and a day that moves from temple traditions to a medieval castle to a samurai sword lesson without feeling rushed. One Day, Two Cities: visit Nagano and Matsumoto! Morning at Zenkoji Temple Your day begins at 9:00 AM in Nagano City’s Central Square, where your local guide meets you for the walk to Zenkoji Temple. Founded in 642, the temple predates the […]
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 […]
2025-12-12 / Last updated : 2025-12-12 Sylvain Sightseeing

What To Do around the Snow Monkey Park

Nestled in the mountains of northern Nagano prefecture, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park has become world famous for its unique inhabitants. While watching Japanese macaques soak in the hot springs is a great experience, it is not the only place worth visiting in the area. From historic onsen towns and charming rural villages to cultural experiences in Nagano City, the region offers the visitor many ways to spend a memorable day. Shibu Onsen: Step into the Past and Soak your Cares Away Within walking distance of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the traditional hot spring town of Shibu Onsen. With its narrow cobblestone streets and historic wooden ryokans, Shibu Onsen […]
2025-12-10 / Last updated : 2025-12-10 Sylvain Art

The Craft of Magemono in Kiso’s Mountain Towns

Walk through Narai-juku on a quiet morning and you’ll spot them in shop windows: wooden bento boxes with elegant curved sides, their grain visible through a honey-colored lacquer finish. These are magemono, bentwood containers made using techniques that have served the Kiso region for over four centuries. Discover the craft of magemono in the Kiso valley. Forest Protection and Economic Adaptation The craft connects to a particular moment in Japanese history. In the early 1600s, after the Tokugawa Shogunate consolidated power, castle construction and urban development stripped Kiso’s mountains of timber. The Owari domain, a branch of the Tokugawa family which controlled the valley, watched forests disappear at an alarming […]