2021-10-14 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Kevin Kato Seasonal Topics

Rice Harvesting in Matsumoto: The Beauty of the Season

In a landscape dominated by mountains, among forests that cover 80% of Nagano’s terrain, Matsumoto may not seem well-positioned for an abundance of agriculture. But the farming industry here is alive and well, and it is that time of year once again to enjoy the sight of rice harvesting in Matsumoto – and the beauty of the autumn season. Of course, the harvest is just the culmination. Let’s backtrack a bit… In Spring Rice-planting in Matsumoto takes place in late April to early May. Farmers flood their fields with the clean mountain snowmelt. And, now most often with specialized machinery, plant the young rice shoots they cultivate in greenhouses in […]
2021-09-29 / Last updated : 2024-09-17 Kevin Kato Local Food & Drinks

Discover the Best Local Food & Drink in Matsumoto

Owing to its long history of provincial living, Japan is a country of countless regions, each with its own dialect, traditions and food. Surrounded by mountains, Matsumoto and the wider Shinshu region are certainly no exception. To make your visit to Matsumoto complete, it is well worth it to seek out the best local food and drink around, made and loved by the people who have lived here for generations. To get you off to a tasty start, here are our top suggestions. Miso Yes, this salty brown bean paste is found all over Japan. Even globally, miso soup is gaining in popularity. But can you take a guess as […]
2021-09-23 / Last updated : 2021-09-23 Léa Van Cuyck Art

3 Japanese Manga and Drama that take place in Matsumoto

Japan is famous for its mangas and dramas. Each literary and cinemagraphic work is a summary of what Japanese culture can evoke in us, each anchored in a unique setting. So let’s discover together 3 Japanese Manga & Drama works that take place in Matsumoto! TAKANO Ichigo’s Orange manga Published in 2012, this work tells us a very human story, where love, friendship, hope and regret are intertwined. It all starts when Naho, a young high school student, receives a letter. It is from her “future-self” who expresses remorse for failing to “save” her friend Kakeru. Then a race against the clock begins! But as Naho strives to use the […]
2021-09-09 / Last updated : 2021-09-29 Sylvain Other

10 days with the French Paralympic Cycling Team

In Tokyo, the original organizers of the 1964 Olympics and the more recent Summer Olympic Games, are hosting the Paralympic Games from August 24th to September 5th, 2021. Matsumoto had the honor of welcoming the French Paralympic Cycling Team from August 15th to 25th as part of the preparations for these games. The athletes were able to utilize the exceptional setting of the city for their training. Welcome-Matsumoto was present with them during those 10 days as they prepared for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Join us as we explore the day-to-day lives of these top athletes as they prepared for the start of the games!  Day 1: Arrival of the athletes […]
2021-08-26 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Kevin Kato Sightseeing

The Agetsuchi-machi Neighborhood: Historical Secrets and Old-Time Appeal

East of Matsumoto Castle, tucked away behind City Hall, you’ll find a stretch of the original outer moat. Just to the south of this remaining section of the ‘sotobori’ is Agetsuchi-machi, a quiet neighborhood with some interesting historical secrets and plenty of old-time appeal. The Origins of “Agetsuchi” The eastern side of Matsumoto Castle’s outer ‘sotobori’ moat used to run right through Agetsuchi-machi neighborhood. Along this eastern stretch was the largest of four “umadashi”, places like small islands designed as pathways for horses used in the protection of the castle. When the moat for this eastern umadashi was dug, the dirt was piled up to prevent people from seeing the […]
2021-07-06 / Last updated : 2021-08-10 Kevin Kato Sightseeing

Matsumoto: The Oldest, Biggest, Highest, First, and Best of Japan

Matsumoto is known to many as the home of Japan’s oldest castle keep. This is something the folks here are certainly proud of, but it is actually just one of our town’s many claims to national supremacy. Matsumoto, and in turn Nagano Prefecture, is the biggest, highest and best in Japan in more ways than you can shake a soba noodle at. Let’s explore! The Biggest Swing Right down the street from the castle you’ll find another of Matsumoto’s title-holders. From the Sensaibashi Bridge you can see it: the largest pendulum clock in Japan, dominating the facade of the Matsumoto Timepiece Museum. (Unverified reports have stated it is – or […]
2021-06-17 / Last updated : 2021-07-14 Kevin Kato Culture

Dōsojin: The Adorable Old Guardians of Shinshu

You’ll see Dōsojin all over as you explore Shinshu: elderly couples, standing arm-in-arm, smiling gently at everyone who passes. They can be found on roads, near bridges, even out in the woods. Say hello if you like, though you won’t get an answer. Because these kindly old folks, who have been watching over Matsumoto for a thousand years, are made of stone. Known as Dōsojin, they are the adorable old guardians of Shinshu. Where to Find Them Dōsojin (道祖神) are a centuries-old tradition particular to the Shinshu (i.e. Nagano) region where Matsumoto is located. Considered a sort of deity, or kami, they are often placed around the outskirts of a […]
2021-05-26 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Kevin Kato Culture

Fukashi Jinja: Shrine of the Old Castle Town

Long ago the City of Matsumoto was known as the castle town of Fukashi. Much of this old castle town stretched northwest and south from the moats and walls of the castle. Near the southern end of town stood Fukashi Jinja. Established in 1339 by the region’s first ruler, this shrine still stands proud today, and is an integral part of your tour of the history of Matsumoto. Origins The 1333 Seige of Kamakura saw Emperor Go-Daigo wrest control of Japan from the shoguns of the Minamoto clan. To show his gratitude, Sadamune Ogasawara, local warlord and first ruler of Shinano, built Miyamura Daimyojin and enshrined the Shinto deity of […]
2021-05-19 / Last updated : 2022-10-13 Sylvain Outdoor Activities

Yamato Ranch: Mingle with local Japanese residents in a unique setting

The “Mountain Horse Project” is organized by the residents of the Okada neighborhood in Matsumoto. This project aims to educate and inspire the community about nature and the environment through various activities. Local residents and visitors alike are welcome to share in all the events. Meet local residents and experience real country life in Japan at Yamato Ranch! Yamato, a former champion Originally from Hokkaido Prefecture, Yamato was a successful race horse who participated in many races, winning many medals and awards throughout his illustrious career. Yamato just celebrated his 16th birthday this year (which is middle aged in horse years). For many years Yamato has been accompanied by his […]
2021-04-28 / Last updated : 2022-03-29 Sylvain Video

Matsumoto Sakura Video 2021 ***New Video***

We are pleased to present our new “Matsumoto Sakura Video 2021” available right now on our YouTube channel. Discover Matsumoto City and its cherry blossoms from a local’s perspective! Watch our new video… The Sakura season in Japan is already coming to an end. So now is the perfect time to view our selection of the best images from 2021. Experience the cherry blossoms blooming throughout Matsumoto from the comfort of your own home! Matsumoto Sakura Video 2021 All the images on our new video were shot at different locations throughout the city. You may recognize Matsumoto Castle or Alps Park. However some other places known only to locals are […]
2021-04-19 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Sylvain Video

Matsumoto Video Backstage Passport of our live stream from the city

On Saturday the 13th of February 2021, in cooperation with local tourism organizations, Welcome-Matsumoto introduced you live from Matsumoto City some of the city’s most interesting sites, including the famous historic castle. Let’s get back behind the scenes with this Matsumoto Video Backstage Passport. Watch the video How did the project come about? In these times of worldwide health crise, it has become impossible to travel to Japan and enjoy the authentic charm of this ancient country. It was on this simple (and unfortunately quite sad) observation that the project was born. Initiated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the Nagano Prefecture, and more precisely the Nagano Prefecture Tourism […]
2021-04-12 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Sylvain Events

Night walk through the Sakura at Matsumoto Castle

With the onset of spring comes the much-anticipated cherry blossom season. The Japanese know how to celebrate this event as it should! Matsumoto City is adorned with the most beautiful pink and white pigments. But do you know what happens after dark? Matsumoto and its historic castle are lit up for an even more impressive sight! Join us for a night walk through the Sakura at Matsumoto Castle. The interior garden of the castle The grounds inside the castle are normally closed after 4:30 pm. But during the Night Time Cherry Blossoms Festival, access is permitted to the interior garden of Matsumoto Castle for a limited time. It is from […]