Culture

2023-01-30 / Last updated : 2023-01-30 Kevin Kato Culture

Feast Your Eyes on Some Silky, Colorful Temari – Traditional Japanese Toy & A Symbol of Matsumoto

As you explore this castle town you may notice a recurring round image. Something like a ball but just as much a work of art, these colorful spheres that pop up almost everywhere you look are called temari, and are both a traditional Japanese toy and a symbol of Matsumoto. The Temari Origin Story The name temari – written 手毬, meaning ‘hand ball’ – is said to have come from the term kemari (‘kick ball’), which referred to a toy brought to Japan from China over 1,300 years ago. Originally made of simple cloth ribbon wrapped around silk swaths of old kimono, temari eventually became objects of art, the rough […]
2022-12-22 / Last updated : 2022-12-23 Sylvain Culture

Explore Matsumoto Castle in a traditional Kimono

In our dedication to offering new experiences which highlight our historic castle and Japanese culture, Welcome-Matsumoto and the Matsumoto Tourism Association will soon present an exciting way to explore Matsumoto Castle in a traditional Kimono. On the menu of this new tour: Traditional Tea Ceremony, Kimono Walking Tour and Photo Session in front of Matsumoto Castle. This is a great way to discover the best of Japanese culture while enjoying a local jewel also registered as a National Treasure! Tea Ceremony Before your walking tour around the castle, don your kimono and enjoy partaking in a traditional tea ceremony. Enter inside an authentic tea house as an honored guest: The […]
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 […]