2023-06-23 / Last updated : 2023-06-23 Kevin Kato Sightseeing

A Traditional Feast Among the Eye-Catching Architecture of Matsumoto

Keep your eyes open as you walk around town and you’ll see some interesting, appealing, eye-catching architecture, from a century and further in the past. Go inside some of these buildings and you’ll see even more detail. Finding yourself inside one of these beautiful traditional buildings you might think the atmosphere, the setting, the view of the hidden garden outside, all of it is absolutely perfect. Nothing could be better. But then a traditional feast is served, and you find that the food here in Matsumoto can be every bit as amazing as the architecture. Let us show you what we mean. A Beautiful Old Neighborhood, Inside & Out The […]

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 […]

2022-02-25 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Sylvain Sightseeing

Architecture and Historical Buildings of the Castle Town

Matsumoto City is famous for its feudal castle, whose achitecture and history represents all the greatest things that characterize Japan. But this ancient castle and its architecture is only one of many historical buildings within the city. Discover the architecture and the very tangible historical buildings of the castle town. Matsumoto Castle Year of construction: 1593 With over 400 years of history, Matsumoto Castle is 1 of only 5 castles designated a “National Treasure” of Japan. Matsumoto Castle’s architecture is characteristic of the Sengoku period (Warring States Period). The castle tower’s elegant, imposing appearance and dominant black outer walls earn it the nickname “Crow Castle”. The castle’s history is intrinsically […]

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 […]

2021-03-09 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Kevin Kato Experience

Authentic Hot Spring Experience in Downtown Matsumoto: Shioi-no-yu

No doubt one of the most sought-after experiences for any visitor to Japan is a trip to an authentic hot spring. Matsumoto has not one but two onsen villages out on the eastern edges of town. But if you are pressed for time, or want to add a little convenience to your experience, check out Shioi-no-yu. This onsen is located just a few minutes’ walk from Matsumoto Castle. Enjoy an authentic hot spring experience in downtown Matsumoto! The Backstory With the dawn of the Meiji Era came the end of Japan’s feudal system. As Matsumoto Castle fell into disuse, so did the residences of the surrounding samurai district. A man […]

2021-02-17 / Last updated : 2021-07-07 Kevin Kato Sightseeing

Matsumoto’s Hidden Treasure: The Ikegami Tea House

In the shadow of Matsumoto Castle, our town’s most famous treasure, sits a jewel that few people know about: the Ikegami Tea House. Known more fondly by the name Hyakuchiku-tei, this is one slice of Matsumoto’s history worth endeavoring to see. Explore Matsumoto’s Hidden Treasure with us! The Residence Hyakuchiku-tei means “Hundred Bamboo Place” – a fitting name for the home that Matsumoto merchant Kisaku Ikegami built for himself in 1958. No longer a private residence, Hyakuchiku-tei is open to the public. What’s more, it costs nothing to go in and take a look around. But there is a catch: Hyakuchiku-tei is such a secret that they may seem a […]