2023-03-07 / Last updated : 2023-03-07 Sylvain History

Local Wine Tasting around the Hayashi Castle’s Ruins

Matsumoto City is not confined to just its historic city center. Leave the downtown, and a unique journey into the Japanese countryside and passage back through time awaits you. And who can pass up our great wineries! Enjoy a local wine tasting around the Hayashi Castle’s ruins, brought to you by Welcome-Matsumoto and the Matsumoto Tourism Association. This new experience is coming very soon! Satoyamabe Area Located in the eastern part of Matsumoto City, Satoyamabe is easily accessible by electric bike. The district has many interesting sites, including a historic school built by the same architect who built the Kaichi School, listed as a National Treasure. The Ruins of Hayashi […]

2023-02-06 / Last updated : 2023-02-06 Sylvain Local Food & Drinks

Sushi experience in a real Japanese cuisine

Sushi is one of Japan’s most popular dishes and yet places where you can make your own are rare, especially alongside a real Sushi Master. But thanks to Welcome-Matsumoto and the Matsumoto Tourism Association, soon it will be possible to have that Sushi experience in a authentic Japanese cuisine! One of the city’s best sushi restaurants will open its kitchen doors between services for your introduction to the world’s most unique culinary art! Shinshu Salmon It may seem surprising that a city and a region without direct access to the sea offers a sushi experience! However out of all our local specialties, Shinshu Salmon is one of the highest ranked […]

2022-12-29 / Last updated : 2022-12-29 Sylvain Experience

A Guide to Matsumoto: Not to be missed

Matsumoto is not just limited to its castle and historic downtown. The areas surrounding the city offer picturesque landscapes both natural and historical. Hop on a bicycle and explore the Japanese countryside. Or stroll along the legendary Zenkoji kaido road which was once traveled by the lords of Matsumoto Castle. Let’s not forget a night tour of the city’s best Izakaya, finishing with an unforgetable view of the illuminated castle. Discover all the possibilities available to you with a guide to Matsumoto of things not to be missed! eTour of Matsumoto: e-cycling around the city Matsumoto is at its heart a country town where you can enjoy the tranquility of […]

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 […]

2022-11-24 / Last updated : 2022-11-24 Sylvain Experience

Things to Do in Matsumoto: Fun Cultural Activities in Nagano

The city of Matsumoto offers much more than just a tour of its historic castle. The walls of this fortress date back to feudal times and contain a spirit that still has an imprint on the city’s cultural life today. Be amazed by the rich gourmet history of the area! Miso, Soba, Sake, Samurai and Taiko drumming, these foods and activities of Matsumoto will emersed you with the local atmosphere. Discover the best things to do during your stay in the city of Matsumoto! Matsumoto Castle Tour and Samurai Experience The Matsumoto Castle Town was built around its historic castle. The history of this feudal era is closely linked to Samurai […]

2022-10-31 / Last updated : 2022-10-31 Sylvain Sightseeing

Visit Matsumoto: Sightseeing in the heart of Nagano Prefecture – Japan

Matsumoto City is located just a few hours from Tokyo and has all the charm of a countryside town. Sightseeing in Matsumoto provides a variety of tours for you to discover within an authentic Japan off of the usual tourist beaten path. From its history, culture, cuisine and nature to its ancestral traditions, a visit to Matsumoto is an authentic getaway into the heart of Japan. Matsumoto Discovery: Castle and Historic Districts The city’s National Treasure is a true architectural and historical marvel. Matsumoto Castle is one of only five castles in Japan listed as a “National Treasure” and is worth a visit on its own! The castle attracts tourists […]

2022-08-31 / Last updated : 2022-08-31 Kevin Kato Events

Matsumoto Castle Taiko Drum Festival: One of the Most Heart-Pounding Events of the Year

The rhythmic sounds of a hundred drums filled the warm, humid evening air recently as the people of this castle town were treated to one of the most heart-pounding events of the year: the annual Matsumoto Castle Taiko Drum Festival. The Perfect Setting for a Rousing Tradition Once again the inner garden of Matsumoto Castle was transformed into the most dramatic musical venue this side of Mt.Fuji. Normally accessible only via entrance fee, on July 30th and 31st the inner ‘honmaru’ was open to the public. As the sun fell toward the northern alps and the air cooled (slightly) the crowds gathered, spread out on blankets on the ground where […]

2022-06-19 / Last updated : 2022-06-19 Sylvain Local Food & Drinks

Local Cuisine in the Countryside For Vegetarians & Japanese Food Lovers

For the first time this year, Welcome-Matsumoto and the Matsumoto Tourism Association conducted a Monitor Tour in which we explored the local cuisine in the countryside around Matsumoto. The main event was tasting wild plants from the Nagawa countryside in deep-fried tempura, which can be a delicious experience for vegetarians and Japanese food lovers. In addition our guests enjoyed Shinshu Salmon, the same fish served at the 2019 G20 Environment Ministerial Meetings in Karuizawa! Nagawa Countryside Nagawa is a region located just a few kilometers from Matsumoto City. It is in a remote valley between the Norikura Highlands and the famous Kamikochi National Park. The Nagawa Valley offers spectacular mountain scenery and […]

2022-03-29 / Last updated : 2022-03-31 Sylvain Special Offer

Special Deal: 20% Off! Local History, Nature, Food & Culture with Matsumoto-Experience

Matsumoto City has a unique environment surrounding its historic castle, which offers an authentic and enjoyable Japanese experience. However, this historic aspect of the city is not limited to its castle, but also includes the city itself, its surrounding fields and the mountain vistas, which stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a breathtaking view. Additionally, its cuisine highlights the deeply rural culture of the region. So, what could be better than experiencing the city with a local guide while enjoying a special deal? Discover the city with “Matsumoto-Experience” Matsumoto-Experience has been created in partnership with Matsumoto Tourism Association and with the support of Nagano Prefecture Community Development […]