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 […]

2022-12-07 / Last updated : 2022-12-07 Sylvain Translation

Zenko-ji Kaido Route – Japanese / English Translation

Welcome-Matsumoto is comprised of a team of local residents, both Japanese and foreigners, in partnership with many local and international partners, working for the same purpose. Our linguistic and professional knowledge gives us the ability to translate all kinds of documents from many different fields and transcribe them into many different languages. Read the first part of “Our multilingual and multi-domain translation solutions” file featuring our recent translation of “The Zenko-ji Kaido Route”. About the Author The original text is written by Shigeki Tamura, a climbing guide and practitioner of “Shugendo“, which is a form of devout mountain worship comprising of Shintoism, Buddhism, and traditional folk lore. Shigeki is, along […]

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 […]

2022-06-19 / 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 […]

2022-01-13 / Last updated : 2022-01-13 Kevin Kato Events

Lasers Light Up Matsumoto Castle in the City’s Latest Spectacle

In Matsumoto you’ll find an array of entertaining events going on throughout the year. From the Ice Sculpture Festival in winter to the summertime Bon-Bon Dance Festival, it seems there’s always something going on. Yet the good people here are always looking for new ways to spice things up, and this winter they’ve done it again. So dress warm and come out to watch as lasers light up Matsumoto Castle in the city’s latest spectacle. Firing Lasers at Japan’s Oldest Castle Tower I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about it. Maybe I’m old-fashioned (or boring), but spraying our town’s greatest treasure with a bunch of […]