2026-08-04 / Last updated : 2026-08-04 Sylvain Other

Agetsuchi Cinema Museum: From 1917 Theater to Museum

A short walk east of Matsumoto Castle, the Agetsuchi district is lined with early-twentieth-century shop fronts. The area is associated with Taisho roman, the nostalgic look and mood of Japan’s Taisho era. Among those buildings stands a former movie theater that closed in 2008 and reopened in the summer of 2024 as the Agetsuchi Cinema Museum. The building no longer shows feature films, but its interior, collection, and equipment have largely been kept in place. A theater that changed its name for ninety years The theater opened in 1917 in the Agetsuchi district, when residents of central Matsumoto pooled their money to start a cinema called Matsumoto Denkikan. Over the […]

2026-05-27 / Last updated : 2026-05-27 Elodie Suzawa Notification

Dredging work at Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of the few original feudal castles still standing in Japan and a cultural jewel of the city of Matsumoto. Therefore, it continues to undergo essential work to preserve its historical and environmental integrity. Over the past several years, the municipal authorities have embarked on an extensive dredging work and maintenance program of the moats surrounding the Matsumoto castle. It aimed not only at restoring the aesthetics of this national monument, but also at maintaining a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. In 2026, this dredging work will be part of a long-term approach that combines modern techniques and respect for heritage, while consolidating the castle’s role as a […]

2025-10-28 / Last updated : 2025-10-28 Sylvain Events

Matsumoto Castle Week and Citizens Festival

Matsumoto Castle Week runs from November 3rd-10th 2025. The Citizens festival will be held during this week, on November 3rd 2025. There will be many events held in the downtown core and castle grounds. Admission is free. Matsumoto Castle Week Held every year in November, Matsumoto Castle Week celebrates the iconic castle that sits in the heart of Matsumoto City. This year marks 70 years since the major restoration which was completed in 1955. There are many events scheduled throughout the week including a Chyrsanthemum display running from October 28-November 12 from 8:30Am-5pm daily. The main events coincide with the Citizen’s Festival on November 3rd. But the most significant event […]

2021-03-24 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Sylvain Notification

Matsumoto’s museums closure notification: Museum of Art & Kaichi School

Due to large-scale renovations, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, the Former Kaichi School and the Matsumoto City Museum will begin their temporary closures from April 2021. Due to the importance of this work, these museums will remain closed for the near future. Please see below for further information regarding Matsumoto’s museums closure notification. Matsumoto City Museum of Art Closing period: From April 2021 to April 2022 The Matsumoto City Museum of Art showcases the works of many Japanese artists and houses a permanent exhibition of the world-renowned avant-garde artist, Yayoi Kusama. This museum will be closed for about one year following April 1st, 2021 due to large-scale renovations. Read […]

2020-10-09 / Last updated : 2021-12-11 Sylvain History

Matsumoto Castle: The National Treasure through Modern Times (From 1871 to now)

Construction of Matsumoto Castle began between 1593 and 1594 during the Sengoku Period (Warring States Period). Originally called Fukashi Castle, the history of Matsumoto Castle dates back to the the early 16th century and continues to this day. Discover the National Treasure of Matsumoto Castle through Modern Times. The scheduled end of Matsumoto Castle (1871 and 1872) From September 1870, people were allowed to enter the castle freely for the first time since its construction. Then in 1871, Matsumoto Castle was placed under the jurisdiction of the newly formed national government who sold the castle at auction in 1872. The castle keeps were then scheduled for demolition. Matsumoto Castle rescued […]

2020-09-25 / Last updated : 2022-02-15 Sylvain History

Matsumoto Castle: Origin and History of the National Treasure (From 1504 to 1871)

Construction of Matsumoto Castle began between 1593 and 1594 during the Sengoku Period (Warring States Period). Originally called Fukashi Castle, the history of Matsumoto Castle dates back to the the early 16th century and continues to this day. Discover the origin and history of Matsumoto Castle. Fukashi Castle (From 1504 to 1582) In ancient times, the region of Matsumoto was called Fukashi. Thus, the original castle built by Lord Shimadachi Sadanaga in 1504 was named Fukashi Castle. The location of the castle was not chosen by chance. This site is said to have been divinely selected and is believed to be a sacred place. Matsumoto Castle (From 1582 to 1590) […]