Matsumoto
Located in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto attracts nature lovers from near and far as the city serves as a gateway to the Japan Alps and Kamikochi, which is considered to be one of Japan’s most scenic hiking areas. With a plethora of hiking trails and countryside cycling opportunities in summer, and an abundance of hot springs and ski resorts nearby for winter trips, Matsumoto also has a rich history and one of the most striking traditional castles in all of Japan.
Matsumoto Castle
The strikingly black Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most beautiful castles. With unique features like a second donjon (castle keep), gorgeous mountain views from its top floor and a bright vermillion bridge spanning its moat, the castle should be on the top of your list when visiting Matsumoto.
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
The Matsumoto City Museum of Art is dedicated to artists born in the city or those inspired by its history and surrounding nature. Best known is probably the world-famous Yayoi Kusama, and the museum has a big permanent exhibition allowing visitors to step into the artist’s colourful world, with her artworks often featuring striking polka dot patterns.
Kamikochi
Kamikochi is a hiker’s paradise, and its many trails and spectacular natural scenery can be enjoyed as a day trip from Matsumoto. Marvel at pristine alpine lakes reflecting majestic smoke-spewing mountains, feel immersed in nature as you cross the marshlands walking on boardwalks, and snap a photo of the valley’s iconic suspension bridge.
Nakamachi district
With its white-walled warehouses, Nakamachi was a bustling merchants’ district in Edo-era Matsumoto with many sake and kimono shops. Today the beautifully restored buildings retain their traditional charm, and the area is a great place to shop for Japanese handicrafts such as lacquerware and pottery.
Nawate Street (Frog Street)
The narrow, pedestrian-only Nawate Street is lined with cute shops, perfect for picking up some souvenirs or a frog trinket said to help you recover lost belongings. There’s also plenty of quaint cafés and snack vendors to choose from: try the popular savoury senbei (rice crackers) or follow that sweet smell and bite into a freshly baked taiyaki.
Daio Wasabi Farm
In an idyllic countryside setting, the Daio Wasabi Farm provides an insight into the cultivation of one of Japan’s most important condiments. Walking trails will lead you past the fields where the sound of trickling water feeding the delicate wasabi roots will reach your ears from all corners. Pick up unique wasabi specialties, from sausages and curry to beer and ice cream.
Fukashi Shrine
This colourful shrine is dedicated to two local deities, the god of war and the god of learning, respectively. Buildings here feature brightly painted carvings which are unusual in shinto temples in Japan. In summer, the shrine hosts the lively Tenjin Festival with many traditional mikoshi (wooden floats) on display.
Shirahone Onsen
Nestled deep in the Japan Alps, Shirahone Onsen is a small hot spring town famous for its milky white water which is said to cure colds. The town features one public hot spring, and many of the ryokan open their baths to day visitors as well. Try the iconic mixed gender outdoor bath at Awanoyu or the public riverside baths where you can relax to the sound of gushing water.
Matsumoto Timepiece Museum
Centered around a collection donated by an antique clock collector, this museum has more than a thousand vintage clocks and watches, many of them still in working condition. Watches belonging to certain professions, like nurses or train conductors, are on display, and the museum’s facade features Japan’s largest pendulum clock.
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