Matsumoto

Discover the gateway to the Japanese Alps in Matsumoto, a stunning castle town located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. Dominated by one of Japan’s most beautiful historic structures, Matsumoto offers a perfect blend of samurai heritage and breathtaking mountain scenery. Our curated Matsumoto travel itineraries invite you to marvel at the majestic Matsumoto Castle, also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its rare and striking black exterior. As one of Japan’s premier historic castles, its six-story wooden keep offers panoramic views of the surrounding city and snow-capped peaks.

Beyond the castle moats, the city’s artistic soul thrives at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, which features a vibrant permanent collection by world-renowned avant-garde artist and local native, Yayoi Kusama. Take a nostalgic stroll down Nawate Street, also known as “Frog Street,” a riverside row of small shops and eateries, or explore the beautifully preserved merchant houses of Nakamachi Street, famous for its iconic white-and-black “Kura” (storehouse) architecture. Whether you are sampling authentic Shinshu Soba (buckwheat noodles), visiting the historic Kaichi School Museum, or using the city as a base to explore the nearby Kamikochi highlands, Matsumoto provides a refined and scenic journey into the cultural heart of central Japan.