Welcome Matsumoto

12/05/2026

🎨 The 42nd Annual Craft Fair in Matsumoto

The Matsumoto Craft Fair is one of Japan’s largest and longest running craft events featuring around 300 artists. Held in Matsumoto’s picturesque and historic Agata-no-Mori Park, the craft fair attracts visitors from all over Japan. Matsumoto is known for its traditional and contemporary craft scene, and with so many artists in attendance, the weekend is a celebration of the city’s profile as a thriving arts center.

There will be over 250 exhibitors at this years event! The main categories that the vendors fall into include: Ceramics, Woodworking/Lacquer, Textiles Dying and Weaving, Glass, Metal, Leather, Food, and more.

📅 Dates and Time: Saturday, May 30th (10:00 – 17:00) / Sunday, May 31st (10:00 – 16:00)

🅿️ Access: No parking will be available so it is recommended to come either by foot (25 min walk from Matsumoto Station) or by bus or taxi.

11/05/2026

🗾 In Japan, almost every city, prefecture, or village today has its own local mascot called yuru-kyara, a contraction of “yurui mascot character.” These characters are designed to represent local areas, tourist spots, products or events, while arousing the affection of locals and visitors. These regional mascots in nagano are often designed with visual elements directly inspired by heritage, culinary specialties or local nature. And their main purpose is to promote tourism and local culture.

In Japan, almost every city, prefecture, or village today has its own local mascot called yuru-kyara, a contraction of “yurui mascot character.” These characters are designed to represent local areas, tourist spots, products or events, whi

10/05/2026

🙏 Zenkoji Temple - Nagano City
Daytime ☀️ / Nighttime 🌙

Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest, largest, and most important Buddhist temples. Said to enshrine the first Buddhist statue ever brought to the country, Zenkoji is unique in its open-door approach, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds.

For centuries, the temple has drawn pilgrims from across Japan as Nagano's spiritual heart. After sunset, when daytime crowds disperse, the temple approach settles into a more contemplative mood.

Shadows accentuate the architecture of the temple and gates while illuminated buildings stand out against the night sky. The atmosphere naturally slows your pace, inviting quiet observation and reflection on the centuries of history these grounds have witnessed.

26/04/2026

⛩️ The Hotaka Shinto Shrine is considered the center of renown for the region formerly called “Shinshu”. This shrine is dedicated to the same deity as the Okumiya-Hotaka Shrines on the shores of Myokin Pond in Kamikochi and at the peak of Mount Oku-Hotaka overlooking Kamikochi National Park.

🏞️ Located in a valley at the heart of the Japanese Alps Mountain range, Azumino offers a true escape into Japan’s natural countryside.
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19/04/2026

🌙 Zenkoji Temple in evening light
⏩ A Cultural Stroll Through the Temple Town

The Zenkoji Temple precinct, with its broad stone paths and wooden halls, takes on new character after dark. Shadows accentuate the architecture of the gates while illuminated buildings stand out against the night sky.

The atmosphere naturally slows your pace, inviting quiet observation and reflection on the centuries of history these grounds have witnessed.

A nighttime walk through Zenkoji connects you not just to what you observe, but to the tranquility and sense of continuity the place embodies.
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16/04/2026

😍 Kamikochi Opens for the Season on April 17, 2026

Located near the midpoint of Chubu Sangaku National Park, the alpine valley of Kamikochi is a special protected zone within the park and one of Japan’s most rewarding outdoor destinations.

Only accessible from mid-april to mid-november due to the heavy snow of winter, Kamikochi must be accessed using public buses, taxi or a chartered vehicle. Personal vehicles are prohibited in an effort to limit our impact of the pristine ecosystem, underscoring just how importantly it is regarded.

The 16 kilometer valley follows the beautiful Azusa River and is bookended by Mount Hotaka – Japan’s third highest mountain – and Mount Yakedake – an active volcano.

Leisurely walking trails provide access on foot to a spectacular landscape with more advanced mountaineering courses then leading into the mountain including Hotaka and Mount Yari – both above 3000 metres.

⬇️ Learn More
https://matsumotoexp.com/news/kamikochi-opens-for-the-season-on-april-17-2026
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14/04/2026

⛰️ Tucked in the scenic Azumino valley of Nagano Prefecture, Mount Hikarijo and Nagamine rises gently above farmland and rivers, offering a window into the region’s rural charm.

Tucked in the scenic Azumino valley of Nagano Prefecture, Mount Hikarijo and Nagamine rises gently above farmland and rivers, offering a window into the region's rural charm. This local peak draws hikers for its views of the Northern Alps

07/04/2026

🌸 Spring has once again come to Matsumoto! The air is warmer, the evenings are longer, and the trees are exploding in white and pink. Everywhere you turn you’ll see these famous flowers called ‘sakura’.

🤩 The sight of Japan’s oldest castle tower coupled with her most famous flowers is a sight not to be missed! But hey, this isn’t the only show in town. To catch all of Matsumoto at her most beautiful head for the hills, for views of the fleeting cherry blossoms backed by the majesty of the still-snow-capped mountains.
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27/03/2026

🏡 Matsushiro City - Nagano, Japan

The castle town of Matsushiro offers a peaceful escape from modern life. Quiet shrines rest under old trees, rice fields stretch toward the mountains, and the air carries a calm that’s hard to find in the city. It’s a place that encourages visitors to slow down, reflect and uncover the layers of what came before.

For travelers interested in samurai heritage, off-the-beaten-path discoveries, or a slower pace steeped in modern history, Matsushiro offers something special. It may not draw crowds like other destinations. But Matsushiro leaves a lasting impression with its quiet depth and enduring character.

⬇️ Learn More
https://welcome-matsumoto.com/spots/nagano-area/sightseeing/matsushiro-castle-town/
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26/03/2026

⚽ Matsumoto Yamaga FC has been part of this city since 1965, when a group of Nagano Prefecture football players began meeting at a small coffee shop near Matsumoto Station. The owner, fond of the mountains surrounding the city, had named it Yamaga, combining yama (mountain) with yūga (elegant). The players borrowed the name for their club, and it stuck.

Matsumoto Yamaga FC has been part of this city since 1965, when a group of Nagano Prefecture football players began meeting at a small coffee shop near Matsumoto Station. The owner, fond of the mountains surrounding the city, had named it

20/03/2026

🚅 Matsumoto and its historic castle are nestled in the middle of the Japanese Alps. Due to this geography, the city strategically surrounds its castle, intrinsically linking the local culture to Samurai lore.

⬇️ Learn More
https://welcome-matsumoto.com/spots/spots-to-visit/matsumoto-castle/
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🏯 First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle, one of only five castles designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure! The castle walls contain the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle tower that still exists in Japan today. Learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City, the different classes and residential areas and even some of the castle's defensive strategies.

⬇️ Book Now
https://matsumotoexp.com/activity/matsumoto-discovery
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⚔️ Then you can experience a live hands-on Samurai Sword Fighting activity! A Master Samurai will teach you some of these ancient fighting techniques. You will meet passionate people who will patiently guide you every step of the way, all the while emphasizing the importance of just having fun! Not only may you find the experience entertaining, but you might make some friends too.

⬇️ Book Now
https://matsumotoexp.com/activity/nighttime-samurai-katana-training
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