Matsumoto

9 Beautiful Cherry Blossoms Spots in Nagano (2023 Forecast and Access)

Here is our list of the places to go for cherry blossom viewing in Nagano. We know you all want to know how to get there and what’s the best time to visit. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

Feb 21, 2023

8 Best Summer Escape Destinations in Nagano and the Japan Alps area

Yes, Japan is hot in summer, but not that hot in Nagano and the Japanese Alps area (if you know the right places to visit)!

Feb 21, 2023

9 places for autumn leaves viewing in Nagano that you don’t want to share

Feb 21, 2023

Things to Do and Eat in Matsumoto – Ultimate Guide to Visiting Matsumoto in 2023

Matsumoto city is known for its most famous landmark, Matsumoto Castle. But what you might not know is that there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in Matsumoto. Let’s see what this city has to offer!

Aug 03, 2022

Nakasendo Hiking Tour & Narai-juku Post Town Sightseeing Bus

This sightseeing bus will bring you to discover “Narai-juku”, Japan’s longest post town, which has a 1 km-long townscape that looks as if you’ve slipped back in time to the Edo period. There are inns, souvenir shops, restaurants and more that make you feel the good old days, as well as museums, temples and other historic sights. It is a perfect one-day trip from Matsumoto!

Jun 09, 2020

Top 5 Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Spots in Nagano Prefecture

Spring is here! The temperature is picking up, the birds are singing, and lots of flowers are blooming. That also goes for the sakura or cherry blossoms, a Japanese icon that’s loved by people all over the world. The blooming of the cherry blossoms is a special event that many people look forward to and is celebrated nationwide with a so-called hanami or cherry blossom viewing party and by indulging in some of the many cherry-blossom-flavored foods and drinks that are available during this period. The transient beauty of these pink flowers is certainly the biggest reason why the cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times to visit Japan.

Apr 30, 2020

Matsumoto’s New National Treasure! The Former Kaichi School

Matsumoto is arguably most famous for its castle of the same name, which has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan over 80 years ago. For a long time, this was the only National Treasure in Matsumoto, but all of that changed in September of 2019 with the designation of another National Treasure: The Former Kaichi School.

Jan 17, 2020

Kaiseki – The Ultimate Japanese Dining Experience

Do you love Japanese food? Sushi, sashimi, wagyu beef, tempura – there are so many delicious dishes to choose from. If you are as crazy about Japanese food as we are, then you cannot miss out on having a real kaiseki meal!

Dec 17, 2019

Discover the World’s Largest Collection of Ukiyo-e – Pictures of the Floating World

Everyone is probably familiar with the image of a giant wave with two boats in the foreground and a small Mt. Fuji in the background. This famous artwork is called “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” and was made by Katsushika Hokusai, arguably Japan’s best-known artist from the Edo period (or in general). What he produced wasn’t really a painting though, but a print created from carved woodblocks. This traditionally Japanese art genre is called “ukiyo-e” and literally translates to “pictures (e) of the floating world (ukiyo)”.

Dec 05, 2019