Central Nagano
(Hakuba, Azumino, Matsumoto, Kiso)
The Chushin area encompasses the Matsumoto Basin at the foot of the Northern Alps, the Kiso Valley nestled between the Central Alps and Mt. Ontake, and other surrounding areas. Home to numerous historical sites such as the national treasure Matsumoto Castle and the Edo-era post town of Tsumago-juku, the are also boasts stunning natural beauty including Kamikochi. The area is also renowned for its wasabi cultivation, which utilizes the snowmelt from the Northern Alps, as well as soba cultivation that thrives in the cool climate. Additionally, the area is well-suited for grape cultivation, with a long history of winemaking dating back to the Meiji era.
Half-Day Course
A Stroll Around Matsumoto Castle
Explore Matsumoto Castle and
Enjoy Food and Shopping on Foot!
Start!
Matsumoto Station
15 minutes walk
Ishii Miso
Established over 150 years ago, Ishii Miso is renowned for its exceptional three-year aged miso, a testament to their unwavering commitment to traditional production methods. The factory is blessed with a natural spring on-site, providing the pure water for miso making. Their lunch menu features a variety of miso-based dishes, including pork miso soup, grilled miso rice balls, and miso ice cream.
- Address
- 1-8-1 Uzuhashi, Matsumoto City
390-0813 - Phone
- 0263-32-0534
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
- Website
- https://ishiimiso.com/
8 minutes walk
Genchi Well
Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Water Sources in the Heisei Era, Matsumoto City’s spring water is pristire. According to the Collection of Pictures of Famaus Sites Along the Road to Zenkoji Temple (“Zenkoji Michi Meisho Zue”), a guidebook published in 1843, this water was considered “the finest in the province,” and all local sake breweries used it. Experience this historic water, beloved by generations as a drinking water.
- Address
- 3-741-ho Chuo, Matsumoto City
390-0811 - Phone
- 0263-34-3292（Matsumoto City Education Department Cultural Properties Division）
Shinshu Pudding Kobo
Sudo Jam, a long-established jam maker, has opened its first-ever sweets shop! Their unique pudding, made with their signature confiture, is a must-try. In addition to pudding, you can also enjoy rich soft serve ice cream made with fresh milk.
- Address
- 1st Floor, Yoshikawa Building,
2-4-18 Chuo, Matsumoto City
390-0811 - Phone
- 0263-38-0141
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
- Website
- http://www.shinshu-
pudding.com/
2 minutes walk
Nawate Street
This pedestrian-only shopping street features a charming row of unique shops housed in traditional Japanese-style buildings. Known as “Frog Town,” it’s home to a variety of cute frog statues that will greet you. From old-fashioned hardware stores and flower shops to trendy boutiques, the diverse streetscape is perfect for leisurely strolls.
- Address
- Ote, Matsumoto City 390-0874
- Website
- https://www.nawate.net/
6 minutes walk
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure known for its striking contrast of black and white, is the oldest existing five-story, six-tiered donjon in Japan. Originally built as Fukashi Castle during the Sengoku period, this majestic castle offers breathtaking views throughout the year. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery against the backdrop that changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and the Northern Alps capped with snow in winter.
- Address
- 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City
390-0873 - Phone
- 0263-32-2902
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
- Website
- https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/
Matsumoto Brewery Tap Room Honmachi
Their goal is to create the world’s most beloved beer! Each bottle is carefully crafted at their local brewery using pure water sourced from the majestic Northern Alps and the Utsukushigahara Highlands. Packed with the unique charm of Matsumoto, their beers offer a truly one-of-a-kind taste experience.
- Address
- 3rd Floor, Shinmai Media Garden,
2-20-2 Chuo, Matsumoto City
390-8585 - Phone
- 0263-88-1560
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
- Website
- https://matsu-brew.com/
Pomge Cidre & Bonbon
With about 40 varieties of alcoholic ciders brewed in Nagano Prefecture, their line-up is the largest in the prefecture! They also offer a variety of original sweets, juices, and jams made with locally sourced fruits. Come and savor the delightful flavors of Nagano’s finest fruits!
- Address
- 2nd Floor, Shinmai Media Garden,
2-20-2 Chuo, Matsumoto City
390-8585 - Phone
- 0263-31-0333
- Opening
hours - Please check the website of
Shinmai Media Garden. - Website
- https://pomge.com/
Finish!
Matsumoto Station