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Explore Matsumoto's retro streets in kimono

National Treasure Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle Park Matsumoto's retro streets in kimono

Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture is a sprawling jokamachi (castle town) situated at the foot of the Northern Alps. Easily accessible from Tokyo, the former castle town is often bustling with tourists. The crown jewel of Matsumoto City, “National Treasure Matsumoto Castle”, has weathered more than 400 years of history since the Sengoku period, with its five-storied castle keep considered as the oldest building in Japan. The surrounding area has been developed into the Matsumoto Castle Park and is a popular spot with both locals and tourists. To get a feeling of how the inhabitants of Matsumoto hundreds of years ago lived, why not take a stroll through Matsumoto’s brewery quarter, one of the vestiges of its castle town past; while dressed in traditional Japanese Kimono or Yukata? For something different, Hakama/Ninja/Kacchu (armour) courses are available too! If you’d like to take a break, the quaint retro cafes that dot Matsumoto’s nostalgic streets are perfect for a quick snack too! Lastly, don't forget to get a great Instagram-worthy shot in kimono with Matsumoto Castle in the background!

Matsumoto Castle

Access :Matsumoto Castle Japan, 〒390-0873, Nagano-ken, Matsumoto-shi, Marunouchi 4-1

Operating hours :8.30am to 5pm (Last entry at 4:30pm, varies depending on the season) – (Open throughout the year except from 29th to 31st Dec)

How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to JR Nagano Station. From JR Nagano station, take the train to JR Matsumoto Station on the JR Shinano or Shinonoi Line. From there, it is a 15 minutes’ walk. (Alternatively, from JR Matsumoto station, take the Town Sneaker Local Bus Service north course or local bus service bound for Utsukushigahara Onsen and alight at Matsumotojo-Shiyakushomae stop)

Website :https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/lang/

 

Hanakomichi

Access :Hanakomichi Japan, 〒390-0874, Nagano-ken, Matsumoto-shi, Ote, 3-5-13, 2F

Operating hours :Wed to Fri 10am to 5pm (Closed Mon and Tues)

How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to JR Nagano Station. From JR Nagano station, take the train to JR Matsumoto Station on the JR Shinano or Shinonoi Line. From there, it is a 15 minutes’ walk.

Website :https://hanakomichi-k.com/eng/

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