Matsumoto

Matsumoto is a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It sits in the Matsumoto Basin in the northern part of the prefecture, at the foothills of the Japanese Alps, making it a gateway to the Northern Alps and a common base for alpine activities. The city has a population of roughly 240,000 residents.

Historically a castle town, Matsumoto developed around Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most complete and best-preserved feudal fortresses. The castle, whose black exterior gives it the nickname Crow Castle, dates to the Sengoku period and was expanded in the late 16th century. It is designated a National Treasure and is surrounded by a moat and a cluster of preserved streets. Nearby are the historic Nakamachi Street and Nawate Street, where white-walled merchant houses line the waterways.

Culturally, Matsumoto combines traditional and modern arts. The Matsumoto City Museum of Art hosts rotating exhibitions and features works by Japanese modern artists. The city also has local dining specialties, notably kawara soba served on small hot roof tiles in casual, street-style settings.

Economically, Matsumoto blends manufacturing with tourism, drawing visitors to the castle, the riverfront, and access to the Northern Alps, including Kamikochi and the Mt. Norikura region. Transportation links include the JR East Chuo Main Line and Shinonoi Line, with limited express services to Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, and Matsumoto Airport providing domestic flights.