Matsumoto Castle

💡 Nagano is Japan's premier soba region. Try zaru soba (cold) with seasonal mountain vegetable tempura. English menu.

💡 Basashi (horse sashimi) is a Nagano delicacy, lean and sweet. Adventurous eaters only. Other Nagano specialties also available.

💡 Top-rated specialty coffee in renovated kura (storehouse). Local apple pie and signature Matsumoto blend. Quiet escape from castle crowds.

💡 Matsumoto's signature take on tarte tatin with Nagano apples. Pairs with local milk. Multiple shops sell them as souvenirs.

💡 Kusama was born here and donated major works. The polka-dot tulips outside are an instagram favorite.

💡 Nawate-dori is the 'frog street' famous for tiny shops selling handcrafted Matsumoto goods. Nakamachi has white-walled storehouses converted into cafes.

💡 1,300 years of hot spring tradition. The day-bath at Hotel Hanaya has rotenburo (outdoor baths) facing the Alps.