When everyone flocks to the big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, I enjoy escaping the "touristy" areas and visit small cities with vast history, like Matsumoto City in the prefecture of Nagano.
Nagano is popular for its ski resorts, onsens (public hot baths), and nature parks. Even though it is small, it has a lot to offer. A previous Japanese co-worker told me it is known for cute shops and cafes. She is exactly right! During a three-day weekend, I packed my weekend backpack and took a four- hour train ride north from Hirakata City, Osaka to Matsumoto City, Nagano, the home of Matsumoto Castle and Yayoi Kusama. This is a city you should add to your itinerary for your next trip to Japan.
Matsumoto Castle
Yes, another castle, but I think every castle I’ve visited thus far has its own special features. Matsumoto Castle’s unique property is its black and white exterior because when you view it at night, which I highly recommend doing, its features reflect perfectly on the surrounding water.
Located in the heart of Nagano, Japan, Matsumoto Castle stands as a symbol of historical significance and architectural marvel. Built in the 16th century by Lord Ishikawa Kazumasa, the castle's distinctive black facade earned it the nickname "Crow Castle." Throughout its history, it witnessed clashes between warlords, most notably Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin during the Warring States period. Designated a National Treasure in 1952, the castle underwent restoration to preserve its legacy. Today, Matsumoto Castle offers a glimpse into Japan's past, blending battles, natural beauty, and timeless stories within its walls.
During the winter season, I was fortunate to view the stunning Matsumoto Castle during a beautiful snowy night. Being able to view the contrast of the snow on the black surface of the castle was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Around 8pm I arrived and could not miss the opportunity to take night photos of the castle. The exhilaration of enjoying the castle at night, while hardly anyone was around the castle park, absolutely accentuated the feeling of comfort and safety I felt while living in Japan. It was the best time to capture great photo shots of the back side of the castle with very little to no interference.
Matsumoto Museum of Art
This museum is a must visit. Matsumoto City is the hometown of Yayoi Kusama, an elderly Japanese female artist, known for her eccentric sculpture pieces and erotic exhibits. She left Japan and moved to New York city when she was young to pursue her passion for art. Kusama struggled with mental health issues, but I believe that is what inspired her art. She is most known for her polka dot artwork (as seen in the picture below) and unique fabric cushion sculptures. You may have heard of her famous exhibit featured in the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum in Washington D.C.
Kusama - Infinity, a documentary on the life and career of Kusama, is what drew me to Matsumoto. It is one thing to visit her exhibits in other countries, but it is an unexplainable experience to be able to view her art in her hometown and at a museum dedicated to her and her artwork. The museum also features other artists from Matsumoto City, even the artwork of local primary school students.
For more information, click here to access the museum’s website.
Shopping streets
If you enjoy shopping as much as I do, you will want to take your time and walk down these two streets. Parallel to each other, but separated by a river and connected by a bridge, Nakamachi and Iwate street are filled with unique small shops and cute, comfy cafes. This is your opportunity to take home a quality homemade Japanese souvenir. Riding a bicycle through the streets elevated the experience because it felt as though I was back home in Osaka (at the time I was living there). However, if you decide to ride a bike through, as I did, I recommend walking down the shopping street so you don’t miss anything.
Train route to Matsumoto City
Four hour train ride from Osaka to Matsumoto, Nagano
Keihan line: Hirakatashi station to Kyoto station
Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen: Kyoto station to Nagoya station
JR Shinano line: Nagoya station to Matsumoto station
Airbnb
"Thank You Hippopotamus Hostel" is a traditional Japanese-style home turned into a hostel. Located directly to the west of Matsumoto Castle, it was the perfect place to stay to experience Matsumoto City. With welcoming English-speaking hosts as soon as walk through the door, you can't beat a two minute walk to the castle and bicycles to ride around the town, which I enjoyed doing. This hostel consisted of three bedrooms, one shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Most importantly everything was clean and I even had a partial view of the castle.
If you're looking for a true Japanese experience by sleeping in a floor futon on a tatami mat, then book your next trip accommodations with Booking.com. Reserve now and pay later!
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