Like many old castles in Japan, Matsumoto Castle (松本城) was surrounding by an old castle town, which today is known as the Historic Matsumoto Castle Town. This amazing area hosts not only the castle but many preserved streets, artisans, merchants, temples and more! If you make your way to Matsumoto, make sure you allot some time to spend exploring the city as well!

Historic Matsumoto Downtown Area

The majority of the historic Matsumoto lies to the south of the castle. The Metoba River runs through this area, seperating the more modern part of the city near JR Matsumoto Station and the historic part with the castle. The exception to this rule is Nakamachi Shopping Street, which is on the south side of the river but hosts the historic merchant district.

Nawate Shopping Street

From the Metoba River, the walk to the castle is approximately 500 metres (0.3 miles) and includes several temples and shopping streets. The most well known of these is the Nawate Shopping Street, where you will find all the frogs. But why all the frogs?

The Metoba River used to host many frogs due to the water’s purity. Unfortunately, a typhoon in 1960 caused massive flooding and damage over a couple of days, muddying the water. The frogs moved farther upstream to clearer water and the constant frog’s croaking that had filled the air since Edo Period was lost.

In an effort to repair and promote the area, the frog statues were added to the area. In Japanese, “kaeru” (frog) is a homophone (i.e. sounds the same as the words) for “to buy”, “return home” and “to be accepted” and is also used in the term “wakagaeru”, or the feeling of being young again.

Along the shopping street, you can buy many things, including food, snacks, souvenirs and more.

Food

Nagano is a food-producing prefecture that specialises in miso, wheat and grapes, which Matsumoto takes advantage of in its local specialities.

Miso Ramen

Shinshu miso, a type of fermented bean paste, is used in this local dish. Matsumoto is the epicentre for Shinshu miso fermentation due to its cooler climate nestled in the mountains. Usually used to make miso soup, this type of miso is added to ramen, making the broth thick and rich.

Oyaki

Oyaki are a local speciality with a long history. It is made from fermented buckwehat dough that is wrapped around Japanese vegetables, fruit or anko (sweet red bean) paste. They are then roasted in an iron frying pan. Afterwards, the oyaki is steamed or broiled and eaten hot.

Traditionally, these come from the colder mountainous regions of Nagano Prefecture and were a substitute for rice in the winter. Vegetables commonly used at the time included aubergine (eggplants), Nozawana greens, soybean pulp, mushrooms, pumpkin and daikon radish, and were combined with miso, salt, and soya sauce.

Today, you can eat a lot of different varieties, including more modern “cheese pizza” and “curry” versions. Takasho-an to the west of the castle is a traditional place to purchase and eat oyaki. Alternatively, you can find them around the country at many convenience stores.

Sanzokuyaki

While most places in Japan eat karaage, or fried chicken, Matsumoto has its own special version called Sanzokuyaki. It is made by marinated whole pieces of chicken thigh or breast meat with garlic and other flavors and then deep-frying it to juicy perfection. The name means “mountain bandit fry” and is associated with local history and legends.

Hose Sashimi and Sakura nabe

Matsumoto is also one of the places in Japan where horse sashimi is routinely eaten. Known as “basashi”, you can have it raw or as an addition to a Sakura nabe, which is a sukiyaki hotpot featuring thinly sliced horse meat and vegetables.

Fukashi Shrine

This Shinto shrine sits a bit farther away from the rest of historic Matsumoto. Near the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Fukashi Shrine is dedicated to two Shinto deities: Tenjin, the deity of scholarship, and Suwamiyojin, the deity of wind, water and agriculture.

The famous Matsumoto Tenjin Matsuri is also held here in the summer.

Thanks for reading! Want to do some more exploring? Have a look at the travel map:

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