Matsumoto is a lovely town, and there is an especially pleasant area near the castle. Look for Nakamachi and Nawate-dori. The area has an old world feel to it, with many traditionally styled restaurants and stores. We enjoyed strolling around the paved streets admiring quaint touches like kimono clad figures hanging near entrances, and a restaurant with a fish strung up outside. We eventually got drawn into one of the inviting izakaya restaurants to eat dinner. When it grew dark we went to look at the lit-up castle, which was impressively beautiful.
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Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood
I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...
