The White Houses of Matsumoto

Soak in the ancient riverside atmosphere from Nunoya

Bonson Lam May 04, 2013 - 1 min read

Matsumoto is filled with boutiques like these

Exotic Vases and other keepsakes in the White Shophouses of Matsumoto

Some of the unrestored shophouses look like a movie set from the 1950s

Matsumoto is filled with bespoke shops like these

Cycling is a great way to get around the fairly level town of Matsumoto Nagano Japan and the Nunoya Ryokan is a good simple inn to base yourself with tariffs from 4500yen

Through the looking glass on this ancient walkway dotted with white kura shop houses on both sides in the Japanese Alps town of Matsumoto

Traditional Ancient looking Calligraphy in the sign boards on some of the kura storehouses

Cycling is a great way to get around Matsumoto Nagano Japan and bikes are available for hire near Nunoya Ryokan

Take a stroll and enjoy some window shopping at the craft shops of Matsumoto

Matsumoto Castle is just moments away from the white kura shop houses around Nunoya Ryokan

Just moments away from a pristine canal in the town of Matsumoto, there is a row of white merchant houses, the beautiful stonemasonry setting a magnificent silhouette against the Japanese Alps. Unlike the wooden machiya in Gion, Kyoto, these thick "kura" stone houses stand proud in the long freezing winters that sweep this town. Some of these merchant houses have been restored as boutiques, selling exotic vases, textiles and other handicrafts. Why not stay at the simple Nunoya Ryokan nearby, cycle along the canals and breathe the mountain air.

Bonson Lam @bonson.lam

I knew my future was destined to be with Japan the moment I flew from Sydney to experience the atmospheric laneways of Kyoto last century. I am humbled to have met many distinguished people during this time, especially the national living treasures of Japan, such as the doll maker to the Imperia...