City Highlight
MATSUMOTO CASTLE
Matsumoto Castle, Japan's oldest wooden castle tower constructed more than 400 years ago,
is one of four castles designated as a national treasure, the others being Himeji Castle, Inuyama
Castle and Hikone Castle. The donjon of Matsumoto Castle is said to have been built around 1593 or 1594.
Since it was constructed during the Sengoku period (“warring-states” period),
the castle, built on flatland, increased its armament rather than its comfort as a residence.
Historically, it is highly valued as a castle of the early, modern castle-building age of Japan.
Matsumoto City Museum
This museum permanently exhibits historical and folklore materials.
Access: 15-min. walk from JR Matsumoto Station
When taking a bus on the Matsumoto North Tour Course, get off at the Matsumoto Castle Black Gate
(Kuromon) bus stop.
Tel: 0263-32-0133
KAlCHl SCHOOL
This quasi-Western-style building was used as an elementary school for approximately
80 years from 1876.
The building, whose octagonal tower and colored glass known as “Giyaman” convey the atmosphere
at that time, displays textbooks.
Tel: 0263-32-5725
(Now this school is being repaired.Re-open at August,2005)
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
The main exhibits of this museum include works by Yayoi Kusama, who plays
an active role worldwide, and other artists who are from or related to Matsumoto.
Access: 12-min. walk from JR Matsumoto Station
When taking a bus on the Matsumoto Tour Course, get off at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art
(Bijutsukan) bus stop.
Tel: 0263-39-7400
Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre
The center consists of a large multipurpose hall with all the functions to
accommodate high-level and diverse stage arts as well as various other events such as conventions.
Access: 10-min. walk from JR Matsumoto Station
When taking a bus on the Matsumoto East Tour Course, get off at the Performing Arts Centre
(Shimin Geijutsukan) bus stop.
When taking a bus on the Matsumoto South Tour Course, get off at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art
(Bijutsukan) bus stop.
Japan Ukiyoe Museum
This museum exhibits a collection owned by the Sakai Family from Matsumoto, who collected
ukiyoe prints for five generations (around 200 years).
The exhibits include works by Utamaro Kitagawa and Hokusai Katsushika.
Access:
Approx. 5 min. by car from the Matsumoto I.C. on the Nagano Expressway
Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Matsumoto Station
Tel: 0263-47-4440
Matsumoto Rekishi no Sato (Japan Judicature Museum)
This site accommodates the Japan Judicature Museum, a wooden courthouse built in 1908,
the Naoe Kinoshita Memorial Hall and Horaiya, an old hut where factory girls once lived.
Matsumoto Timepiece Museum
This museum displays a precious collection of old but still moving clocks and watches
from Japan and Western countries owned by Chikazo Honda.
The symbol of the museum is its pendulum clock, the largest of its kind in Japan.
Access: 10-min. walk from JR Matsumoto Station
When taking a bus on the Matsumoto East Tour Course, get off at the Matsumoto Timepiece Museum (Tokei Hakubutsu-kan) bus stop.
Tel: 0263-36-0969
MATSUMOTO FOLKCRAFT MUSEUM
The Museum is a converted warehouse. Approximately 10,000 items exhibited reflect the day-to-day living of the people.
The folkcraft movement has been active in Matsumoto and our collection is known both
for its abundance and its high quality.
The famous British ceramist, Bernard H. Leach (1887-1979), also a folkcraft advocator,
is among those who have deeply admired the collection.
THE BABA FAMILY RESIDENCE
This important structure, built at the end of the Edo Period, was the home of a wealthy farming
family which descended from that of a native samurai. The main residence, which was built in the typical
Matsumoto area style of folk architecture, and the beautiful small garden have been preserved for display to the public.
Not only the building itself, but all of the natural surroundings of the residence
have been designated together as an Important Cultural Property.
Contact us
section Public Information & International Liaison Division Public Information & International Liaison Division
contact address Tel +81-263-34-3000(Ext.1141)/ FAX +81-263-36-6839 E-Mail pi_int@city.matsumoto.nagano.jp
