Host Cities

Matsumoto is a historical castle city with a population of 200,000. Located in the center of Japan, it has for many centuries been an important cultural and political link between the east and west of Japan.

Matsumoto Guide

Matsumoto Castle:
The castle in Matsumoto is a registered national treasure and is a renowned symbol of the city. Built approximately 400 years ago, the castle's tower is Japan's oldest in the five-tiered style. The wall surrounding the castle is black and white. The upper section of the wall is large and made out of white plaster, while the bottom section is made of boarding with black plaster. The contrast between the white and black looks very attractive against the beautiful scenery of the Japan Alps.

Utsukushigahara Heights:
A beautiful plateau with an area of 600 hectares at 2,000 m above sea level, the view from a top spreads out to span the northern Alps, the southern Alps, the central Alps, as well as Yatsugatake and Mt. Fuji. Its breathtaking scenery is worthy of being called the "grand panorama of the Alps." A tower of beauty (6.6 meters) stands as a symbol of Utsukushigahara Heights in the center of the plateau, a castle of Venus which suggests a fairyland, and a Light and Children's Museum which make up the Utsukushigahara Heights Museum.

Japan Alps:
A range of three mountains, Hida (northern Alps), Kiso (central Alps) and Akaishi (southern Alps), is generally referred to as "the Japan Alps" - the highest mountainous region in Japan. A great attraction for visitors to Matsumoto is the magnificent view of the Alps from the city. The city is known amongst mountaineers worldwide as the gateway to the Alps.

Food

Although Shinshu is most famous for soba (Japanese noodle) and miso (soy bean paste), there are many other products which are renowned in Japan, such as vegetables and fruits produced in the wild mountains of Shinshu. Tsukemono (Japanese pickles) made in the harsh cold winters, and local sake and wine made from Shinshu's natural spring water are just a few taste dishes that are representative of "the taste of Shinshu" that you will surely enjoy during your visit!

Events

Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto:
Every autumn, Matsumoto city comes alive to the sounds of an international music festival commemorating the work of Hideo Saito, mentor to many of Japan's top musicians and conductors, including Seiji Ozawa. Many internationally renowned players congregate once a year in Matsumoto to perform in the Saito Memorial Orchestra.

Tournament Facility

Matsumoto City Gymnasium:
The Matsumoto City Gymnasium was for many years the local indoor sports center, which was substantially expanded in 1991, and has a capacity of 6,000. In 1992, the Nagano Prefecture Matsumoto Culture Hall was opened adjacent to the gymnasium, making the combined facilities of sports and culture the center of the city. It can be reached by bus in 20 minutes from Matsumoto JR Station, or by car in 25 minutes from the Matsumoto exit on the Nagano Freeway.

(Click HERE for further information.)

Matsumoto Guide
Matsumoto Castle: The castle in Matsumoto is a registered national treasure and is a renowned symbol of the city. Built approximately 400 years ago, the castle's tower is Japan's oldest in the five-tiered style. The wall surrounding the castle is black and white. The upper section of the wall is large and made out of white plaster, while the bottom section is made of boarding with black plaster. The contrast between the white and black looks very attractive against the beautiful scenery of the Japan Alps.
Utsukushigahara Heights: A beautiful plateau with an area of 600 hectares at 2,000 m above sea level, the view from a top spreads out to span the northern Alps, the southern Alps, the central Alps, as well as Yatsugatake and Mt. Fuji. Its breathtaking scenery is worthy of being called the "grand panorama of the Alps." A tower of beauty (6.6 meters) stands as a symbol of Utsukushigahara Heights in the center of the plateau, a castle of Venus which suggests a fairyland, and a Light and Children's Museum which make up the Utsukushigahara Heights Museum.
Japan Alps: A range of three mountains, Hida (northern Alps), Kiso (central Alps) and Akaishi (southern Alps), is generally referred to as "the Japan Alps" - the highest mountainous region in Japan. A great attraction for visitors to Matsumoto is the magnificent view of the Alps from the city. The city is known amongst mountaineers worldwide as the gateway to the Alps.

Food
Although Shinshu is most famous for soba (Japanese noodle) and miso (soy bean paste), there are many other products which are renowned in Japan, such as vegetables and fruits produced in the wild mountains of Shinshu. Tsukemono (Japanese pickles) made in the harsh cold winters, and local sake and wine made from Shinshu's natural spring water are just a few taste dishes that are representative of "the taste of Shinshu" that you will surely enjoy during your visit!

Events
Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto: Every autumn, Matsumoto city comes alive to the sounds of an international music festival commemorating the work of Hideo Saito, mentor to many of Japan's top musicians and conductors, including Seiji Ozawa. Many internationally renowned players congregate once a year in Matsumoto to perform in the Saito Memorial Orchestra.

Tournament Facility
Matsumoto City Gymnasium: The Matsumoto City Gymnasium was for many years the local indoor sports center, which was substantially expanded in 1991, and has a capacity of 6,000. In 1992, the Nagano Prefecture Matsumoto Culture Hall was opened adjacent to the gymnasium, making the combined facilities of sports and culture the center of the city. It can be reached by bus in 20 minutes from Matsumoto JR Station, or by car in 25 minutes from the Matsumoto exit on the Nagano Freeway. (Click HERE for further information.)