Matsumoto, in the heart of Japan, on Honshu island, is known for its prime location at the foot of the Japanese Alps. It is a town surrounded by nature which also enjoys a fine architectural heritage and gourmet traditions. Matsumoto, with its 220,000 inhabitants, is just like a scene from a Japanese print. Under an often sparkling sky – it is the town which enjoys the third highest number of sunny days in the country. With the summits of the Japanese Alps to the west and the high mountain plateau of Utsukushigahara to the east, the town exudes a feeling of complete harmony with nature. It is very popular all year round with walkers and skiers (the nearby town of Kamikochi is a well-known departure spot for mountain excursions), and is mobbed with tourists in the spring for a very special event: the cherry blossom. 5,000 trees populate the slopes of Mount Kobo, a delightful place to walk.

Matsumoto also owes its reputation to its spas and its castle whose foundations date back to the 15th century. The town radiates out from the castle. The castle is built of black stone with touches of white and its three towers in the form of a pagoda make it one of the four castles in Japan to have been ranked as a National Treasure. The cultural activities of the town are expressed through its museums (Museum of Art, Kaichi Elementary School – museum of the history of school education) -, Timepiece Museum – clock museum…) and its festivals. Another attraction of a visit to Matsumoto: its culinary specialities. The town is reputed for its soba, some rather tasty buckwheat noodles which are a local speciality.