2026 Summer Festival Matsumoto Bonbon: A Full-Day Course

Held in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, home to the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle, the Summer Festival Matsumoto Bonbon takes place in 2026 from 17:30 to 19:18 on Saturday, August 1, with dancers parading through the central downtown area stretching from Matsumoto Station to around Matsumoto Castle. This course is a full-day plan for fully enjoying the atmospheric streets of the castle town of Matsumoto during the day, then experiencing the excitement of the Matsumoto Bonbon that begins in the evening. During the day, visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's twelve surviving original castle keeps, and walk along Nawate-dori Street, affectionately known as the 'Frog Path.' Next, stroll Nakamachi-dori Street, lined with storehouse-style buildings, and have an early dinner in front of Matsumoto Station to fuel up. As the sun begins to set, finally head to the area stretching from the station to Matsumoto Castle. It's a day for the whole family to fully enjoy the liveliest night of Matsumoto's summer, dancing along to the chant of 'Bonbon, bonbokobon.'