Browse craft and folk art shops and cafes along a street lined with traditional earthen storehouse walls
About this spot
A street symbolic of castle town Matsumoto, lined with white and black earthen storehouse walls. Once prosperous as a merchant town along the Zenkoji Temple pilgrimage route, after a major fire this fireproof earthen storehouse architecture was born. Today, craft shops specializing in folk art, woodwork, glass, and long-established miso and sake breweries share the street with cafes housed in renovated storehouses, allowing you to experience Matsumoto's hand-craft culture. Running parallel to Nawate Street with the Medobe River between them, it's recommended to walk both on the way out and return.
Tips
Rest areas utilizing traditional storehouse buildings are located midway down the street, convenient for a break during your stroll. Craft shops often have small interiors, so keep your luggage compact. Small Matsumoto folk art items and local miso are popular souvenirs.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. In the afternoon, angled light on the earthen walls photographs beautifully.
Access & map
〒390-0811 Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto City, Chuo, Nakamachi Street
Model course featuring this spot
Matsumoto: National Treasure Matsumoto Castle and Castle Town Stroll
Nagano
Explore features & model courses
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