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This charming and historic city which is cradled by the Japan Alps is Matsumoto. To me this is one of Japan’s finest cosmopolitan cities that still has a rural feel. It has so much to see with its stunning castle, captivating districts and enchanting vistas and could keep me occupied for hours or in fact days.
Matsumoto town is the gateway to the Japan alps for skiing and hot springs in the winter and walking in the mountains in the summer. For us, it was a morning at one of Japan’s best preserved famous castles, lunch in the centre of town and the afternoon exploring its surrounding streets.
After our exciting morning at the Matsumoto Castle, we visited Nawate Street, in Matsumoto town, a small pedestrian zone with lots of small shops and restaurants along the river and then Nakamachi Street which is famous for its old houses with a beautiful white tone.
As we were wandering around this charming town we met up with many locals out walking their dogs. We soon learned that this activity is a big part of their everyday pastime. They are happy to stop for photo opportunities; in fact they encourage it which is very fine with me being a big dog lover.
We thoroughly enjoyed our few hours in this lovely town with its beautiful gardens and water features, exceptional architecture and general overall feel of calmness. This location offers a magnificent scenic view of the Northern Japan Alps and a unique cultural experience.
What a lovely interesting place. I just love the doggies so cute. Great photos Lyn. 💟💟
Thanks Leah. Like everywhere I visited in Japan it was fascinating and unique. Yeah I loved the doggies also. 🐕💕
Anywhere else in Japan, including crowded Tokyo is exciting! Another great travel from you :-)
Thanks Jane. I agree. Japan is a fascinating and wonderful country.
Looks lovely. Cute puppies.
One of our local favourite Japanese restaurants here in Melbourne is called Matsumoto :)
They love their puppies as do I. It truly is lovely. Thanks Lyn
Lovely photos of a very interesting spot. I loved that they had some traditional houses and how cute were those dogs? A veritable fashion parade!
Thanks Sheree. Yes very cute. There are traditional houses everywhere in Japan, including in the big cities.
Beautiful town and the puppies are too cute all dressed up 😊❤️
There are cute puppies dressed up everywhere you go in Japan. I loved it as I love doggies. Thanks Lyn
Was there before and I really like Matsumoto.
Me too Edwin. Thanks Lyn
Lyn, I enjoy reading your posts about Japan and this no exception. I’m slightly embarrassed for those dogs that are dressed up 😉
Thanks Suzanne. I enjoyed everything about Japan. The doggies are used to it
Great to incorporate Matsumoto with its rural flavour to compare with the busier cities of Japan. Lovely ambience.
Thanks Gail. It was a wonderful city
Loved the doggies also!! Very interesting place by the looks
Thanks Mary. Of course I loved the doggies. Yes very interesting
Oh I need to go to Matsumoto this place looks really beautiful
It truly is. There are many fabulous places in Japan. Thanks Lyn
Isn’t it lovely to see people out exercising with their dogs; so good for everyone. And the dogs are so cute.
I am always a softy with doggies and I love how much the Japanese adore theirs. Thanks Sue, Lyn
So Lyn, It looks like your living our dream of traveling – are you retired or just travel for work. We are hoping for traveling in our retirement all the time, and working toward that goal.
Thanks Laura and David. Yes travelling is my passion and I am retired. Currently I am on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Good luck. You will love it. Lyn
Wow, Ok. Looking forward to your tips on traveling and experiences.