Destinations

Matsumoto

"Matsumoto is a charming city in a beautiful setting. The laid back atmosphere and friendly local residents make a stay in this city a pleasure and since my first visit over then years ago I have returned again and again"

Alastair Donnelly - Director

Matsumoto is situated on 'the roof of Japan', high amongst the mountains of the 'Japan Alps'. The range was given its name by the British missionary, climber and adventurer, Reverend Walter Weston, who in the late nineteenth century mapped the peaks and thus became the forefather of Japanese mountaineering. He's still remembered in his own festival and his story makes for a curious anecdote.

Until the twentieth century parts of this region were amongst Japan's most isolated, often inaccessible for much of the winter when heavy snowfall and temperatures as low as 25 below freezing made the mountain passes too treacherous for any journey to be undertaken. However, Matsumoto itself was an important trade route and a centre of export. During the Edo era 25% of all cigarettes smoked in Japan came through Matsumoto making their way onto Edo (modern day Tokyo) and Nagoya. In those days horses were the major form of transportation. In the words of a traditional folk song "a thousand horses are coming to Matsumoto".

Matsumoto is also a very cosmopolitan city and has long been a centre of the arts and education. The world famous Suzuki-method of learing the violin was developed in Matsumoto and Kaichi School (preserved as a visitor attraction) was Japan's first Elementary School, opened during the the Meiji era and paid for by donations from th local people. This marked a landmark in education in Japan  as up until this time only the children of the samurai had access to higher education.

In the city itself, Matsumoto castle is truly splendid, with the original three-turreted castle donjon dating from around 1595. Be careful though, the steep ladders and steps which take you up the full six storeys, and low wooden beams (the Japanese were considerably shorter back then), require a fair degree of concentration.

Matsumoto is also famed for its 'soba' or buckwheat noodles and wasabi, the spicy green raddish paste which has a habit of catching the uninitiated unawares. Soba noodles make for a delicious lunch whether served hot or cold

Matsumoto has a unique feel and a makes for a fantastic cotnrast to the huge cities of the eastern seaboard.

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Products featuring Matsumoto...

Self Guided Adventure

Traditional Japan

Leave the bright lights and fast living behind and immerse yourself in the more traditional and laid-back side to Japan. This trip will take you off the beaten track and show you a very different Japan, away from the usual tourist haunts whilst also including the must-see cities of Tokyo and Kyoto.

14 Nights: £2370

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Small Group Tour

Spring Elegance

Spring is one of the finest times to tour Japan, as the winter chill makes way for warm sunny days. With this of course comes the excitement that accompanies the annual hanami or Japanese cherry blossom-viewing celebrations as cherry trees across the country burst into bloom!

13 Nights: £2650

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Self Guided Adventure

Mt. Fuji, Kyoto & the Japanese Alps

Take a leap off the tourist track and discover the crisp mountain air and clear blue skies of Japan’s little known Alpine region, an area of outstanding natural beauty with walks and hikes for all abilities. Add to this stays in Tokyo, Kyoto and and you have a wonderfully varied journey to savour.

14 Nights: £2240

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