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Matsumoto J - Matsumoto

Matsumoto is a Japanese city in the Chūbu region on the island of Honshu. It is a city located in Nagano Prefecture. Matsumoto is designated as a Special City.

 

As of July 1, 2012, the city has an estimated population of 243,571 and a population density of 250 persons per km². The total area is 978.77 km².

 

The new city of Matsumoto is the city comprising the mergers of the old city of Matsumoto and four villages. Matsumoto officially absorbed those villages without creating a new municipal organization.

 

Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. Hiking and climbing locations in the mountains are readily accessible by local bus transportation. Matsumoto has several historic features, such as Matsumoto Castle, Kaichi School Museum (Kaichi gakkō), and Temari (traditional Japanese handball).

 

Matsumoto is attractive to travellers not only because of the traditional culture but also its calm climate and its products. Matsumoto soba is famous and many are delighted by its delicate taste. The world's largest wasabi farm, Daio Wasabi Farm, is located just north of Matsumoto in Azumino.

 

Wasabi can only be grown in extremely clean water so there is much local pride in this product. In addition, Matsumoto is home to the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto, held every August by conductor Seiji Ozawa and featuring the Saito Kinen Orchestra; regular guests have included Robert Mann and Mstislav Rostropovich. It is very difficult to get tickets: Many people wait in line two days before tickets go on sale.

 

Home to several renowned current and former musical instrument factories, such as Matsumoku (closed in 1986) and FujiGen Gakki.

 

Matsumoto, like many areas in Japan, is home to abundant onsen (温泉 or hot springs). It also is host to a number of summer festivals, including the Bon-Bon Festival on the first Saturday of August, which features its signature dance.

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Uploaded on May 24, 2015
Taken on May 6, 2015