Matsumoto Craft Festival May 28, .  One of the biggest events of it's kind in Japan, held annually on the last Saturday of May.  Woodworking, ceramics, glass blowing, leather working and various other displays of artisans skills are on display and available to buy.  The weather is generally sublime at this time of year and the people of Matsumoto make this one of the best weekends of the year! Read more

Kamikochi "Weston Festival" Walter Weston was a British missionary who "introduced" mountain climbing to Japan, and played no small role in the movement to have the Kamikochi area designated as national parkland.   There is an annual festival and group hike in his honour and is a great time to visit this magical area of Nagano Prefecture. Tom from the Go Nagano website was there last year, and his blog entry here is a good start in what to expect. Read more

Tsugaike Cycling Classic June 12,.  The Tsugaike cycling classic is a hill climb over some 20 kms from the main highway winding up past the Tsugaike Gondola all they way to the top of the Ropeway.  A climb of just over 1200 metres, it is sure to bring out some fine competitors as well as a general good time mood along the route. http://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/green/cyclepage.html Read more

Tour de Utsugushigahara June 18 - 19, A tour from Asama-onsen just outside of Matsumoto up into the hills and plateaus of the maganificent Utsugushigahara Highlands.Details (in Japanese) can be found at this website Read more

Saito Kinen Music Festival Late August to Early September.  Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto is an annual classical music festival held in August and September in the Japanese Alps near Matsumoto. Founded in 1992 by music director Seiji Ozawa, the festival's resident orchestra is the renowned Saito Kinen Orchestra. http://www.saito-kinen.com/e/ Read more

Shinshu Matsumoto Soba Festival Held every October      is the month for Shinshu Matsumoto soba festival in Matsumoto, Nagano. Bringing good times to Nagano for what is sure to be the highlight of autumn season.      For full details see the home page here. Location Matsumoto castle park The event will be staged amongst the majestic setting of the Japan Alps, at the base of the Matsumoto castle. During October, the conditions in Nagano area will be glorious. Expected number of visitors 150000      More than over 100 soba booth and events to enjoy!     Slow foods, local products and special products exhibitions, and a variety of soba products. Transportation Car There are no parking area during the event.      Please take public transportation or use designated public parking lots during the event. Admissions     Free Inquiries     "Shinshu and Matsumoto Soba Festival" Executive Committee Read more

MATSUMOTO CASTLE Night time Cherry Blossom Viewing Night time Cherry Blossom Viewing (April) Every day while the cherry blossoms (sakura) are in bloom around Matsumoto Castle, guests who visit the castle in the evening will be treated to the sight of illuminated cherry trees. Entry into the interior garden of the castle is free for this event, and hot miso soup with pork (tonjiru) and sweet rice dumplings will be available for purchase. There's also Japanese tea and seating available for 500 yen, making it easy to sit and relax and enjoy an unusual flower viewing experience. Performances of the Japanese koto, the flute, and classical gagaku music will also be held each night. ・Date Three days after cherries begin blooming - 8 days (2012: April 19 - April 26) ・Hours Around 5:30pm - 9:00pm ・Place Matsumoto Castle ・Charge Free, 500 yen for tea Read more