Matsumoto, Nagano facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Matsumoto 松本市
Core city
From top (left to right): Matsumoto Castle, A heritage building of Kaichi School, A view of Kamikōchi, Mount Yake and Azusa creek, Nawate souvenir shopping street, A street view of Asama Spa.
Flag Seal
Matsumoto Location in Japan
Country	Japan
Region	Chūbu (Kōshin'etsu)
Prefecture	Nagano Prefecture
First official recorded	4th century
City settled	May 1, 1907
Area
• Total	978.47 km2 (377.79 sq mi)
Population  (March 1, 2019)
• Total	239,466
• Density	244.7351/km2 (633.861/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
Phone number	0263-34-3000
Address	3–7 Marunouchi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano-ken 390-8620
Climate	Cfa/Dfa
Symbols Flower Japanese azalea Tree Japanese Red Pine

Buildings near Matsumoto Station

Matsumoto City Hall

Matsumoto (松本市 (Matsumoto-shi)) is a city in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It's known for its beautiful mountain views. Since April 1, 2021, Matsumoto has been a special "core city" in Japan. This means it has more local control over its own affairs.

As of March 1, 2019, about 239,466 people lived in Matsumoto. The city covers an area of about 978.47 square kilometers (377.79 sq mi).

History of Matsumoto City

Matsumoto has a long history. It was an important place in the Shinano Province during ancient times. The area grew into a castle town around Matsumoto Castle during the Edo period (1603-1868).

Modern Matsumoto Town officially started on April 1, 1889. It became a full city on May 1, 1907. Over the years, Matsumoto grew by adding nearby villages and hamlets. This helped the city expand its area and population.

On November 1, 2000, Matsumoto was named a "special city." This gave it more independence in how it was governed. Later, on April 1, 2021, it became a "core city," which gave it even more local power.

Geography and Nature

Matsumoto is in the middle of Nagano Prefecture. It sits in the Matsumoto Basin, surrounded by tall mountains. People love the amazing views here!

The city is about 75 kilometers (47 mi) south of Nagano City, the capital of the prefecture. It's also about 167 kilometers (104 mi) from central Tokyo. To the west, you can see the huge 3000-meter (9,800 ft) Hida Mountains. The highest point in Matsumoto is Mount Hotakadake, which is 3190 meters (10,470 ft) tall.

Neighboring Towns and Cities

Matsumoto shares its borders with several other places:

• Nagano Prefecture:
  • Okaya
  • Shiojiri
  • Azumino
  • Yamagata
  • Asahi
  • Ōmachi
  • Chikuhoku
  • Ueda
  • Nagawa
  • Aoki
  • Shimosuwa
  • Kiso-mura
  • Kiso-machi
• Gifu Prefecture:
  • Takayama

Climate and Weather

Matsumoto has a climate with hot summers and cold winters. It gets a good amount of rain, especially in summer. Winters are usually drier.

The average temperature in Matsumoto for the whole year is about 12.2°C (54.0°F). September is the wettest month, with an average of 148.0 mm (5.83 in) of rain. August is the warmest month, with temperatures around 25.1°C (77.2°F). January is the coldest, averaging about -0.3°C (31.5°F).

Population Growth in Matsumoto

The number of people living in Matsumoto has grown a lot over time. Recently, the population has stayed about the same after a long period of growth.

Economy and Local Products

Matsumoto is an important business hub for its region. It's known for traditional crafts like woodworking and silk spinning. The city also produces electronics and has a strong dairy industry.

Many tourists visit Matsumoto to see the mountains and enjoy the onsen (hot spring resorts). Tourism is a big part of the local economy.

Education in Matsumoto

Matsumoto has many schools and colleges for students of all ages.

Universities and Colleges

• Shinshu University
• Matsumoto University
• Matsusho Gakuen Junior College
• Matsumoto Junior College

Elementary and High Schools

The city has 29 public elementary schools and 19 public middle schools. There are also private schools and one school run by the national government. For older students, Matsumoto has seven public high schools and six private high schools. There is also a special school called Nagano Korean Elementary and Junior High School.

A very old school, Kaichi School, opened in 1876. Farmers helped pay for 70% of its building costs. It was one of the first modern schools in Japan. Today, it's a museum.

Transportation Around the City

Matsumoto has different ways to travel in and out of the city.

Airport

• Matsumoto Airport

Railway Lines

You can travel by train using these lines:

• East Japan Railway Company – Shinonoi Line
  • Murai – Hirata – Minami-Matsumoto – Matsumoto
• East Japan Railway Company – Ōito Line
  • Matsumoto – Kita-Matsumoto – Shimauchi – Shimatakamatsu
• Alpico Kōtsū – Kamikōchi Line
  • Matsumoto – Nishi-Matsumoto – Nagisa – Shinano-Arai – Ōniwa – Shimonii – Kitanii-Matsumotodaigakumae – Niimura – Samizo – Moriguchi – Shimojima – Hata – Endō – Shin-Shimashima

Major Highways

Main roads that pass through Matsumoto include:

• Nagano Expressway
• National Route 19
• National Route 143
• National Route 147
• National Route 158
• National Route 254
• National Route 403

Sister City Connections

Matsumoto has special partnerships with other cities, both in Japan and around the world. These are called "sister city" relationships.

In Japan

• Fujisawa, Kanagawa, since July 29, 1961
• Himeji, Hyōgo, since November 17, 1966
• Takayama, Gifu, since November 1, 1971

Around the World

• Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, since 1958
• Kathmandu, Nepal, since November 17, 1989
• Langfang, Hebei, China, a friendship city since March 21, 1995
• Grindelwald, Canton of Bern, Switzerland, since April 20, 1972

Fun Things to See and Do

Matsumoto is a great place for visitors because of its history, nice weather, and local products. Matsumoto soba noodles are especially famous for their delicious taste.

Here are some popular attractions:

• Matsumoto Castle: This amazing castle was built over 400 years ago. It's considered a Japanese National Treasure.
• Kaichi School Museum: This old building from the Meiji period (1868-1912) was once the first middle school in Japan. Now it's a museum.
• Asama Onsen: A relaxing hot spring resort.
• Kōbōyama Kofun: An ancient burial mound from the Kofun period, now a National Historic Site.
• Hayashi Castle: The ruins of an old castle from the Sengoku period, also a National Historic Site.
• Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto: A famous music festival held every August.
• Kamikōchi: A beautiful mountain area perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
• The Kiso Valley: A scenic valley southwest of Matsumoto. The historic Nakasendo route, an old travel path from the Edo period, goes through here.

Outside the train station, there's a statue of a little girl with a violin. This statue honors the Suzuki method of teaching music. This method was created by Shinichi Suzuki, who lived in Matsumoto later in his life.

Sports in Matsumoto

Matsumoto has its own professional football (soccer) team, Matsumoto Yamaga FC. They play in the J. League at the Alwin Stadium.

The city also hosted games for the Women's Volleyball World Championship in 1998 and 2010.

Famous baseball player Yoshinori Ueda was born here.

Images for kids

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  Four Pillars Shrine

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  Kaichi School

• 

  Garden in former Matsumoto High School (now part of Shinshu University)

• 

  Matsumoto Alwin football stadium

• 

  View of downtown Matsumoto from Mount Koubou

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  Kappa Bridge in Kamikōchi

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  Matsumoto City Museum of Art

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  Matsumoto Ukiyoe Museum

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  Azusa River in Kamikōchi

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  Taisho Pond in Kamikōchi

See also

In Spanish: Matsumoto (Nagano) para niños