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Formerly a school for the sons of samurai, the Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts School is one of Matsushiro’s most interesting destinations and from Monday to Friday, offers visitors to ...

Dedicated to Zozan Sakuma (1811-1864) – an important figure in Japanese history who played an influential role in advocating for Japan to open-up to the world after a long period of isolation – Zozan...

One of Matsushiro’s best-preserved historic residences, Yamadera Jyozan was once home to a middle-ranking samurai family. The distinctive front gate – the longest in Matsushiro - and exterior walls a...

The Shirakawa Ice Pillars is a natural phenomena that occurs every winter along one of the cliffs of Mt. Ontake. The water that naturally runs down the side of the mountain freezes over and by Januar...

Once the rulers of Matsushiro and an important family in both regional and Japanese history, the Sanada clan are synonymous with the town and its samurai heritage. The large Sanada Treasures Museum h...

Home to the eighteen galleries and museums of the Azumino ‘Art Line’, along with multiple venues dedicated to providing holistic and therapeutic workshops, Azumino is an ideal destination for visitor...

Matsukawa Valley is blessed with many 'onsen' (natural hot springs), known for their therapeutic properties set within the rural and alpine beauty of the region. Approximately 30 minutes by bus from S...

Chokoku-ji Temple is located away from the main area of attractions in Matsushiro but for those curious about Japanese temples, Chokoku-ji might be of interest. The main temple is quite distinctive, ...

A small and curious temple, Obakushu Zozan Emyozenji won’t hold your attention for long but is worth entering when passing-by, enroute and between the other attractions of  Matsushiro. Extensive...