Renowned for its historic character and famous castle, Matsumoto is a picturesque city perhaps at its most beautiful in winter. From December to February, the castle and some surrounding streets are brought into vivid light each night through the Matsumoto Winter Illumination. There’s no better time to explore the city than in the crisp winter night and bathed in light!
Credit - Matsumoto City Tourism Promotion Branch
Matsumoto Castle Celebrated Through Light & Color
The focus of the illumination is of course Matsumoto Castle, which is lit each evening. It’s a spectacular display of laser mapping over the castle structure with the light reflecting from the surrounding moat. The display is designed around the themes of earth, water and a star-filled sky – alternating every 15 minutes. The illumination has long been part of Matsumoto’s busy calendar of events with the laser mapping and new light show making it even more exciting.
Running from December 16st to February 14th, the castle is illuminated from 18:00 to 21:00. Admission is free. For anyone in Matsumoto during that time, you’ll surely find your way to the castle to stroll in the beauty of the winter night and enjoy the blending of the modern illumination with the historic castle. It’s reason enough to plan your visit to Matsumoto this winter!
Matsumoto Castle Illumination 2022 -2023
Street Illumination & Christmas Market
Streets nearby are also illuminated through winter including Daimyocho-dori, the main street leading to the castle, and the street leading to the popular Media Garden building. From 17:00 to 22:00 each evening, the streets are lit up leading visitors toward the castle and featuring a large Christmas tree outside of Parco Mall.
In December a small Christmas Market is also open near the city’s famous Nawate-dori, better known as “Frog Street”. Christmas ornaments are available to purchase with another Christmas tree lighting up the evening and drawing you to the market – a great way to celebrate the festive season despite being away from home.
Ice Sculptures & Our Castle Night Tour
Taking place in January, Matsumoto’s Ice Sculpture Festival is another highlight of winter. Professional ice sculptors carve statues, positioned around the castle which acts as a remarkable backdrop for this beautiful display. Sculptures are carved at night, making evenings the ideal time to stroll the castle grounds enjoying the remarkable art in the glow of the winter illumination.
Through winter we also operate our exclusive Matsumoto Castle Night Tour. This unique tour takes you into the interior of the castle at night, allowing you access to one of Japan’s most celebrated historic structures that few international visitors have enjoyed. Available exclusively through Matsumoto Experience and with tickets strictly limited, advance bookings are a must! We hope to see you in Matsumoto this winter.
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