July: 10 Things to Do in and around Matsumoto

Posted on 2026.06.29 in Events

As the summer settles in throughout Japan, an escape to the mountains of Nagano Prefecture can be a perfect escape from the stifling hot air found elsewhere. If you’re looking to get out of the heat with a trip to Matsumoto, here are 10 things you can do here in July.

For a list of things closer to Nagano city, please see the article on our sister site, Nagano Experience, at this link.

 

1. Matsumoto Pub Crawl and Sake Tasting Event

The Pub Crawl and Sake Tasting are separate events held concurrently. Restaurants and Breweries (16 each) participating in the pub crawl may offer discounted prices on their menus for the event. The sake tasting event will take place near the station and will have free admission, however the samples of sake will require a ticket purchased at the event or online in advance. Each ticket will get you three samples of approximately 30cc’s.

  • Date: July 4, 2026
  • Time: 12:00 – 16:00
  • Location: Matsumoto Station Area; Shinisemachi Street; Park Street; City Road; participating establishments
  • Website: https://bar.nagano.jp/archives/1935

 

2. Ninja Spirit Shinobi Matsumoto

This local pop-up event will feature artists from both Matsumoto City and nearby Azumino City. Artists will prepare handmade works for sale with a ninja/shinobi theme. There will also be a photo booth where you can take pictures dressed as ninja, a fox-mask face painting event, ninja games, and more! Admission is free and open to the public.

 

3. Matsumoto Castle Shrine and Fireworks Festival

Fireworks are a common sight during the summer months throughout Japan. Therefore, Matsumoto is no exception, presenting many summertime fireworks events of its own, including one of the single most amazing fireworks displays Japan has to offer at Matsumoto Castle!

 

4. The Are Shrine Grand Festival AKA Shiojri Festival

The Are Shrine Annual Grand Festival is a relocation festival, a type of festival where a deity is transferred either temporarily or permanently from one location to another. Don’t let the serious sounding nature of the proceedings fool you though, this is a party! The festival will consist of 7 districts, each with its own float being carried through the streets, which will be lined with around 100 food and drink stalls.

  • Date: Saturday July 11th 2026 (Pre-festival activities), Sunday July 12th 2026 (Main Festival)
  • Time: Roughly 12:00 – 00:00 (Sat), 7:00 – 23:00 (Sun)
  • Location: Are Shrine Area
  • Website: https://areijinjareitaisai.wixsite.com/website

5. Festival of the God Yasaka-sama

During the festival of the god Yasaka-sama, families across Matsumoto gather at Fukashi Shrine to take part in the festival. Children place their handmade banners in front of the shrine as a symbolic gesture of prayer and protection. 

 

6. Bach Collegium in Japan performs Mass in B Minor

This July, the Bach Collegium of Japan will be here for a Saturday matinee performance of J.S. Bach’s 232nd work, Mass in B Minor. The Collegium will be under the direction of Masaaki Suzuki. Admission is 12,000 yen to the general public, and 6,000 yen to those under the age of 25. Children younger than elementary school age are not permitted.

 

7. The Tenjin Butai Floats Festival

During the festival of the god Yasaka-sama, families across Matsumoto gather at Fukashi Shrine to take part in the festival. Children place their handmade banners in front of the shrine as a symbolic gesture of prayer and protection. 

 

8. Shiojiri Genba Festival

The Shiojiri Genba Festival, a long-standing summer tradition in Shiojiri City, is a summer fox-themed dance festival. The festival gets its name from Genba-no-jo, a fox who once lived in the Kikyogahara wine growing region of Shiojiri. Genba Festival consists of two parts, the former a costume event and the latter a Shiojiri Genba Dance. Also featured will be street food, live performances, and even a haunted house!  Admission is free and open to the public.

  • Date: July 25, 2026
  • Time: 14:00 – 21:00
  • Location: Shiojiri Daimon Shopping Street
  • Website: https://gemba.jp/

 

9. 38th Annual Matsumoto Castle Taiko Festival

Feel the power of traditional Taiko Drums with the stunning backdrop of the Japanese Alps and Matsumoto Castle! Over the course of two days, taiko troupes from all over Japan will gather at Matsumoto Castle for a weekend full of performances. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

10. Beat the Heat in the Kiso Valley

July is the perfect time to escape the city heat. One of the coolest areas in Nagano, both literally and figuratively, is the Kiso Valley. Here, a narrow valley between two mountain ranges runs along the powerful Kiso River. The valley experiences some of the coolest temperatures in the prefecture, making it a great summer getaway. Kiso is also home to the Nakasendo trail, the ancient foot path connecting Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). We recommend stopping at one of the old post-towns on the trail, Naraijuku, for a walking tour.

 

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