Matsumoto is a lovely town, and there is an especially pleasant area near the castle. Look for Nakamachi and Nawate-dori. The area has an old world feel to it, with many traditionally styled restaurants and stores. We enjoyed strolling around the paved streets admiring quaint touches like kimono clad figures hanging near entrances, and a restaurant with a fish strung up outside. We eventually got drawn into one of the inviting izakaya restaurants to eat dinner. When it grew dark we went to look at the lit-up castle, which was impressively beautiful.
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