Just moments away from a pristine canal in the town of Matsumoto, there is a row of white merchant houses, the beautiful stonemasonry setting a magnificent silhouette against the Japanese Alps. Unlike the wooden machiya in Gion, Kyoto, these thick "kura" stone houses stand proud in the long freezing winters that sweep this town. Some of these merchant houses have been restored as boutiques, selling exotic vases, textiles and other handicrafts. Why not stay at the simple Nunoya Ryokan nearby, cycle along the canals and breathe the mountain air.
- 1 min read
The White Houses of Matsumoto
Soak in the ancient riverside atmosphere from Nunoya
By Bonson Lam
Community writer
Matsumoto is filled with boutiques like these
Exotic Vases and other keepsakes in the White Shophouses of Matsumoto
Some of the unrestored shophouses look like a movie set from the 1950s
Matsumoto is filled with bespoke shops like these
Cycling is a great way to get around the fairly level town of Matsumoto Nagano Japan and the Nunoya Ryokan is a good simple inn to base yourself with tariffs from 4500yen
Through the looking glass on this ancient walkway dotted with white kura shop houses on both sides in the Japanese Alps town of Matsumoto
Traditional Ancient looking Calligraphy in the sign boards on some of the kura storehouses
Cycling is a great way to get around Matsumoto Nagano Japan and bikes are available for hire near Nunoya Ryokan
Take a stroll and enjoy some window shopping at the craft shops of Matsumoto
Matsumoto Castle is just moments away from the white kura shop houses around Nunoya Ryokan
Join the discussion
Elena Lisina
5 years ago
I liked that place and Matsumoto very much!
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Photogenic Miyazaki: Relaxation and Discovery
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
2Explore Ako, Tatsuno, and Himeji with Ease From Kamenoi Hotel Ako
Hyogo - Sponsored -
324-Hour Yaro Ramen in Shibuya Revolutionizes Noodles With an All New Type of Ramen Taking Over Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
4Wintertime Magic in Otaru, Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
5Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
6Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
7Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring Towns
Hyogo - Sponsored -
8I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
9Golden Route to West Japan: Hiroshima & Fukuoka
Hiroshima - Sponsored -
10Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
6Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
7Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
8Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
9Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
10Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie