Nakamachi-dori

Nakamachi-dori (中町通り) is a historic street located in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The street is renowned for its well-preserved Edo-era architecture, featuring traditional Japanese buildings that offer a glimpse into the past.

Once a bustling merchant district, Nakamachi-dori retains many of its original structures, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Edo period. The street is characterized by its elegant kura (traditional storehouses) with white-washed walls, latticed windows, and wooden shutters. Many of these buildings have been repurposed into charming shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries, providing visitors with opportunities to shop for souvenirs, enjoy local cuisine, or simply relax in a historic setting.

Nakamachi-dori is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, ensuring the preservation of its unique townscape. Visitors can stroll along the street, admiring the architecture and browsing the various shops, which offer a wide array of goods, from local crafts and souvenirs to antiques and traditional Japanese sweets.

While the Matsumoto Bon Bon Festival is not held on Nakamachi-dori itself, it takes place in August across multiple shopping districts in central Matsumoto, including Nakamachi. The festival features traditional Japanese dancing, music, and various other performances, adding to the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the city.

Nakamachi-dori also hosts its own events throughout the year, such as the “Nakamachi Kura Chic-kan,” where the interiors of some kura buildings are opened to the public for a limited time.

With its historical charm and cultural significance, Nakamachi-dori is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty and heritage of traditional Japan.

Getting there

By Train

• About 15 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto Station

By Bus

• Take the East Town Sneaker Bus from the Oshiro-guchi (Castle Exit) of JR Matsumoto Station
• Get off at “Kura-no-machi Nakamachi” bus stop (about 5 minutes, 200 yen)

By Car

• About 20 minutes from Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway

Parking

• Kura-no-machi Nakamachi parking lot is available
• Regular cars: 300 yen per hour
• Buses: 1,000 yen per hour
• Overnight (17:30-9:00): 800 yen for regular cars, 5,500 yen for buses