As the calendar turns to September thoughts of the changing seasons creep in. Before long the fall colors will set Norikura ablaze, followed by the dusty snows that turn the peaks of the northern Alps white. Here and there, rice farmers are beginning to cut and dry their harvest.

The thermometer, however, still thinks it’s August. So now is as good a time as any to head down to Matsumoto’s Summer Fest 2019.

Up the street from the station, in Matsumoto Chuo-West Park (aka the Flower Clock Park), you’ll find a public party of food, drink, music and merriment that will make you forget all about the heat of the afternoon.

It costs nothing to soak up the atmosphere. (Food and drink are a bit more expensive.)

The party has actually been going on since the last days of August, when thoughts of Autumn seemed so much further away. And, sadly, though the mercury is still climbing into the thirties, the Summer Fest ends September 9^th.

So come on down and raise a glass if you can, between 5 and 9 in the evening.

And if you can’t get to Summer Fest, take heart. The Matsumoto Craft Beer Festival is on the way!

It’s happening at Matsumoto Castle, from lunchtime to 6pm, September 20th to the 23rd.

Just in time for the official start of Fall.

If you want to get to the Summer Fest, here’s your map. Kampai!