In front of Matsumoto Station, Maruzen Bookstore opened on Dec 22nd. It sells about one million books and also nice stationery, so it is one of the largest bookstores in Nagano Pref. Good news for foreign residents and tourists is, it also sells several thousands of English books in the basement, including English comic books (you can get Japanese comics on the 2nd floor.)

Also, the former Espa Department Store containing the bus terminal was renovated and renamed as “Ario”.
On the sixth floor, a popular variety and stationery store Loft and a mini CD store of Tower Records opened.

They will be convenient especially if you have to wait for your bus or train.

The bus terminal will be also renovated Dec 28th. The ticket counter will be moved from the basement to the first floor, so you don’t have to go downstairs and upstairs before riding your bus any more. The bus terminal will be cleaner though it was a little dirty.