Visit Mastumoto

Nawate Street once lay between the southern outer moat of Matsumoto Castle and the clear stream of the Metoba River; its name comes from the thin and long rope-like (""nawa"") riverbank (“dote”). Since the construction of Yohashira Shrine in 1879, it has developed as the approach to the shrine.

Frogs are the symbol of this street. Kajika frogs, which once lived in the Metoba River, can only survive in clean rivers. Nawate’s mascot characters Metoba and Gota represent the wish for the Metoba River to once again become clean enough for kajika frogs to live there, and stand at the eastern and western entrances to the street.

You’ll find rows of individual shops here, from old-fashioned hardware stores and florists to fashionable general goods stores, which have recently increased in number.

As this street is a year-round pedestrian zone, small children, pets, and even wheelchair-users can explore with peace of mind.

Why not visit Nawate together with Matsumoto Castle and Nakamachi Street?