Matsumoto

Snowcapped peaks surround Matsumoto, where the air is cool and dry on the alpine plateau. Like Nagano, this city is a gateway to the Northern Alps. This former feudal castle town now thrives as a center for traditonal crafts, from tensan, fabric woven from silk taken from wild silkworms, to Matsumoto shiki or lacquerware, Azumino glass, and wood crafts. Old merchant houses stand along Nakamachi Street, south of the castle. Several historic educators, lawyers, and writers from this city have influenced Japan's sociopolitical system.