Nawate Shopping Street

A charming little street on the way to Matsumoto Castle. Nawate Street is short but packed with character. I loved the scenic riverside walk with beautiful vintage lamp posts. It’s right next to Yohashira Shrine, where you can sit and enjoy a peaceful moment. Great local snacks and lovely small shops. Highly recommend for a relaxing break!"

Great vibe, but many shops were closed. A quaint street right next to the castle and river. The atmosphere is very pleasant. However, during my visit, many stores were closed. It felt a bit deserted. A good place to visit, but make sure to check the operating days/times carefully before you go!

We reached this cute street on Sunday evening after a nice time at the Matsumoto castle. Unfortunately most of the shops were closed or closing down. It’s right next to the river and a nice temple in the property. One can spend 30-45 minutes in this short stretch

I walked through Nawate Shopping Street in the rain, and it was such a pleasant experience. The street is very clean, with so many interesting accessories and unique items. I really enjoyed being here!

If you love frog decorations, this is a great street to explore and buy souvenirs and frog decorations. It's a street with several shops and some cafes. There's also a temple on the street and a beautiful river nearby to admire and enjoy. It's a great place to stroll, shop, and have a coffee. It's also a great place to take photos and learn a little more about Nagano. Parking: There are some paid parking lots around the city, about a 5-minute walk away.

Nawate Shopping Street is a charming and nostalgic little stretch right by the Metoba River in Matsumoto. It’s not a long street, but it’s packed with character — perfect for a leisurely stroll. The atmosphere is quaint, with small, locally owned shops selling traditional snacks, handmade crafts, antiques, and quirky frog-themed souvenirs (a fun nod to the street’s frog mascot). You’ll also find a few cozy cafes and sweet shops where you can stop for a quick bite or soft serve ice cream. It’s a nice place to explore before or after visiting Matsumoto Castle, which is just a short walk away. While it’s more of a cultural experience than a shopping spree, the street offers a glimpse into old-town Japan with a relaxed and friendly vibe.

It's a very very short stretch. You can probably walk though and see all there is within 10 minutes. So if you plan to hang out here, check out the few cafes, restaurants and couple of bars. Otherwise it's quite limited. Better off taking a stroll upriver and just taking in the views.

Many interesting items one can find here along with the shrine.

Such a cute and traditional street in the heart of the city. Happened to be here during the winter omatsuri so there were many street vendors. The Main Street area of Matsumoto so definitely worth going to.