Nawate Shopping Street

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

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.

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.

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.

I visited this area in mid-July 2023. There are plenty of souvenir shops, cafes, and snack stalls around. Right at the entrance, you’re welcomed by a frog statue—super cute and unique! I really loved the retro vibe of the whole place. If you walk further in, there are lots of charming little alleys to explore. Definitely worth taking your time to wander around!

Visited Nawate Shopping Street on a Monday afternoon, but most of the shops were closed, not sure if it was because of the rain or just a quiet day. The whole street has a frog theme, which is cute, but with so many shops shut, the vibe felt a bit empty. Might be more enjoyable when it's livelier, but for me it was just okay.

Very adorable shopping street. The stores are super small that close fairly early. It's a short walk from both the castle and the station. There is an art installation at the entrance, a shrine in the middle of it, and a river you can down to next to it.

Absolutely fell in love with this area. When I was there is was quiet and not super busy. So not crowded and was able to freely browse around. I saw quite a few nice cafes that I know I will enjoy! If you have time, walk down to the river side under the bridge. Feels like you are in an anime