Matsumoto (松本市,Matsumoto-shi) is acity located inNagano Prefecture, Japan.[1] Matsumoto is designated as acore city since 1 April 2021.[2] As of 1 March 2019[update], the city had apopulation of 239,466 in 105,207 households[3] and apopulation density of 240 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 978.47 square kilometres (377.79 sq mi).
On 1 February 1925, Matsumoto absorbed the village of Matsumoto (fromHigashichikuma District).
The city expanded further by annexing the Kanda hamlet of the village of Nakayama fromHigashichikuma District on 1 April 1943, the villages of Nakayama, Shimadachi and Shimauchi (all fromHigashichikuma District) on 1 April 1954, the villages of Wada, Niimura, Kanbayashi, Sasaga, Yoshikawa, Kotobuki, Okada, Iriyamabe, Satoyamabe and Imai (all fromHigashichikuma District) on 1 August 1954. Kitauchida and Gakenoyu hamlets were annexed from the Minamiuchida ward of the village of Kataoka in the city ofShiojiri on 1 April 1960 and 1 April 1961. The village of Hongo (from Higashichikuma District) on 1 May 1974 and parts of Seba hamlet (the hamlet of Kukohigashi) were annexed from Shiojiri on 1 April 1982.
Matsumoto was proclaimed aspecial city with increased local autonomy on 1 November 2000. Matsumoto annexed the villages ofAzumi,Azusagawa andNagawa (all fromMinamiazumi District), and the village ofShiga (fromHigashichikuma District) on 1 April 2005. This was followed by the town ofHata (from Higashichikuma District) on 31 March 2010. Matsumoto was proclaimed acore city with increased local autonomy on 1 April 2021.
Matsumoto is located in the Matsumoto Basin of central Nagano Prefecture surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. It is approximately 75 kilometers south of the prefectural capital at Nagano City, and 167 kilometers from central Tokyo. The 3000 meterHida Mountains are to the west of the city, with 3190 meterMount Hotakadake on the border of Matsumoto withTakayama, Gifu as the highest point within the city limits.
Matsumoto has ahumid continental climate (Köppen climate classification:Dfa) bordering on ahumid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification:Cfa), with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is quite high in summer, but the weather is somewhat drier in winter. The average annual temperature in Matsumoto is 12.2 °C (54.0 °F). The average annual rainfall is 1,045.1 mm (41.15 in) with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 25.1 °C (77.2 °F), and lowest in January, at around −0.3 °C (31.5 °F).[4]
Climate data for Matsumoto (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1898–present, elevation 610m)
Matsumoto is a regional commercial center and noted for traditional woodworking and silk spinning, electronics and its dairy industry. Seasonal tourism to the surrounding mountains andonsen hot spring resorts is also an important source of local income.[11]
Matsumoto has 29 public elementary schools operated by the city government, one operated by the national government and one private elementary school. The city also manages 19 public middle schools, with one more middle school shared between Matsumoto and neighbouring Asahi. There is one public middle school operated by the national government and one private middle school. The city has seven public high schools operated by the Nagano Prefectural Board of Education and six private high schools. The city also has aNorth Korean school, Nagano Korean Elementary and Junior High School (長野朝鮮初中級学校).
Kaichi School opened in 1876; farmers gave 70% of the funds to have it built. According to Philippe Mesmer ofLe Monde, Kaichi "was one of the first modern schools built in Japan."[12] After the school closed, it was converted into a museum.[12]
Matsumoto is attractive to travelers not only because of its traditional culture but also its moderate climate and local products. Matsumotosoba is famous for its delicate taste.[14] Local attractions include:
Outside the rail station is also a statue of a little girl with a violin, remembering theSuzuki method of teaching music, created byShinichi Suzuki who lived in the city in his later life.
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