📍 Location: Fujikawaguchiko to Takayama Main Route, Japan
🏷️ Category: Attraction
💰 Cost: Varies
⏰ Best Time: See details
⏱️ Duration: Varies
🚶 Difficulty: Easy

About

Nawate Street Frog Statue One of the iconic frog statues on Nawate Street, Matsumoto. The frog theme commemorates the Kajika frogs that once populated the Metoba River. Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)

Nawate Street (Nawate-dori or 縄手通り) is a charming 200-meter pedestrian shopping street in Matsumoto that has existed since the 1500s. The name "Nawate" comes from a combination of the words for rope (nawa) and riverbank (dote), as it was once a narrow spit of land running between the Metoba River and the southern moat of Matsumoto Castle. 🔗

Cultural & Historical Significance

The Frog Theme and Cultural Significance

The street's unique frog theme has a poignant history. In the past, many Kajika frogs populated the area along the Metoba River, their chorus echoing for the locals. However, in 1959, Typhoon 7 brought devastating rain to Matsumoto, causing the Metoba River to overflow. The flooding forced the frogs to leave for higher ground and cleaner water upstream. Despite river cleanup efforts, the frogs never returned. 🔗

In 1972, the community created "Kaeru Daimyoujin" (frog great shining deity), a mini frog shrine, to rejuvenate the old street and preserve the memory of the departed amphibians. The street was then coined "Kaeru Machi" ('Frog Street'). The frog became particularly meaningful because "kaeru," the Japanese word for "frog," can also mean "to return home," thus symbolizing a safe return home for locals and travelers. 🔗

Today, artificial frog statues adorn the street, with three stone frogs greeting visitors at the west entrance - two of them dressed in samurai gear and engaging in battle. A large fiberglass frog sculpture created by Tokyo University of Arts students marks the street's entrance. 🔗

Historical Context

In 1879, Yohashira Shrine was built on October 1st before the Emperor of Japan's visit to the city. The name "Yohashira" translates to "Shrine of Four Pillars," referring to the four gods - Amenominakanushi, Takamimusubi, Kamimusubi, and Amaterasu - which are central figures in Japanese mythology. With the appearance of Yohashira Shrine, this rope of land became the de facto pathway for pilgrims. 🔗

Visiting Information

Access:

  • From Matsumoto Station: 10-minute walk to city center
  • From Matsumoto Castle: 5-10 minutes walk (just across a small bridge)
  • Street is pedestrian-only and free of vehicles 🔗

Parking Options (for driving visitors):

  1. Matsumoto Castle Otemon Parking Lot (Recommended): 666 vehicles, 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM, ¥150/30 minutes - Easy walking access to both castle and Nawate Street
  2. AEON Mall: 3 hours free parking, very near Nawate Street 🔗

Hours: Street accessible 24/7; individual shops typically open 9:00-10:00 AM and close 5:00-6:00 PM. Visit earlier in day for best shopping opportunities. 🔗

Route Context: 15-30 minutes off expressway route to Takayama. Ideal pairing with Matsumoto Castle visit (5-10 minutes walk between). Total stop time: 2-3 hours for castle + Nawate Street combined.

Seasonal Considerations (October 24, 2025): Late October perfect for autumn foliage at Yohashira Shrine (starts mid-October). Comfortable temperatures (10-20°C) ideal for city walking. Chrysanthemum Exhibition at nearby Matsumoto Castle runs late October to early November. 🔗

The Experience

Frog-Themed Attractions:

  • Three samurai frog statues at west entrance - prime photo opportunity
  • Large fiberglass frog sculpture at street entrance
  • Kaeru Daimyoujin - small frog shrine in middle of street
  • Stone frog statues scattered throughout 🔗

Yohashira Shrine: Built in 1879, dedicated to four central gods in Japanese mythology. Autumn foliage viewing spot with maples and zelkova trees. Colors begin changing from mid-October, making it perfect for October 24 visit. 🔗

Shopping Experience (Approximately 50 shops):

Specialty Food Shops:

  • Taiyaki Furusato - Founded 1946; traditional "Ippon-yaki" method (one fish per mold); three flavors: red bean paste, custard, and wiener with mayonnaise; fully filled, not-too-sweet, crispy outside with chewy inside 🔗
  • Yazawa Taiyaki Shop - Normal sweet red bean paste plus seasonal flavors and rare items like miso and okonomiyaki pancake flavors 🔗
  • CAFE SWEET - Established 1923; first shop to sell French bread in Nagano Prefecture; cozy, elegant interior for relaxing; good for lunch and pastries 🔗
  • Dagashi candy stores - Traditional Japanese penny candy shops 🔗

Craft and Souvenir Shops:

  • Hotaka Craft - Popular pottery shop (opened 2001); good prices on ceramics
  • Shops selling rice crackers, tea pots, and traditional ceramics
  • Frog-themed trinkets, keychains, toys, and postcards
  • Zakka shops specializing in charming handcrafted odds and ends 🔗

Atmosphere: Showa period vibe (1926-1989) with nostalgic feel. Narrow pedestrian brick street between castle moat and river. Traditional row houses and shops with Metoba River views along the walkway. 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

Driving Considerations: Park at Matsumoto Castle Otemon lot (¥150/30 min) or AEON Mall (3 hrs free). Combine with castle visit for efficient 2-3 hour Matsumoto stop. Late October timing perfect for autumn colors without peak crowds. 🔗

Route Integration: Natural pairing with Matsumoto Castle. Suggested route: Park at castle lot → Visit castle (45-60 min) → Walk to Nawate Street (5 min) → Browse street (30-60 min) → Optional: Cross river to Nakamachi Street for warehouse district. 🔗

Photography Tips:

  • Best light: Morning to early afternoon for softer natural light
  • Golden hour: Late afternoon along river walkway
  • Key spots: Samurai frog statues at west entrance, Kaeru Daimyoujin shrine, Yohashira Shrine torii gate, river walkway views, traditional shop facades
  • Street is pedestrian-only, making it easy to photograph without traffic concerns 🔗

Shopping Strategy:

  • Visit earlier in day (before 3 PM) when most shops are open
  • Look for frog-themed souvenirs - culturally significant and unique to this street (frogs bring things back to you; especially valuable in purses - brings money back)
  • Try taiyaki at Furusato or Yazawa for authentic local snack
  • Browse pottery at Hotaka Craft for quality ceramics at good prices 🔗

Budget Considerations: Free to walk the street. Park at AEON Mall for 3 hours free. Dagashi candy shops offer affordable treats. Many unique souvenirs at budget-friendly prices. 🔗

Local Etiquette:

  • Pedestrian street but still stay aware of other visitors
  • Ask permission before photographing shop interiors
  • Handle pottery and crafts carefully in shops
  • Keep voices moderate on the quiet street
  • Remove shoes if entering certain traditional shops or shrine areas

Cultural Significance: Represents community resilience and environmental memory (frog tribute). Preserves traditional shopping street character from Showa period. Yohashira Shrine serves as active local worship site. Demonstrates Japanese wordplay culture (kaeru = frog/return home). 🔗

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/fujikawaguchiko-to-takayama-main-route/nawate-street.md

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