Located in Nagano Prefecture, this city is designated as a special city. Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. The local transportation network makes it easy to access the mountains for climbing or hiking. Historical attractions include Matsumoto Castle, the Kaichi School Museum, and Temari (Japanese handball).The city is a tourist hotspot for its traditional culture, mild climate, and local products. Matsumoto's soba is famous for its delicious and delicate flavor. There are also numerous onsen (local baths).