Note: Names of organizations, offices, departments, etc. in the article are as of when the article was first published.
T&D Data Loggers began here in Matsumoto, a historic castle town in Nagano Prefecture in central Japan.
Our Matsumoto Base brings together team members from both Nagano and other parts of Japan.
Nature is part of everyday life here. On our office grounds, a small biotope and a well draw on clear spring water flowing underground from the Northern Alps—a natural resource that has supported life in Matsumoto for generations.
What Kind of Place Is Matsumoto?
Matsumoto is located near the center of Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. To the east lie the Utsukushigahara Highlands (about 2,000 meters above sea level), while the Northern Alps, with peaks over 3,000 meters, rise to the west.
The city lies in the Matsumoto Basin, with the city center at an elevation of about 600 meters above sea level. Even so, the surrounding mountains rise much higher.
This region also enjoys many clear days throughout the year, and the view of the Northern Alps against a bright blue sky never fails to lift our spirits.
Joyama Park, about a 10-minute drive from JR Matsumoto Station. The observation deck offers sweeping views of the Northern Alps and the Matsumoto Basin.
* Life in the Matsumoto Basin
The Matsumoto Basin includes the cities of Matsumoto and Azumino and the surrounding countryside.
Almost all employees at T&D’s Matsumoto Base live within this basin.
While many people commute by car, some employees choose to bike or walk to work. Although it is called a basin, the terrain can be surprisingly hilly once you leave the city center.
Matsumoto Castle — A Treasure of the City
At the heart of the city stands Matsumoto Castle, a designated National Treasure of Japan and one of Matsumoto’s greatest sources of pride.
Built in the late 16th century by the Ishikawa clan, the castle features one of only twelve original castle keeps still standing in Japan—the oldest surviving five-tiered, six-story keep in the country.
Unlike many Japanese castles built on hills or mountains, Matsumoto Castle stands on flat land surrounded by wide moats, its black tower reflected in the water with the Northern Alps rising in the distance.
Inside the castle, much of the original structure has been preserved. Visitors can see displays of historical artifacts from the samurai era, and climbing the steep wooden stairs to the top floor reveals sweeping views of the castle town and the surrounding mountains.
In the early Meiji era, when many castles across Japan were dismantled, Matsumoto Castle faced demolition. The citizens of Matsumoto raised funds to buy it back, saving the castle from destruction.
Today, the castle remains a powerful symbol of the city’s history and identity.
Visitors from around the world come here every year, and local volunteers often guide tours in foreign languages, sharing its history with guests from many countries.
Matsumoto Castle, also known as “Crow Castle,” reflected in the wide moat surrounding the castle grounds.
Nakamachi Street — Where History Meets Modern Style
Another charming area to explore near Matsumoto Castle is Nakamachi Street.
Here you will find a mix of stylish cafés, traditional lacquerware shops, and antique stores, making it one of the most enjoyable places to wander in the city.
Historically, the area developed as a merchant district along the Zenkoji Highway. After several major fires in the late Edo and Meiji periods, many buildings were rebuilt as fire-resistant storehouses. Because of this, Nakamachi is often known as a “storehouse town.”
One of Nakamachi’s hidden charms is “Kura no Ido,” a community well fed by underground spring water that flows beneath the city. The well is a beloved spot for both local residents and visitors who stop by to enjoy Matsumoto’s clear spring water.
The water is also used by a local brewery to produce a unique sake called “Nakamachi.” It can be enjoyed at restaurants along the street or purchased at local liquor shops. In early spring, the season’s first freshly pressed sake becomes available.
Kura no Ido, a traditional hand-pump well at the Nakamachi Kurassic-kan.
Looking Ahead
Matsumoto is a city where nature, history, and everyday life quietly come together.
It is also the place where T&D Data Loggers were born.
Spring is just beginning to arrive in Matsumoto, bringing fresh colors to the mountains and rivers around us.
What does spring look like where you are?
