Must-Try Foods In Nawate Street (Matsumoto) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Nawate Street, Matsumoto, Japan

Nawate Street, known locally as "Frog Street," is a charming and historical shopping street in Matsumoto that has a long-standing connection with local cuisine and culture. This street, which dates back to the Edo period, was once a bustling market area due to its proximity to the Metoba River, making it a prime location for local merchants and customers.

In more recent history, Nawate Street has transformed into an antiques and curio hub, with a variety of stalls and shops selling snacks and local delicacies. As you walk down the historic lane, you're greeted by the aroma of traditional Japanese street food mingling with the scents of modern-day sweets and savories, reflecting the mingling of the old and the new that Nawate Street embodies.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Nawate Street, Matsumoto, Japan for Tourists

1. Soba Noodles - Non-Veg/Veg: Enjoy this classic Nagano dish made with locally-sourced buckwheat. Some variations are vegetarian.
2. Taiyaki - Veg: A sweet fish-shaped cake typically filled with red bean paste, a popular snack among locals and visitors alike.
3. Oyaki - Veg/Non-Veg: A traditional Japanese dumpling that can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, including vegetables or pickles.
4. Senbei - Veg/Non-Veg: These savory Japanese rice crackers come in many flavors, some of which include seafood.
5. Matcha Ice Cream - Veg: Sample this rich and creamy ice cream flavored with premium matcha green tea.
6. Karaage (Chicken) - Non-Veg: Japanese-style fried chicken, often enjoyed as a snack or with rice as a meal.
7. Pickled Vegetables (Tsukemono) - Veg: A side dish staple, these pickled vegetables balance out flavors of a meal.
8. Yakiimo - Veg: Roasted sweet potatoes, a simple yet delicious and comforting treat.
9. Mitarashi Dango - Veg: Skewered rice dumplings glazed with a sweet soy sauce, perfect for a quick bite.
10. Kuzu Mochi - Veg: A jelly-like dessert made from kuzu root starch, often served cold with syrup or kinako (roasted soybean flour).

Top Famous Restaurants in Nawate Street, Matsumoto, Japan

Kobayashi-Soba

- Address: 4 Chome-8-9 Ote, Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture 390-0874, Japan

- Famous For: Sobaya Soba (Non-Veg/Veg), a classic soba noodle dish that can be enjoyed with various broths and toppings.

Sweet Co. Nawate

- Address: 2-7-21 Ote, Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture 390-0874, Japan

- Famous For: Taiyaki (Veg), delight in freshly-baked taiyaki with traditional and creative fillings.

Nawate Oyaki Kobo Asama

- Address: 3 Chome-5-12 Ote, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0874, Japan

- Famous For: Various Oyaki (Veg/Non-Veg), these stuffed dumplings come with a variety of fillings catering to both vegetarians and meat-eaters.

Each of these establishments on Nawate Street offers a unique flavor of Matsumoto, providing visitors with a gastronomical journey through traditional Japanese cuisine, with options for both veg and non-vegetarian preferences.