Baba Family Old Residence

Baba Family Residence

The Baba Family Residence in Matsumoto, Japan, is one of the best preserved homes of the late-Edo Period. Built in the 1850s, it's a great example of wealthy living with gardens, fancy gates, a room reserved for a castle lord, and a shrine built in front of an 800 year old tree.

Highlights:
- Impressive gate built for a lord
- The family shrine
- Old-style storage building open to the public
- A beautiful garden view from the home
- Breath-taking view of farmlands and mountains
- Occasional free tea ceremonies

Residence Information:
- ¥300 entrance fee for adults and college students
- Open 9am - 5pm, Tuesday-Sunday

You can find my full written review of the Baba Family Residence on the Matsumoto Tourism Blog:


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Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is the pride and joy of Matsumoto. Being the oldest intact castle in Japan and having black color scheme (unique among Japanese castles), it is a must see if you are in the area. My recommendation is to check out the castle in 3 parts:

1) Explore Matsumoto Castle Park. It's the free area outside the castle that is always open. I've walked around the castle many times and each time I see something new and amazing. It's also a great place to meet with friends, eat your lunch, or read a book.

2) Go into the Castle Grounds, explore its gardens, and go inside the castle. Find the English tours put on by passionate Alps Language Service Association volunteers. Then, of course, gets some gifts in the gift shop.

3) Go back there at sun-set with some food, drinks, and friends, and enjoy the castle lit up with spotlights. It's lit until 10pm every night!

Highlights:
- Learning about the history of Matsumoto Castle (there is so much more than I could mention in my video!)
- Getting a photo of yourself with the red bridge and the castle in the same shot
- All the great events held there all year! Info on events is here:

For more information, check out the Matsumoto Castle page on the Official Matsumoto Tourism Site:


Thanks to the following for the use of their photos in my video:
Japanexperterna (
極地狐 (

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