Matsumoto City is an ancient capital of Shinshu, backed by Mount Ontake and Mount Asama. Matsumoto Castle (Crow Castle), a National Treasure of Japan, boasts a majestic black exterior rich in Sengoku-era ambience. The Utsukushigahara Observatory offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The streams, pastures, and canola flower fields of Azumino are picturesque. The Matsumoto City Museum houses an extensive collection. Its cuisine is renowned for Shinshu soba, Matsumoto beef, apple pie, wild vegetable dishes, and miso hot pot—simple yet rich in flavour.