High quality, traditional craft shops, beautifully decorated in the style of old storehouses line this side street. Strolling along and browsing, buying souvenirs, trying out different foods or drinks is a great way to appreciate this cultural heritage. The Matsumoto castle is only a 5 minute walk away.

Jewelry shops, tatami and noren shop, a traditional tabi and geta shoe store, soba noodle shops, crafts and souvenirs, bars, cafes, restaurants, ceramic pottery, laquer ware, traditional sweets, handmade clothing, toys and more. Pop into the Scale Museum to see merchant tools of the past.

The special feature of many of the buildings on this street is the white, criss-crossed namako-kabe design of the old kura storehouses.

Most shops are open all day, and in the evening, the izakaya Japanese style pubs open to drinkers fond of a local passion, sake. Hitsuki Macrobiotic Cafe is a great stop at the end of this street.