Zentokuji Temple is a prestigious temple founded about 530 years ago and now designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. It is a temple closely associated with the Kaga Domain and Maeda clan. The main hall was most recently rebuilt in 1759 and has remained for about 250 years without being destroyed by disaster. Every spring, the Shidare Sakura Matsuri takes place, with the 370 year-old Itozakura (weeping cherry trees) in full bloom, and important elements of the temple which are not usually open to the public can be seen.

The elegant and hilly streets of Johana thrived as a Monzenmachi (a neighborhood surrounding an ancient gate) of Johana Betsuin Zentokuji Temple. The nostalgic atmosphere of the old soy sauce shops and others stores remains intact. Dozougunkura Kairo, the line of store houses owned by the wealthy merchants, is an iconic view of this "Little Kyoto of Etchu Province". In addition to the cherry blossoms-lined streets of Johana, the large cherry tree on an embankment of the Yamada River and cherry trees in Mukouno within a 15-minute walk are also spectacular.

The central area of Takayama city was developed as a castle and merchant town in the Edo period (1603 to 1868). The streets which retain the atmosphere of the Edo period are preserved as a National Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings. Machiya (old townhouses) from the late 19th to the early 20th century, as well as sake breweries, handicraft and gift shops, and cafes can be enjoyed in this quaint part of the city. Each spring and fall, Takayama Festival, one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan, takes place in this area. In the spring, the contrast between the red Nakabashi Bridge and the cherry blossoms are beautiful, making it a popular photo spot.

Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure, one of only 12 original castle towers left in Japan. The castle tower is thought to have been built in around 1593, making it the oldest castle in Japan with a 6 story castle tower still remaining. This castle with a strong contrast of its black and white exterior looks stately with the Japan Northern Alps in the background. You can also see the fantastic reflections of the castle on the surface of the water in the moat surrounding the castle tower. Approximately 300 cherry trees are planted in Matsumoto Castle Park and its garden; during cherry blossom season in early April, the scene of the beautiful castle amidst its cherry blossoms can be enjoyed. The cherry blossoms are also illuminated to enjoy during the nights they are in bloom.

Nakamachi Street flourished in the Edo Period along the route that connected Zenkoji Temple in Nagano to Nagoya and Kyoto. It ran through the center of the castle town of Matsumoto and prospered as a business district. The distinct black-and-white architecture of the storehouses is done in an architectural style called "namako-kabe-dozo", which protected the buildings from destruction by fire in the event of a disaster. Today, the area flourishes as a shopping district that includes many traditional crafts, folk art, and restaurants.

This little shopping district five-minutes walk south of Matsumoto Castle is a bustling pedestrian shopping area famous for its cute frog motif, which comes from its proximity to the river and its formerly abundant population of Kajika frogs. The real frogs are gone but stone statues and other reminders of the frogs remain. About 40 shops standing side by side here sell unique items like traditional folk utensils, antiques, and old-style candy, as well as several cafes. The beautiful weeping cherry blossom trees can be found along the street making it a perfect place for a spring stroll.