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TOCA by lifart...

A general merchandise store that entertains you with a wide selection of goods.

This general merchandise store attached to the atelier of candle artist Takayuki Nishimaki was opened five years ago by the candle studio lifart..., where TOCA stands for "light," with the aim of creating a store that makes "ordinary daily life more enjoyable. The product lineup conveys Mr. Nishimaki's belief that everyday life in Japan, which incorporates a variety of cultures both domestic and international, is rich and interesting.
In addition to candles made by Mr. Nishimaki, there are crafts from artists all over Japan and regional brands such as Arita-yaki and Nanbu Tekki (Nanbu ironware). There are even accessories and food products, and the selection ranges from one-of-a-kind handmade items, whether foreign or old or new, to mass-produced industrial products. The store offers an enjoyable treasure hunting experience.

Fragrance candles" for everyday use

Fragrance candles" made of original wax made from 100% plant materials (soybeans and palm) have little smoke and soot, so they can be easily used in places where you want to relax. There are 10 types of fragrances, including "shinano" based on the scent of apple, a specialty of Shinshu, and "kodama" using Kiso cypress oil. The "scent of the month series," available only at the store, is also noteworthy.

Local Guide

There are many unusual candles, including brightly colored candles and candles with a variety of scents.

TOCA by lifart...

• 4-3-17 Ote, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• 12 min. walk from JR Matsumoto Station
• 11:00-18:00
• Wednesday, Thursday
• 0263-74-7435
• None

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shioribi

A cozy book café surrounded by books

This book café was renovated from a former electronics store, using Japanese old wood and retro furniture. Bookshelves of various sizes are assembled to take advantage of the high ceiling. Each type of retro chair has a different comfort level, so you can enjoy reading in the chair of your choice.
The books selected are mainly independent publications called "little presses" based on the criteria of "hints for comfortable living. Magazines, photo collections, art books, and other items that readers can apply to their daily lives are lined up.
Craft works by woodworkers, postcards and other stationery, CDs, and bags from Swiss manufacturer FREITAG, which makes products from reused truck covers and seatbelts, are also available. The shop also holds limited-time fairs and holds occasional special exhibitions in the gallery on the second floor.

Local Guide

Little presses, zines, and miscellaneous goods that you would not find in large bookstores are lined up, and you can take your time to choose your favorite one over a cup of coffee.

Enjoy mornings and lunches in a relaxed atmosphere

The morning café is open from 7:00 to 11:00, where you can smell the aroma of coffee and books from the morning. The morning set of toast cooked on a grill and a drink is very popular. Coffee is served monthly with beans roasted by "KAFE Kofun" in Kyoto. Baked goods such as doughnuts, cookies, and pound cakes are also available, making it a comfortable place to spend time.

Shioribi

• 3-7-8 Fukashi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• 10 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto Station
• 7:00 - 20:00
• Wednesdays (occasional closing)
• 0263-50-5967
• Free

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ceramic-katagi

A wide variety of items with the owner's sense of style

A craft and home goods store that has been in business for nearly 40 years on Nakamachi Street in Matsumoto. The store offers a selection of items that enrich daily life, carefully chosen by the owner, Mr. Kobayashi, based on his belief that “it is the everyday objects that are truly beautiful” and “it is the ordinary days that are truly beautiful.” From tableware and kitchen tools to lighting fixtures, the selection consists entirely of practical items that also captivate enthusiasts of well-crafted goods.

With fans across the country, the shop features not only works by craft artists but also many original products designed by the owner herself—items she “wanted but couldn’t find anywhere else.”

Long-selling products with fans all over Japan

Original items include popular items such as floating butter knives and mortars that can be placed on the table without worrying about getting dirty, as well as a long-selling crescent-shaped cutting board. The crescent-shaped cutting board stands on its own and is characterized by the ease with which food can be dropped onto a bat or other surface. Word of mouth from those who have purchased this product and its functionality and beautiful design have created a favorable response, and it is a gem that is ordered from all over Japan.
The store is located on Nakamachi-dori, a popular street where tourists always go, and where foreign customers often stop by.

Local Guide

The atmosphere of the selections is calm, and the sundries are both beautiful and easy to use.

TOCA by lifart...

• 3-5-10 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• 14 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto Station
• Open 10:00-17:00
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• 0263-32-0646
• None

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coto.coto

Stylish craft goods that make your everyday life more enjoyable

Under the theme of "Enjoy, Life and Art," this select store offers a wide variety of products, including crafts, daily sundries, and art works. Opened on Nakamachi-dori, one of Matsumoto's main streets, it will celebrate its seventh year in 2019. The crafts selected by the male owner, who prefers a simple yet artistic atmosphere, are varied and the products are always changing. Felt bags and slippers, kitchen towels with cat and other motifs, and accessories are all eye-catching in their excellent design.

Unique artwork for sale

Artwork is casually displayed alongside the crafts in the store, all of which are available for purchase. Visitors can pick up prints and artwork by a printmaker from Matsumoto, as well as unique accessories by a Japanese jewelry designer living in Spain.
In addition, special exhibitions are held on an irregular basis. The content changes from time to time, with a collection of works by a particular artist or a theme focused on jewelry and other items. This is one place you should definitely visit when sightseeing in Matsumoto.

coto.coto

• 3-4-19 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• 14 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto Station
• 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday
• 0263-34-4111
• None

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galerie ashizuki (kaigetsu)

Enrich your life with crafts for clothing, food, and shelter

In 2026, this craft shop will celebrate its 27th anniversary. It showcases a wide array of highly original works created by artisans not only from Nagano Prefecture but from all over Japan.When the shop first opened, it focused primarily on ceramic and glass tableware, but today it also offers a wide selection of clothing and bags. The items are displayed with ample space so that each piece is easy to see and handle, making the shop feel just like a gallery. The owner and staff members maintain close contact with the artists, visiting their workshops to personally select the pieces. The shop offers a wide variety of crafts designed to bring joy to everyday life.

Focusing not only on design and texture, but also on ease of use

The items in the store are selected not only for their originality of design, but also for their usability as tools. The owner and Staff/staff members actually use the items to make sure that they are comfortable to use in daily life, and only sell items that they are satisfied with.
We also hold special exhibitions twice a month. The shop features unique crafts by both well-known and unknown artists, and sometimes you may even come across a one-of-a-kind item.

Galerie KAIGETSU

• 2-2-6 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture (2nd Floor, Takami Bookstore) MAP
• 7 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto Station
• 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays *Subject to occasional closures—please check in advance before visiting.
• 0263-38-0022
• None