The town of Matsukawa is located in the heart of the Ina Valley in southern Nagano prefecture, straddling the Tenryu River and nestled between two alpine mountain ranges. As a visitor destination, Matsukawa is particularly popular among Japanese people for its terraced orchards that boast not only the best in seasonal fruits but also breathtaking views of the valley and alps. Many orchards welcome visitors who want to pick and sample fruit, or purchase produce to take home. But there is much more to Matsukawa—its idyllic rural lifestyle draws many people back again and again, and some of these visitors decide to make Matsukawa their home.