Visit Matsumoto

Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture, with a population of around 240,000, is known nationwide as a city of bars, boasting dozens of establishments concentrated in one area. Its history dates back to the late 1990s.

At the time, there were few places to enjoy Matsumoto's nightlife. Members of the Matsumoto region of the Nagano branch of the Japan Bartenders Association took the lead. Using the slogan "Matsumoto: City of Bars," they began promoting the city's appeal through charity parties and publishing guidebooks.

Leading this movement was Koichi Hayashi, owner of "MAIN BAR COAT," which opened in 1998. Through bartenders honing their skills and pursuing authentic service, a unique bar scene rich in culture was cultivated, resulting in the distinctive bar culture found today.

Walking through the night streets from Matsumoto Station, you'll find yourself before buildings with namako walls and traditional storehouse architecture. Climb the stairs, open the heavy door on the second floor, and you'll enter an extraordinary space that embodies the very essence of authenticity.

First to captivate your gaze is the 8-meter-long counter crafted from a single slab of African solid wood. Touching its smooth surface while settling into a British antique chair instantly transports you to another world.

Each drink crafted by owner-bartender Koichi Hayashi, a competition winner, is like a work of art, born from his refined movements. In the quiet, listen to the soothing sound of ice in the shaker while savoring rare whiskeys from over 700 varieties or fragrant seasonal fruit cocktails made with abundant fresh fruit from Nagano Prefecture.

<Basic Information>

Address: 2-3-5 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Phone: 0263-34-7133

Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Last Order 11:30 PM)

Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and irregular holidays

Just a short walk from Matsumoto Station, this authentic bar evokes the feel of a medieval European noble's hideaway. The boldly renovated wooden house seamlessly blends bold, ink-stained beams with sharp iron textures, while soft indirect lighting creates nostalgic shadows.

Selecting tonight's drink while gazing at over 300 meticulously arranged whiskey bottles lining the back bar is a moment of pure bliss. Relaxed table seating, perfect for savoring a cigar, and raised tatami seating where you can stretch out your legs are available, allowing you to enjoy exquisite cocktails and sophisticated adult time without any pretension.

＜Basic Information＞

Address: 2F West Wing, Tatsumi-tei Building, 1-5-3 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Phone: 0263-36-8608

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Sundays & Holidays 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Closed: Mondays

On the third floor of the Ishizuka Building facing Hanadokei Park. Step out of the elevator and open the door to find an authentic bar that feels like a hidden retreat, completely shielded from the city's clamor. Dominating the dimly lit interior is a magnificent 11-meter-long counter crafted from a single plank of African bubinga wood, over 100 years old. As you take your seat and touch its substantial grain, you feel the stresses of daily life melt away.

Rare bottler's whiskies and scarce old bottles line the shelves, their overwhelming selection captivating the eye. Savoring the amber liquid sip by sip while listening to the master's expert commentary is pure bliss. Nights enveloped in the aroma of whisky under subdued lighting are truly exceptional.

<Basic Information>

Address: Ishizuka Building 3F, 2-1-8 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Phone: 0263-36-6007

Hours: 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Closed: Sundays

Just a 5-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. Ascend the stairs of the Miyasaka Chuo Building, and the quiet approach leading from the second-floor entrance to the shop door heightens the anticipation for the special evening ahead. Upon stepping inside, the refreshing scent of cypress wood gently fills your nose.At the center of the space, a beautiful single-slab cypress counter stands majestically. Soft light filters through the washi paper of the shoji screens integrated into the back bar, creating a gentle glow. This Japanese-modern design crafts a uniquely soothing space unlike any other establishment.

Why not indulge in a deep, mature moment here? Surrounded by the warmth of wood and quiet ambiance, with generous spacing between guests, savor a masterfully stirred, supreme martini crafted with care.

<Basic Information>

Address: 2F Miyasaka Chuo Building, 1-4-13 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Phone: 0263-88-2511

Hours: 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Last Order 1:30 AM)

Closed: Sundays

Beneath the Sky G Building along the main street leading to Matsumoto Castle lies a vibrant space that feels like stumbling upon a Spanish alleyway.

Spanish Bar Monachuros is a popular restaurant with about 100 seats in a spacious interior accented with the passionate colors of the Spanish flag, where you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine and more than 100 carefully selected wines to your heart's content. The aroma of exquisite paella, with the umami flavor of seafood such as mussels and shrimp permeating every grain of rice, and hot ajillo with olive oil and garlic, will strongly stimulate your appetite.

From time to time, passionate live flamenco performances are held as a tablao, allowing you to enjoy a night filled with Latin passion and extraordinary energy with a glass of fruity sangria in hand.

Basic Information

Address: Sky G Building B1F/1F, 2-1-6 Ote, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Tel: 0263-36-6078

Hours: 6:00 p.m. to midnight

Closed: Irregular holidays

To fully immerse yourself in Matsumoto's bar culture, staying in the city center is essential—it lets you hop from bar to bar without worrying about the time. Around Matsumoto Station, you'll find diverse lodging options, from city hotels and business hotels to accommodations featuring hot springs.

Strolling around the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle while feeling the night breeze to sober up before returning to your hotel is a uniquely luxurious way to spend your time in Matsumoto. Please search for your desired accommodation using the Matsumoto City Center Hotel Database below.

From the reasons Matsumoto is called a city of bars to authentic bars serving the ultimate drinks and dining spots offering exquisite cuisine, we've introduced renowned establishments that color Matsumoto's nights. The bars in this city, where masterful cocktails and warm hospitality thrive, will surely create unforgettable memories with just one visit. Why not spend your next holiday staying in Matsumoto and embark on a bar-hopping journey to savor a special night for adults?