Visit Mastumoto

Located almost in the center of Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto City is a place where a historic castle town centered around Matsumoto Castle—a National Treasure with over 400 years of history—harmonizes with the majestic natural scenery of the Northern Alps, whose peaks reach altitudes of around 3,000 meters.Known as the “Three Gaku Cities”—the City of Learning, the City of Music, and the City of Mountains—Matsumoto boasts deeply rooted traditions in education, music, and mountaineering culture. Where the weight of history, modern artistic sensibilities, and overwhelming natural beauty converge, Matsumoto offers new discoveries with every visit.

The highlight of any visit to Matsumoto is, without a doubt, the National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle. It boasts the distinction of being Japan’s oldest surviving five-story, six-tiered castle keep, and its majestic appearance—with black-lacquered walls that stand out against the backdrop of the Northern Alps—is truly breathtaking.During your visit, be sure to take a close look at the defensive features, such as the gun ports and stone-dropping mechanisms. From the windows on the sixth floor of the keep, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Matsumoto spreading out below and the Northern Alps towering in the distance.

Another major attraction is how the castle changes with the seasons. In spring, you can enjoy the stunning contrast between the snow-capped Northern Alps, cherry blossoms, and the jet-black castle keep. From summer through fall, the area comes alive with a variety of events. Since Matsumoto City receives relatively little snow in winter, if you’re lucky enough to visit when the castle is blanketed in snow, it will surely become a special memory of your trip.

Within walking distance of Matsumoto Castle, there are two streets with contrasting charms. "Nakamachi-dori" is a street known for its beautiful black-and-white "namako walls." Today, it is lined with shops selling Matsumoto folk art furniture and crafts, as well as stylish cafes, making it a sophisticated spot for a leisurely stroll.

On the other hand, “Nawate-dori,” running along the Meguro River, is a retro shopping street symbolized by a “frog.” Lined with shops selling taiyaki and antiques, this pedestrian-only street has a nostalgic atmosphere. It’s also bustling as the approach to Yotsubashi Shrine, making it perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or hunting for souvenirs. With the Matsumoto City Museum nearby, why not make it your base for exploring the city?

Kamikochi, one of Japan’s premier mountain resorts, offers picture-perfect scenery at every turn—from the majestic views of the Hotaka Mountain Range seen from its iconic Kappa Bridge to the ethereal Taisho Pond, dotted with standing dead trees.

Venture further into the mountains, and you’ll encounter the profound charm of unspoiled nature—from the mystical atmosphere of “Myojin Pond,” enveloped in silence, to the serene scenery of “Tokusawa,” where giant Japanese elm trees stand amidst expansive green meadows. These pristine landscapes, which reveal diverse facets depending on the season and time of day, are sure to gently soothe the hearts of all who visit.

Since temperatures at this high-altitude location (approximately 1,500 meters) are 5 to 10 degrees lower than at lower elevations, please bring a light jacket even in summer so you can comfortably enjoy the cool, refreshing air of the great outdoors.

The "Utsukushigahara Plateau," stretching east of downtown Matsumoto, is one of Japan’s largest plateau regions, situated at an elevation of 2,000 meters.From its highest peak, "Oga-gashira," visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view stretching from the Northern Alps and Southern Alps to Mount Fuji. In summer, cattle graze on the vast pastures, creating an idyllic scene alongside the iconic "Tower of Beauty." Please note that the roads are closed to traffic from late November through late April, so please be sure to check the best time to visit and transportation options carefully.

Mount Norikura, a renowned peak located at the southern tip of the Northern Alps. Tatamidaira, situated just below the summit at an elevation of 2,702 meters, is the “bus terminal closest to the sky in Japan” and is accessible by bus.In summer, take the shuttle bus up the "Norikura Echo Line" for an instant ascent into a world above the clouds. There, you can stroll through flower fields bursting with colorful alpine plants or tackle a genuine 3,000-meter-class climb suitable even for beginners. It is also famous as the "Cycling Road in the Sky," a mecca for cyclists. In winter, the area transforms into a pristine powder snow paradise enveloped in silence.In addition to the ski slopes, the area offers a wealth of unique activities, such as snowshoe hikes to the frozen “Zengoro Falls.”

Matsumoto City is known as the “City of Mountains,” the “City of Learning,” and the “City of Music.” In fact, it is also a major hot spring destination, boasting no fewer than 16 hot spring resorts within its city limits. From hot springs offering breathtaking views nestled in the natural beauty of the Northern Alps to secluded hot springs tucked away in tranquil rural landscapes, the variety is truly vast. Why not embark on a blissful journey to soothe your mind and body by immersing yourself in the deep allure of these renowned hot springs?

A collection of the best local dishes you’ll want to try when you visit Matsumoto. From classic favorites to snacks to enjoy while strolling through the city, delicious discoveries await to enhance your trip.

Why not choose a souvenir from your trip to Matsumoto that captures the warmth of traditional craftsmanship? In the castle town of Matsumoto, traditional crafts thrive, including the vibrantly colored Matsumoto temari balls, Matsumoto folk art furniture that embodies the beauty of functionality, woodwork, and Matsumoto daruma dolls. In recent years, the city has also become known as a “craft town,” offering a wealth of tableware and sundries that showcase the unique personalities of their creators. By incorporating your favorite pieces into your daily life, the sights of Matsumoto will come to mind every time you use them.When it comes to food, Shinshu soba, traditional sweets from the castle town, and local specialties like wine and apple confections are all popular choices.

Matsumoto hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year.In spring, the “Night Cherry Blossom Festival” illuminates Matsumoto Castle, and “May of Crafts” transforms the entire city into an open-air gallery. In summer, the “Matsumoto Castle National Treasure Taiko Festival” fills the air with powerful drumbeats against the backdrop of the National Treasure, while the world-renowned “Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival (OMF)” and the “Matsumoto Bonbon” dance, in which the entire city participates, create a lively atmosphere.In the fall, the downtown area becomes a pedestrian paradise, bustling with events like the “Matsumoto Festival (Citizens’ Festival)” and the “Apple Music Festival,” featuring colorful parades. And in the winter, under the motto “Bonbon in summer, Katchin in winter,” “Matsumoto Katchin” creates a fantastical world, with projection mapping on Matsumoto Castle and ice sculptures adorning the city.

From the Tokyo area, it takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by the JR Azusa Limited Express from Shinjuku Station. You can reach the destination comfortably without any transfers. From the Nagoya area, it takes about 2 hours on the JR Shinano Limited Express. From the Osaka area, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, transfer to the Shinano, and arrive in about 3 hours. There are also extensive express bus services; the journey takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes from Busta Shinjuku, and direct services operate from Nagoya and Osaka as well.If traveling by plane, regular flights operate to Shinshu Matsumoto Airport from Fukuoka, Sapporo (New Chitose), and Kobe. From the airport, it takes about 30 minutes by shuttle bus to reach downtown Matsumoto.

The “Town Sneaker” sightseeing bus is a great way to explore the city. With four routes available—including the “North Course” to Matsumoto Castle and the “East Course” through Nakamachi and the art museum—a one-day pass offers unlimited rides and discounts at tourist attractions, making it a great value. On sunny days, we also recommend using the “HELLO CYCLING” bike-sharing service to ride through the back alleys of the castle town with the wind in your hair.On the other hand, to reach outlying areas such as Kamikochi, Norikura Highlands, and Shirahone Onsen, the standard route is to take the Alpico Kotsu Kamikochi Line (train) from Matsumoto Station and transfer to a bus at the terminal station, Shinjimashima Station (direct buses to Kamikochi also run seasonally from Matsumoto Bus Terminal).

With its 400-year history, the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle, the majestic peaks of the Northern Alps, and heartwarming hot springs and gourmet cuisine, Matsumoto is brimming with diverse charms that captivate visitors and leave a lasting impression. Using the spots and suggested itineraries featured here as a guide, we encourage you to plan your very own trip to Matsumoto. No matter the season or time of day, you’re sure to discover something new and inspiring with every visit. Why not spend your next vacation enjoying a special time in beautiful Matsumoto, Shinshu?