[Available Near Matsumoto Station] 23 Popular Matsumoto Souvenirs!

Our fun sightseeing trip in Matsumoto is finally coming to a close. Here’s one more memory to take home from Matsumoto. Why not choose a souvenir that features flavors and shapes you can only find here?

In this article, we’ve carefully selected and introduce popular, “can’t-miss” Matsumoto souvenirs that you can quickly pick up around Matsumoto Station. We’ve covered a wide range of items—from classic Nagano and Shinshu sweets and time-honored confections perfect for sharing with coworkers and friends, to local desserts trending on social media, famous gourmet snacks to pair with drinks, and stylish traditional crafts and goods that make lasting keepsakes.

We’ve also packed this guide with information on spots—such as the “MIDORI Matsumoto” station building and shops inside the station—that you can easily stop by even right before boarding your limited-express train. Whether as a treat for yourself or a gift for someone special, let’s find that one-of-a-kind treasure to enhance the lingering memories of your trip.

[Available Near Matsumoto Station] 23 Popular Matsumoto Souvenirs!

Souvenir Shops Around Matsumoto Station

Here are some convenient souvenir spots near Matsumoto Station that you can easily stop by. If you know where to find the shops in the station building and inside the ticket gates, you’ll be all set even when you’re short on time!

MIDORI Matsumoto
This spot offers a wide selection of delicious Shinshu specialties and souvenirs, making it a convenient place to stop by to round out your trip. There are souvenir shops on the first and fourth floors.
The building also features restaurants where you can enjoy Shinshu cuisine, and since it’s located right outside the ticket gates, you can shop and dine without getting wet, even on rainy days.
MIDORI Matsumoto
MIDORI Matsumoto Official Website
Matsumoto Souvenir Shop (Alpico Plaza, B1)
Located on the B1 level of Alpico Plaza, it’s the perfect place to kill time while waiting for a bus or train. It offers a wide selection of Shinshu’s most famous confections and local specialties, with a lineup unique to the region. It’s a convenient spot to stop by during your sightseeing or while you’re on the go.
Matsumoto Souvenir Shop (Alpico Plaza, B1)
Matsumoto Souvenir Shop Official Instagram
Delicia Matsumoto Station Branch (Alpico Plaza, B1)
A local supermarket on the B1 level of Alpico Plaza. In addition to Shinshu soba and local sake, you can find fresh seasonal fruits, sweets, and bread here. It’s a hidden gem that’s perfect not only for picking up treats for yourself or small gifts to share at work, but also for stocking up on fruit and light snacks to enjoy at the hotel.
Delicia Matsumoto Station Branch (Alpico Plaza, B1)
Delicia Matsumoto Official Website
NewDays Matsumoto Meihin-kan (Outside the ticket gates at Matsumoto Station)
Located right outside the ticket gates at Matsumoto Station, its convenience—allowing you to pop in quickly while waiting for your train—is its main appeal. In addition to serving as a convenience store, it offers a carefully curated selection of typical Shinshu souvenirs, including Matsumoto’s famous confections and local sake. It’s a reliable go-to when you’ve forgotten to buy something or are short on time.
NewDays Matsumoto Meihin-kan (Outside the ticket gates at Matsumoto Station)
NewDays Matsumoto Meihin-kan Official Website
Inside the ticket gates at Matsumoto Station
The convenience store inside the ticket gates at Matsumoto Station is a convenient spot you can visit even after passing through the gates. You can shop right up until your train departs. In addition to classic souvenirs, the store offers ekiben (station boxed lunches) to enjoy on the train, local sake, and snacks—so even if you’ve forgotten to buy something, you can easily pick it up here.
Inside the ticket gates at Matsumoto Station

[From Long-Established Shops to Classic Favorites] Matsumoto’s Famous Sweets

We’ve carefully selected everything from time-honored confections that embody the traditions of the castle town to classic sweets.

Ishigaki Sablés / Masamura Pastry Shop
These shortbread cookies are inspired by the stone walls of Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure, and are made using a unique production method. “The harmony between the macadamia nuts kneaded into the dough and the white chocolate is simply exquisite! Individually wrapped for easy sharing, they’re the perfect souvenir that instantly brings Matsumoto to mind.”
Ishigaki Sablés / Masamura Pastry Shop
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Flat Candy / Bean Candy / Yamaya Candy Shop, Iidaya Candy Shop, Shimbashiya Candy Shop
Traditional confections made by Matsumoto’s “Big Three” candy shops. Yamaya Oame-jo’s “Ita-ame” and Iidaya and Shinbashiya’s “Mame-ita” are candies made by kneading peanuts into rice syrup and rolling it out extremely thin. Be sure to try them side by side to compare their crisp textures and simple sweetness.
Flat Candy / Bean Candy / Yamaya Candy Shop, Iidaya Candy Shop, Shimbashiya Candy Shop
Swan Lake / Kaun-do
This is the signature confection of “Kaiundo,” a long-established shop with a history of over 140 years. It is a soft cookie called “Polporone,” which originated in a Spanish monastery. Its delicate texture—which melts in your mouth—and its charming design featuring a swan make it extremely popular among women.
Swan Lake / Kaun-do
Temarin / Temariya
A Baumkuchen inspired by the traditional craft “Matsumoto Temari.” Made with generous amounts of Shinshu-grown rice flour and eggs, it’s baked to a moist texture. With its cute appearance, it’s a great choice as a gift.
Temarin / Temariya
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Shinshu Apple Pound Cake / 5HORN
Made with a generous amount of apples from Shinshu, the “Shinshu Apple Pound Cake” is known for its moist texture and rich aroma. Available at the “MIDORI” station building, it’s a delightful treat—perfect as a treat for yourself or as a souvenir from Matsumoto.
Shinshu Apple Pound Cake / 5HORN
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Chocolate Sandwich / Shinshu Chocolaterie GAKU
A specialty shop featuring Shinshu ingredients paired with chocolate. The most popular item, the “Chocolate Sandwich,” is Shinshu Chocolaterie GAKU’s masterpiece, crafted with the finest chocolate, Shinshu-grown ingredients, and the skill of master artisans. You can purchase it at the “MIDORI” station building.
Chocolate Sandwich / Shinshu Chocolaterie GAKU
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[A Signature Dish of Shinshu] Shinshu Soba

When it comes to classic Shinshu souvenirs, “Shinshu soba” is an absolute must. Grown in a climate with extreme temperature fluctuations and nourished by pure water, this soba has a rich aroma and a superb texture.For souvenirs, there’s a wide variety to choose from depending on your needs, including “dried noodles,” which have a long shelf life and are lightweight, and “semi-fresh noodles,” which offer a flavor close to that of freshly made soba. At souvenir shops in train stations, products developed in collaboration with famous shops, as well as sets that include soba, dipping sauce, and shichimi chili pepper, are particularly popular. Once you return home, savor the authentic taste of Shinshu soba while reliving the memories of your trip.

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Matsumoto Soba Restaurants Chosen by Matsumoto Residents

Along with the soba noodles you brought back as souvenirs, we hope you’ll enjoy visiting some of Matsumoto’s most famous restaurants. Based on a survey of local residents, we’ve carefully selected and introduce “Matsumoto’s Soba Restaurants” that continue to be beloved by the community. If you’re not sure where to go, be sure to check out this article first.

Matsumoto Soba Restaurants Chosen by Matsumoto Residents

[Local Bread from Nagano Prefecture] Milk Bread

Have you heard of “Milk Bread,” a beloved local specialty that continues to be cherished as the soul food of Nagano Prefecture? It’s a hearty local bread featuring a thick, fluffy crust generously filled with rich, sweet milk cream.In recent years, it has become a hot topic for being “Instagram-worthy” thanks to its cute, retro Showa-era packaging design and the striking cross-section featuring a thick layer of cream, attracting a lot of attention from younger travelers. Since the sweetness of the cream and the texture of the bread vary by shop, we recommend buying a few to try and compare. Its nostalgic and comforting flavor makes it the perfect snack for your trip.

You can find it at NewDays Matsumoto Meihin-kan.

[The Taste of Local Cuisine] Oyaki

"Oyaki," a local dish made by wrapping vegetables or sweet red bean paste in a dough of wheat or buckwheat flour, is a symbol of Shinshu’s culinary culture. The variety of fillings is truly rich, ranging from "nozawana" (a type of pickled mustard greens) with its delightful crunchy texture, to "eggplant" infused with the flavor of miso, and "pumpkin" with its natural sweetness.Cooking methods—whether steamed, grilled, or deep-fried—vary by region and shop, allowing you to enjoy distinct textures. For souvenirs, there’s a wide selection of vacuum-packed and frozen varieties; simply reheat them at home to relive the authentic local flavor. It’s also a real treat to buy a warm oyaki on the spot and enjoy it as a snack on the train ride home.

[Enjoying the Seasonal Bounty of Shinshu, the "Fruit Kingdom"] Fruit

Nagano Prefecture is often referred to as the “Fruit Kingdom.” Its climate, characterized by long hours of sunshine and significant temperature differences between day and night, brings out the maximum sweetness in the fruit. From “watermelons” from Matsumoto Highlands—a renowned summer production area—to “grapes” (such as Nagano Purple and Shine Muscat) in the fall, and honey-sweet “apples” through the winter, the region’s appeal lies in the opportunity to experience seasonal delicacies no matter when you visit.In addition to fresh fruit, there is a wide variety of processed products available, such as 100% pure juices packed with concentrated flavor and dried fruit. These long-lasting processed items make ideal souvenirs that are sure to please everyone, from young children to the elderly. You can purchase them at Delicia Matsumoto Station Front Store.

[It's Fun to Compare Different Drinks] Alcohol

A diverse selection of fine beverages from Matsumoto, born from the bounty of the Northern Alps. From sake to cider, enjoy a luxurious moment at home.

Wine
Matsumoto City is a key part of the “Shinshu Wine Valley.” At “Yamabe Winery” in the Yamabe district—a thriving grape-growing region—you can also enjoy a meal. The flavors of grapes like Concord and Niagara, nurtured by Matsumoto’s climate, are truly exceptional.
Wine
Cider
"Cider" is a specialty of Nagano Prefecture, a renowned apple-growing region. It is a sparkling wine made by fermenting fully ripened apples. With a wide variety ranging from sweet to dry styles that pair well with meals, its fruity aroma and refreshing finish make it popular among women.
Cider
Sake
Blessed with the pure groundwater of the Northern Alps and high-quality sake rice, Matsumoto is home to six historic sake breweries. The local sake, brewed using traditional techniques, is characterized by its crisp yet rich flavor.
Sake
Craft Beer
We also recommend Matsumoto’s craft beers, which showcase the city’s delicious water and local ingredients! Popular breweries include “Matsumoto Brewery,” with its stylish logo modeled after the Northern Alps, and “MATSUMOTO GAKU-TO BREWING,” which produces beers inspired by Matsumoto’s nicknames: “City of Mountains,” “City of Music,” and “City of Learning.”
Craft Beer

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Perfect for the Train Ride Home! Train Izakaya

The perfect way to spend your return trip is at the “Train Izakaya”! A single-cup serving of local sake pairs perfectly with pickled nozawana, while a convenient cup of wine goes wonderfully with smoked Shinshu salmon. With the passing scenery as your accompaniment, treat yourself to a luxurious moment as you savor the afterglow of your journey with your own personalized pairings.

Perfect for the Train Ride Home! Train Izakaya

[Traditional Flavors of Shinshu] Shinshu Miso

"Shinshu Miso," which accounts for approximately 50% of Japan’s total production and consumption, is a traditional Japanese fermented food nurtured by pure water and a cool climate. As microorganisms slowly mature amid extreme temperature fluctuations, the miso develops a beautiful golden-yellow color, a rich aroma, and a clean, savory flavor. With a wide selection ranging from miso brewed naturally by long-established manufacturers to convenient single-serving packs, it makes an ideal souvenir.

[To Go With Rice] Pickles

You can’t miss out on these traditional pickles—they go great with both rice and sake!

Pickled Nozawa Greens
The king of pickles, representative of Shinshu. Its pleasant, crisp texture and just the right amount of saltiness make it perfect with warm rice or as a snack with tea. The deep, tangy flavor of “Hon-zuke”—pickles that have been left to ferment through the winter until they turn a tortoiseshell color—is also a taste beloved by connoisseurs.
Pickled Nozawa Greens
Wasabi-Pickled Vegetables
A specialty of Shinshu made with wasabi grown in the region’s pure water and cool climate. The refreshing spiciness that tingles the nose and the rich sweetness of sake lees create an exquisite balance. It’s perfect not only as a side dish with rice but also as an accompaniment to kamaboko and a great snack to enjoy with sake.
Wasabi-Pickled Vegetables
Hohei Turnip
A traditional vegetable that has been cultivated for generations in Nagawa, Matsumoto City. It is characterized by its vivid reddish-purple color, which looks beautiful on the table when pickled in a sweet-and-sour brine. The flesh is dense and firm, offering a crisp, satisfying crunch and a refreshing sweet-and-sour flavor that leaves you wanting more.
Hohei Turnip

[As a Souvenir of Your Trip] Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs from Matsumoto

Experience the warmth of Matsumoto’s traditional craftsmanship. Capture your travel memories with traditional crafts and goods that add color to your daily life.

Temari Matsumoto
A symbol of Matsumoto that has been passed down since the Edo period. It is a beautiful craft item featuring geometric patterns embroidered with colorful silk threads. Although it was once a children’s toy, it is now cherished as a symbol of happiness that “brings about a good marriage” and as a charming piece of home décor.
Temari Matsumoto
Bamboo baskets, basket bags, bamboo crafts
Bamboo crafts made from “Misuzu bamboo” and other varieties harvested in the Matsumoto area are prized for their flexibility and durability. Highly practical items such as shopping baskets and lunch boxes, they also offer the pleasure of watching them develop a lustrous amber hue as they age and are used over time.
Bamboo baskets, basket bags, bamboo crafts
Stamped Fabric
A traditional technique that involves applying resist paste using stencils made of shibugami paper and then dyeing the fabric with pigments. Featuring many simple, rustic patterns such as flowers, plants, and landscapes, our collection includes items like tapestries, coasters, and small storage boxes that add the warmth of folk art to your living space.
Stamped Fabric
Pottery and Ceramics
In Matsumoto, a city deeply influenced by the folk art movement, there are many potteries and artists who create tableware suitable for everyday use. Their plates and cups, with their simple, warm texture, are appealing for their practicality—they complement any dish.
Pottery and Ceramics
Tenugui
These tenugui feature motifs unique to Matsumoto—such as Matsumoto Castle, the Northern Alps, and temari—dye-printed in a distinctive style. They’re perfect for wiping your hands, of course, but you can also use them to wrap bottles or frame them as decorations—the possibilities are endless. They’re compact and make great gifts.

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Matsumoto is Japan's leading producer of domestically made guitars

In fact, Matsumoto City boasts the highest production volume of domestically made guitars in Japan. This is due to its long-standing tradition of woodworking and its cool, dry climate, which is ideal for instrument making. Various manufacturers have established their headquarters and factories within the city, giving it the reputation of being a “city of music.”

Matsumoto is Japan's leading producer of domestically made guitars

Summary

The area around Matsumoto Station is home to a cluster of souvenir shops, making it easy to efficiently browse and select delicious Shinshu specialties and crafts. It’s also convenient to stop by on your way out, allowing you to pick out souvenirs with ease—another appealing feature.

The shops in the station building and the surrounding area are convenient spots to visit as you wrap up your trip. Be sure to find a Matsumoto souvenir that suits your style and take it home along with your memories.

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