Visit Mastumoto

You can download our sightseeing brochures from this page.

In Matsumoto City, an increasing number of facilities and shops now accept cashless payments such as credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments.

However, some independently owned restaurants and small shops may be “cash only,” so it’s a good idea to bring cash as well.

Additionally, the use of IC cards on public transportation within the city is limited to certain routes and areas.

Please visit the Access Information page.

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There are taxi stands at the Castle Exit (East Exit) and the Alps Exit (West Exit) of JR Matsumoto Station, making it relatively easy to catch a taxi.

The Matsumoto area is characterized by high sunshine rates throughout the year and little rain or snow.

In spring and fall, there is a significant temperature difference between morning/evening and daytime, so it’s a good idea to bring an extra layer to wear at night.

In summer, humidity is relatively low compared to the rest of Japan, and the heat is dry and pleasant. Since the sun is strong, we recommend wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Although snow does not always accumulate in winter, temperatures drop below freezing in the mornings and evenings, causing roads to freeze. Therefore, it is advisable to wear warm clothing and non-slip shoes.

For more details, please refer to this page.

We recommend that anyone planning a winter trip to Matsumoto by car equip their vehicle with all-season tires.

While Matsumoto has a climate where roads are rarely covered in snow, making it a city that’s easy to visit even in winter, temperatures drop below freezing in the mornings and evenings, causing roads to freeze over.

Additionally, since there are areas along the route to Matsumoto where snowfall is relatively heavy, it’s best to be prepared just in case.

If you are heading to destinations such as Kamikochi, Norikura Highlands, Utsukushigahara Highlands, or Shirahone Onsen, it is also advisable to have snow chains on hand for peace of mind.

We also recommend using public transportation for your winter trip to Matsumoto.

Crowd levels at Matsumoto Castle vary depending on the season and time of day.

During peak periods such as Golden Week, summer vacation, and the autumn foliage season, you may have to wait over an hour to enter the main keep.

The least crowded times are shortly after opening and in the evening.

You can check the latest crowd levels on the page below.

・Matsumoto Castle Crowd Levels Page 

[Inside Matsumoto Station]

<6 locations> https://www.jreast.co.jp/estation/stations/1444.html

3F: Inside the Welcome Center directly in front of the ticket gates, in the waiting room, next to NEW DAYS

2F: Castle Exit side

1F: Castle Exit, Alps Exit

*There is no luggage storage facility.

[Matsumoto Castle]

・Inside the Honmaru Garden (paid area)

*If coin lockers are full or your luggage is too large to fit, you can store it at the Matsumoto Castle Management Office (for a fee)

・Tourist Information Center (paid: space for 10 items)

Please check out the event page for more details.

Please take a look here.

There are several locations in Matsumoto City where you can access free Wi-Fi at tourist facilities and public spaces.

Please see here for a list of the main available spots.

In addition, the Tourist Information Center located on the south side of Matsumoto Castle has computers available for internet use.

There are several hot spring resorts in Matsumoto City that are easily accessible from the city center.

Some facilities offer day-trip bathing options, so you can enjoy the hot springs even while sightseeing.

(Examples)

■ Asama Onsen

・Asama Onsen Accommodations (Please contact each facility for day-trip plans, etc.)

・Yuyu-an Biwa-no-Yu

・Hot Plaza Asama

・Cafe & Retreat Pura

■Utsukushigahara Onsen

・Utsukushigahara Onsen: Various lodging facilities (Please contact each facility for day-trip plans, etc.)

・Shiraito no Yu

■Bathing Facilities in the City Center

・Yunohana Sento Zuisho Matsumoto-kan

・Ringo no Yuya Obu~

For more details, please see the hot springs page.

■Matsumoto Police Station

0263-25-0110

(The police station responsible for Matsumoto City)

■Holiday and Nighttime Emergency Medical Assistance

0120-890-423

(Emergency medical information for Nagano Prefecture)

■Japan Visitor Hotline

050-3816-2787

https://www.jnto.go.jp/projects/visitor_support/japanvisitorhotline.pdf

■Japan Safe Travel Information

https://www.japan.travel/en/japan-safe-travel-information/

There are several organizations that offer free guided tours of the city’s main attractions, centered around Matsumoto Castle, for visitors to Matsumoto City.

For more details, please visit the Volunteer Guides page.

There are two locations in Matsumoto City: one inside JR Matsumoto Station and one near Matsumoto Castle.

■ Matsumoto City Tourist Information Center (Inside JR Matsumoto Station)

9:00 AM–5:45 PM (Closed only during the New Year’s holiday period)

1-1-1 Fukashi, Matsumoto City, 390-0815

Click here for details 

■ Matsumoto City Tourist Information Center (Near Matsumoto Castle)

0263-39-7176 

9:00 AM – 5:45 PM (Closed only during the New Year’s holiday period)

1F, Matsumoto City Hall Ote Office, 3-8-13 Ote, Matsumoto City, 390-0874

Click here for details 

Please use the Photo Library page.

As a general rule, we do not lend or provide images from other pages on this site.

Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.

Please download the banner files from the “About This Site” page and use them.

If you would like to place a banner on this site, please contact us.