Sightseeing & Model Courses
Photo Spot Course
We recommend a tour of iconic photo spots in Matsumoto, perfect for capturing images that make you want to reach for your camera. Capture the townscape of Matsumoto with a photo that’s uniquely yours!
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10:00
Popular Cafe Tour
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11:30
Matsumoto City Museum
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13:00
Nakamachi Street Walk
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14:00
National Treasure Former Kaichi School
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18:00
Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping
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18:00
Stay at Asama Onsen
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AM
Stroll through Asama Onsen
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PM
National Treasure Matsumoto Castle
Popular Cafe Tour
Matsumoto boasts a variety of stylish cafes, including those with a nostalgic Showa era atmosphere, traditional shops featuring a lot of 'Matsumoto Folk Art Furniture' in their interiors, popular stores offering mocha parfaits trending on social media, and new locations filled with art designed by Scandinavian designers. Surrounded by mountains and blessed with delicious water, Matsumoto is a castle town where you can definitely find your favorite cafe.
Matsumoto City Museum
In 2023, the Matsumoto City Museum relocated from Matsumoto-Jo Park to Daimyocho Street.
After its renewal, it is now equipped with cafes, play spaces, and more, making it a
comfortable space for all visitors. The first floor has a play area called “Kids’
Experience Plaza,” ideal for families. The second floor has a special exhibition room
and an open library information room, while the third floor houses the permanent
exhibition. The permanent exhibition is divided into eight themes, and the castle-themed
zone includes a huge 8.5m x 5.5m diorama replicating the castle town of the Edo period –
it’s impressive!
Filled with the attractions of Matsumoto City, you’ll never get bored even if you spend
the whole day there.
- Address
- 3-2-21 Ote, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- TEL
- 0263-32-0133
Nakamachi Street Walk
Nakamachi Street runs along the Zenkoji Kaido from west to east, where sake breweries and kimono shops once opened along the road. Learning from repeated large fires from the late Edo to Meiji periods, fire-resistant storehouses with namako walls were built here. Nowadays, many shops in Matsumoto City sell local handicrafts and traditional crafts. The buildings, as well as the entire street, are picturesque spots.
National Treasure Former Kaichi School
Another national treasure Matsumoto is proud of, the Former Kaichi School, has reopened after 3.5 years of seismic retrofitting and will open again in November 2024. The preserved school building was newly constructed in 1876 and became a national treasure as the first modern school building in Reiwa 1 (2019), symbolizing the dawn of modern education. The central part of the building features a school name signboard with a cute angel – be sure to take a photo of it!
Spot Information- Address
- 2-4-12 Kaichi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- TEL
- 0263-32-5725
National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping
The keep, stone walls, and gates of Matsumoto Castle serve as a backdrop for dynamic and fantastic projection mapping. Advanced technology brings attractive motifs to life in sync with music, creating an immersive digital art experience – video recording is highly recommended!
Spot Information- Address
- 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- TEL
- 0263-32-2902
Stay at Asama Onsen
After enjoying the projection mapping, staying at “Asama Onsen,” the back room of the lord of Matsumoto Castle, is recommended. With a history of over 1,300 years, this hot spring area is famous for its beautifying waters. Asama Onsen, which houses famous hotels and traditional inns, is about a 20-minute bus ride from the center of the city, making it convenient for transportation. Relax in the famed hot spring loved by feudal lords, warm up, and rest well.
Stroll through Asama Onsen
After refreshing in the hot springs and recharging with a delicious breakfast, take a stroll through the hot spring town. The streets, with slopes and retro buildings, are lined with both traditional souvenir shops and new popular stores renovated from old houses. There are more and more cafes where you can stop by as you walk, offering a nostalgic landscape with plenty of photo-worthy spots!
National Treasure Matsumoto Castle
During the day, Matsumoto Castle presents a stark contrast to the brilliantly illuminated scene from last night. The dignified black and white contrast, set against the backdrop of the winter Northern Alps, makes for a perfect photo. Capture an unforgettable shot to conclude your journey.
Spot Information- Address
- 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- TEL
- 0263-32-2902
