Matsumoto City in Nagano started out as the entertainment district of Matsumoto Castle, and still has many historic buildings. It is also surrounded by the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps.
About Matsumoto
Matsumoto is in the western part of Nagano Prefecture. The tourist spots can be split into 3 areas: the Utsukushigahara Plateau Area that stretches an impressive 2,000 meters above sea level, the downtown Matsumoto Castle Area, and the Japanese Alps Area which is home to the Kamikochi Plateau and Mt. Norikura.
Matsumoto Weather and Tourism Seasons
Matsumoto has both highlands and a valley. In the highlands, the temperature is low year-round, and it snows most days in the winter. In the valley, the humidity is low year-round and there is very little precipitation, and most days are clear and sunny.
If you plan to travel around the various areas of Matsumoto, we recommend going in spring, summer, or fall.
Things to Do and See in Matsumoto
Matsumoto City offers a multitude of natural and historical sights. We will introduce some of our most recommended spots.
The Natural Beauty of the Highlands Area
In the eastern part of Matsumoto is the Utsukushigahara Plateau, and trekking and night sky viewing is popular. On the western side, there are hot springs and ski resorts at Norikura, where you can climb the Kamikochi valley either by hiking, and be surrounded by many of the beautiful spots of the Japanese Alps.
Japanese National Treasure: Matsumoto Castle and Other Historic Buildings
The National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle, is the symbol of Matsumoto City. It’s a very old castle, built in the 1590s. The surrounding area was the entertainment district for the castle, and many of the old buildings, built in the traditional ‘Kurazukuri’ style, still stand today, making you able to really feel the history of the area.
The Matsumoto City Museum of Art and Other Tourist Spots
Within Matsumoto City are several places, such as art museums, where you can treat your eyes. Our first recommendation, The Matsumoto City Art Museum, in particular, houses works by many local artists. Of particular note are the many pieces by Matsumoto native artist, Yayoi Kusama.
Foods and Restaurants in Matsumoto
There are many restaurants surrounding Matsumoto Station, where you can try some of Matsumoto’s local delicacies.
If You Want to Eat Sushi, We Suggest Near the Station
There are many restaurants around Matsumoto Station where you can eat delicious sushi. These include Nihon Kaishuuya, a drinking establishment where you can eat sushi for a reasonable price, and the family-run sushi restaurant, Fujinami-Zushi.
Horse, Chicken, and Beef: Famous Meat Cuisine
Many meat dishes are famous in Matsumoto, including Shinshu Beef, raw Horse meat, and locally-raised poultry. Among these, Sanzoku-Yaki is especially popular as a local dish. It is a dish made of chicken thigh and breast, marinated in a peppery sauce, then coated in batter and fried.
Matsumoto Hotels and Inns
There are many places to stay around Matsumoto Station, and many of them are quite reasonably priced. On the eastern side of the station, there are hot springs such as Asama and Utsukushiigahara, and if you’d like to stay in a traditional inn, we recommend this area.
Access to Matsumoto From Tokyo
If you are headed to Matsumoto from Tokyo, first head to Shinjuku Station. If you get on the Special Express train from the Chuo Line platform, you can reach Matsumoto Station in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Spot information
- Spot name：Matsumoto (Matsumoto Station)
- Street address：〒390-0815, 1, Fukashi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- Access：About 2 and 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station by Special Express
- Wi-Fi：Available（Matsumoto City Free Wi-Fi）
- Language：English, Chinese, Korean
- Ticket Purchase：At stations
- Credit cards：VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International
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