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Before you go
Your trip to Matsumoto.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Matsumoto – Nagano about 75 km from Nagano
How to get there
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Aeroporto Shinshu-Matsumoto (MMJ) 10 km
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Estação de Matsumoto 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Shinjuku in Tokyo, the Azusa limited express takes about 2.5 to 3 hours; from Nagoya, the Shinano train takes about 2 hours. Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport (MMJ), about 10 km away, receives domestic flights. From Nagano, the train takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.
How many days
Two days: the castle, Nakamachi, and Kaichi School on the first day; Kamikochi on the second. Add half a day for Azumino and the wasabi farm.
When to go
The city year-round. April has the castle cherry blossoms; Kamikochi is open from May to October, with foliage in October. Winter is cold and dry.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The center is best explored on foot and using the city loop buses; trains and buses serve Kamikochi and Azumino. A car is helpful in Azumino, but cannot enter Kamikochi.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Matsumoto
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Morning
Matsumoto Castle
Arrive early at the castle, climb the steep stairs of the keep to the sixth floor, and walk around the moat for photos with the Alps in the background.
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Afternoon
Kaichi School and Nakamachi
Walk to the former Kaichi School and then down to Nakamachi Street and Nawate Alley, with craft shops and cafés in old storehouses.
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Evening
Shinshu soba
Have soba — the region’s buckwheat noodles — at a downtown restaurant, and stop by to see the castle illuminated.
2 days in Matsumoto
Day 1
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Morning
Castle and moat
Visit the castle at opening time and walk through the moat park and across the red bridge.
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Afternoon
Old town center
Kaichi School, Nakamachi Street and Nawate Alley, with time for the city art museum if you are interested in contemporary art.
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Evening
Dinner in the center
Soba, horse meat, and vegetable dishes from the mountains at restaurants near the station.
Day 2
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Morning
Kamikochi
Leave early by train to Shin-Shimashima and continue by bus to Kamikochi. Start the trail at Taisho-ike and walk along the Azusa River to Kappa-bashi Bridge.
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Afternoon
Myojin-ike
From Kappa-bashi, follow the riverbank to Myojin Pond and the Hotaka shrine, returning along the other bank. Check the time of the last bus.
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Evening
Return to Matsumoto
Return to Matsumoto in the early evening and have dinner near the station.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is Matsumoto worth the trip just for the castle?
The castle alone justifies the stop, but the city also has an old town center, the Kaichi School, and serves as a base for Kamikochi and Azumino. Two days make good use of the area.
What to eat in Matsumoto?
Shinshu buckwheat soba, sanzokuyaki fried chicken with garlic, raw sliced horse meat called basashi, and apple sweets, the typical fruit of Nagano.
How to get from Matsumoto to Kamikochi?
By train on the Kamikochi line to Shin-Shimashima, about 30 minutes, then by bus to the Kamikochi terminal, about 1 hour. In season there are also direct buses from Matsumoto Station.
Does Matsumoto have hot springs?
Yes. The Asama and Utsukushigahara hot springs are about 20 minutes by bus from the center, with traditional inns and public baths.
Beyond the guide
