Matsumoto

Matsumoto (松本) is a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its historic castle and the beautiful natural surroundings of the Japanese Alps. This makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs.

The most famous attraction in Matsumoto is Matsumoto Castle, also known as the “Crow Castle” (烏城) due to its black exterior. The castle’s keep was originally built in the late 16th century, and its current form was completed in the early Edo period. It is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure. Visitors can explore the castle’s five floors, which house various exhibits and artifacts that showcase its history.

The castle is surrounded by a moat and gardens, forming Matsumoto Castle Park, a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. The park also features a traditional tea house where visitors can experience Japanese tea ceremony.

Matsumoto boasts a rich cultural heritage as a former castle town. The well-preserved streetscapes still evoke the atmosphere of the past. The city is home to several museums, including the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Yayoi Kusama. The Nawate-dori shopping street, also known as “Frog Street” due to its numerous frog statues, is lined with traditional Japanese buildings and shops selling local souvenirs and snacks. Nakamachi Street is another charming area with traditional kura (storehouse) architecture.

Matsumoto also offers beautiful natural scenery, with several parks and gardens within the city, such as Agatanomori Park, located a short walk from Matsumoto Castle. Other notable cultural attractions include the Former Kaichi School, a Meiji-era pseudo-Western-style school building designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, home to a world-class collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

The city is also known for its wasabi production, and visitors can find fresh wasabi and wasabi-flavored products throughout the city.

Attractions in Matsumoto

Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle (松本城), also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, is a historic castle located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japa...

Daio Wasabi Farm Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場), located in the Hotaka area of Azumino City in Nagano Prefecture, is the largest wasabi farm in Japan, covering an expansiv...

Nakamachi-dori Nakamachi-dori (中町通り) is a historic street located in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The street is renowned for its well-preserved Edo-...

Getting there

From Tokyo

By Train

• JR Chuo Main Line Limited Express “Azusa” or “Super Azusa”
• About 2.5 to 3 hours from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station
• Cost: 6,380 yen (without reserved seat)

By Highway Bus

• From Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Matsumoto Bus Terminal
• Travel time: About 3 hours 20 minutes
• Cost: 3,500 yen

From Nagoya

• JR Limited Express “Shinano”
• About 2 hours 10 minutes from Nagoya Station to Matsumoto Station
• Cost: 5,510 yen (without reserved seat)

From Osaka/Kyoto

• Easiest route is via Nagoya
• Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, then JR Limited Express “Shinano” to Matsumoto

From Airports

Narita Airport / Haneda Airport

• Use the above methods via Tokyo

Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya)

• Direct taxi shuttle: About 3.5 hours, 8,750 yen
• Or take a train via Nagoya Station

Within Matsumoto city, you can get around on foot or by bicycle. Matsumoto Castle is about a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. There’s also a tourist loop bus called “Town Sneaker” available.