Matsumoto

Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
21/08/2025
Scenic view of Matsumoto Castle with vibrant autumn foliage and a red bridge in Japan.
suradeach saetang, Pexels

Matsumoto, Japan, offers a blend of rich history, cultural attractions, and access to stunning natural landscapes. It serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps, providing opportunities for both cultural immersion and outdoor adventures.

Nawate Street and Nakamachi Street are central areas for socializing, offering a selection of shops, cafes, and eateries where visitors can engage with the local atmosphere and other travelers. Exploring local Izakaya with a guide also provides a chance to interact with residents.

Top 7 Things to do in Matsumoto

Matsumoto offers a range of activities from exploring historical landmarks and traditional streets to immersing oneself in modern art and breathtaking alpine nature.

1. Matsumoto Castle

Explore one of Japan's designated National Treasure castles, notable for its striking black exterior, earning it the nickname 'Crow Castle'. This original structure has stood for over 400 years and offers steep internal stairs to reach the upper floors, providing views of the city. Visiting during early to mid-April for cherry blossoms or mid-December to mid-February for winter illuminations offers a particularly picturesque experience. Allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes for your visit inside the castle.

Cost: Adults: ¥1,200 (digital timed entry ticket) or ¥1,300 (on-site paper ticket), Children (6-15): ¥400. These prices are effective from April 2025.

Transport: Approximately a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. Alternatively, take the 'Town Sneaker' city loop bus (North Course) from Matsumoto Station (Oshiroguchi stop) to Matsumotojo-Shiyakushomae stop, a journey of about 10 minutes. A single bus ride costs ¥200.

2. Nawate Street

Stroll along this charming pedestrian street, also known as 'Frog Street' due to the subtle frog motifs found throughout. It runs alongside the Metoba River and is lined with small, traditional wooden shops selling unique souvenirs, local crafts, and street food like taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) and senbei (rice crackers). It's a peaceful area to soak in the local atmosphere.

Cost: Free to enter and explore; costs vary for purchases.

Transport: A short walk from Matsumoto Castle and easily accessible on foot from Matsumoto Station, approximately 10 minutes.

3. Nakamachi Street

Wander through Nakamachi Street, distinguished by its traditional 'kura' (storehouses) featuring unique black-and-white criss-cross patterned walls. This historical merchant street now hosts a variety of shops offering Japanese handicrafts, pottery, lacquerware, and a selection of cafes and restaurants. The Kurassic-kan, a renovated sake warehouse, serves as a landmark and often hosts events. A local farmers market is held here on Saturday mornings.

Cost: Free to enter and explore; costs vary for purchases.

Transport: Located a 5-10 minute walk from Matsumoto Castle and about a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. The Town Sneaker bus also has a stop on Nakamachi Street.

4. Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Discover the vibrant works of world-renowned avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, a native of Matsumoto, whose art is the museum's main draw. The museum building itself is eye-catching with polka-dot designs, a signature of Kusama. It houses permanent collections of her art, along with works by other artists connected to the city.

Cost: Adults: ¥800 (on-site) or ¥700 (online).

Transport: Approximately a 12-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station. Alternatively, take the Town Sneaker bus (East Course) to the Matsumoto Bijutsukan (Museum of Art) bus stop.

5. Kamikochi Day Trip

Escape to the breathtaking alpine valley of Kamikochi, a jewel of the Japanese Alps. This national park is renowned for its pristine rivers, stunning mountain vistas, and accessible hiking trails, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. It is a popular destination to enjoy cooler temperatures in summer and vibrant autumn foliage. Private cars are restricted within Kamikochi, requiring visitors to use public transport for access.

Cost: Train and bus combined ticket from Matsumoto: ¥2,710 one-way for adults. A direct reserved bus from Matsumoto Bus Terminal costs ¥2,570 one-way for adults. All buses to Kamikochi require reservations from 2025.

Transport: From Matsumoto Station, take the Alpico Kamikochi Rail Line to Shin-Shimashima Station (approx. 30 minutes, ¥710). From Shin-Shimashima, transfer to a bus for Kamikochi (approx. 60 minutes). The total journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Direct reserved buses are also available from Matsumoto Bus Terminal, though return journeys usually involve the train-bus transfer.

6. Soba Noodle Making Workshop

Participate in a hands-on workshop to learn the traditional art of making soba (buckwheat) noodles from scratch, a culinary highlight of Nagano Prefecture. Guided by a local soba master, you will learn to prepare, knead, and cut the noodles using authentic tools. The experience often concludes with tasting your freshly made noodles, sometimes combined with a tour of Matsumoto Castle.

Cost: A combined Matsumoto Castle tour and Soba Noodle Making experience costs around ¥14,200 per adult, including lunch. Workshops focused solely on soba making can also be found.

Transport: Workshops are typically located near Matsumoto Castle or easily accessible from Matsumoto Station by foot or a short bus ride. The workshop mentioned at Takagi is a 1-minute walk from Matsumoto Castle.

7. Japan Ukiyo-e Museum

Explore the world's largest private collection of ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), spanning the 17th to 20th centuries. The museum houses over 100,000 pieces, including works by renowned artists like Katsushika Hokusai, offering a deep dive into this significant Japanese art form. While extensive, the exhibition space focuses on a selection of these works.

Cost: Adults: ¥1,000, Junior/senior high & college students: ¥500.

Transport: Located about three kilometers outside Matsumoto city center. It can be reached by a 10-minute taxi ride from Matsumoto Station (approx. ¥2,000). Alternatively, take the Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line from Matsumoto Station to Oniwa Station (5 minutes, ¥180), followed by a 15-20 minute walk. A local bus also serves the area.

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