Matsumoto is a city but has a countryside feel because of its cool weather (even in the summer) and laidback ambiance. It also has noteworthy attractions within and possible day trips that may pique the interest of visitors who want to see a different side of Japan. You won’t regret adding Matsumoto to your itinerary as you explore the country.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (around early April) is a good time to visit to see the cherry blossoms with Matsumoto Castle as the background. The time you visit will also depend on what you want to see outside the city. If you plan to go hiking, summer is an ideal season to visit. If you plan to do the Alpine route, spring until autumn is a good time to go.

Get In and Out

By Air

You can get to Matsumoto via Tokyo and Nagoya by air; there are direct flights that ply these routes regularly.

By Train

From Tokyo

You can take the bullet train to Nagano, then switch to a limited express train to Matsumoto. Fare: Around ¥10,000.
You may also take the limited express trains; this trip takes around two and a half hours. The station you need to go to is in Shinjuku; the train will go to Matsumoto Station. Fare: Around ¥6,500 (one way)
Another option is to take the local train; this is cheaper but takes longer (approximately 5 hours) and requires a handful of transfers in between. Fare: ¥4,000

From Nagoya

You can arrive at Nagoya en route to Matsumoto. From Nagoya Station, board a limited express train; this may take around two hours. Fare: Approximately ¥5,510
You can also get to Matsumoto via local trains; if you travel directly to the latter from the airport, it will take you around five hours. You’ll also need to make a handful of transfers before you get to your final destination. Fare: Approximately ¥3,300

Hyperdia makes train navigation hassle-free. To know how it works, you can check it here: HOW TO USE HYPERDIA for Japan Train Travel

Thinking of getting JR Pass? Check your itinerary first if you really need it and if it will help you save money. Is Japan Rail Pass worth it?

By Bus

For those on a budget, you also have the option to take the overnight/highway buses from Tokyo and Nagoya to Matsumoto.

From Tokyo. There are highway buses that ply the Shinjuku Terminal-Matsumoto route. The journey takes about three hours. Fare: Around ¥3,500
From Nagoya. You also have the option to take the bus to Matsumoto from Nagoya Station. The trip takes a little over three hours. Fare: Around ¥2,600 to ¥3,560 (depending on the bus company)

Going Around the City

Matsumoto is a walkable city; you can get to the attractions within it without taking public transport. If you don’t like to walk long distances, you can take the public buses that go around certain routes. The fare for the bus is around ¥150 to ¥200, depending on the stop.

Places of Interest

Matsumoto may be a small city, but it has noteworthy attractions that will make you want to extend your stay.

Matsumoto Castle. This is one of the most famous and prettiest castles in the country. Its elegant blend of black and white and simple design make it picture perfect for any season. The best time to visit is during sakura season. Return to the castle at night to see it lit up.
Daio Wasabi Farm. This attraction is one of the biggest wasabi farms in the country. You’ll see a number of fields connected to streams that provide the plants with enough water. There are walking trails for visitors to take leisurely strolls in and shops that sell wasabi-related products.
Nawate Street. If you’re looking for souvenirs, snacks, and meals, this is the place to go to. You’ll see a variety of shops and places to eat after visiting some of the attractions in the city or after you return from a day trip elsewhere.
Japan Ukiyoe Museum. For those interested in woodblock prints, this is the museum to visit. You’ll see the Sakai family’s collection on exhibit during a visit.

Day Trips

Most visitors go to Matsumoto en route to somewhere else. If you plan to do some day trips or want to go elsewhere with the city as your base or jump-off point, here are some suggestions:

Kamikochi. A scenic mountain with streams, ponds, and walking and hiking trails for nature lovers. The park has peaks where you can get an overlooking view of the surroundings and provide a challenge for those looking for one during their trip. There are also plenty of flat trails for those who want to see glass-like waters and different views of the snow-capped mountains from below.
Alpine Route. This route provides you with spectacular views of the mountains and a snow wall. If you visit during autumn, you’ll see the mountainside ablaze in different colors of the season.
Old Post Towns. If you want to get a glimpse of Japan’s past, some of the must-visit places are the post towns on the Nakasendo Trail. Tsumago, Magome, and Narai are three noteworthy destinations to add to your itinerary.
Norikura. This destination is part of the Japanese Alps and is near another famous park, Kamikochi. Norikura provides visitors with spectacular views of the mountain and is an ideal place to take photos of autumn’s colors.

Where to Stay

Matsumoto is a small city that has a handful of budget guesthouses, hotels, and hostels. Stay near the city center, attractions, or the bus and train station. A bed in a dorm costs around US$30 a night. The city is easy to navigate and walk to and from places, even if you are a couple of kilometers away from the places of interest or stations.