Why Matsumoto City Should Be on Your Japan Bucket List
Matsumoto Castle in the autumn. (Image credit: Shutterstock)
When you think of Japan, it's usually the busy streets of Tokyo or the peaceful temples of Kyoto that come to mind. However, there's a hidden gem for you to discover—Matsumoto City. This city is the gateway to the Japanese Alps (a dream destination for hikers!) and is rich in cultural and natural splendor.
Famous for its magnificent Matsumoto castle (Japan's most beautiful feudal castle), the city invites tourists like you to explore its rich history, culture, and scenic beauty. But this is not just it—Matsumoto has so much more for you.
Surprises await you at every corner, whether it's the local dining scene, vibrant shopping streets, relaxing onsen retreats, or the attractive cherry blossom season. To help you enjoy these surprises, we’ve compiled this 101 guide about the city's top attractions.
Matsumoto’s luxury hotels
Matsumoto will catch you off guard––in the best way possible. It has breathtaking views and exceptional historical sites, but you also get to experience the best hotels for a stay that will make you feel like you're living in a storybook.
After all, when you’re in Japan, an ordinary room simply won’t do. You want a space with a whole new vibe. With that in mind, here are some of the best Matsumoto hotels for you:
From left to right: Matsumoto Jujo by jiyujin, Tobira Onsen Myojinkan, Satoyama Villa Den, Matsumoto Hotel Kagestu. (Photos from hotel’s official website).
Matsumoto jujo by jiyujin
Address: 3 Chome-13-1 Asamaonsen, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0303, Japan
Cost of stay: $792 per night for 1 person (breakfast and dinner included)
Best dish: Sanadamaru free-range chicken
Matsumoto jujo provides Japanese and Western accommodations, grilled food, and hot spring baths for tourists. Here, you taste the finest local flavors—from rich, tender shinshu beef to delicate shinshu soba, not to mention the freshest local fruits and veggies.
After you've indulged in this gastronomic adventure, you can find your own cozy corner in the hotel to relax or read your favorite book here.
Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
Address: 8967 Iriyamabe, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0222, Japan
Cost of stay: $560 per night for 1 person (breakfast and dinner included)
Best dish: Shinshu Wagyu
Up next is Tobira Onsen Myojinkan. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Yatsugatake National Park, this hotel has been welcoming guests since 1931. As for the accommodations, the choice is yours: from Japanese-style rooms to Western-style rooms and suites providing modern comfort, there are many options.
Each room has large windows, so you can enjoy spectacular mountain views—making it a kind of place where you can spend hours just gazing out at the scenery.
If you're in Japan and looking for a place that's not just a stay, Tobira Onsen Myojinkan can be your go-to spot.
Satoyama Villa Den
Address: 5471 Nakayama, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0823, Japan
Cost of stay: $996 per night (up to 8 people can stay)
Best dish: Foie gras
For a countryside escape—check out Satoyama Villa Den—a love letter to Japan’s rural beauty. It has two Japanese-style rooms with futon beds, two private rooms with twin beds, and an additional private room on the second floor.
On top of it, there’s a common space on the first floor, a living and dining room with a fireplace, and a kitchen that adds to the comfort of your stay.
During the day, the surrounding fields and forests invite you to wander around, and the starlit sky is your partner at night. It’s a retreat that reconnects you with nature by giving you a peaceful break from the bustle of city life.
Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu
Address: 4 Chome-8-9 Ote, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0874, Japan
Cost of stay: $88 per night for one person (without breakfast and dinner)
Best dish: Ikaza course
For a touch of historical charm, there's Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu. This is the oldest hotel in Matsumoto city, yet it gives you a charming blend of past and present. The architecture and decor take you back in time, while the amenities keep you comfortably anchored in the now.
You can choose between rooms in the annex building, featuring historical Matsumoto folk craft furniture and a retro atmosphere, or the main building, with spacious layouts and lofty ceilings. The hotel has a variety of rooms, including:
Suite
Deluxe twin
Comfort twin,
Japanese-style rooms
If you're planning a trip to Matsumoto and looking for a place that‘s both comfortable and has a historical feel, this hotel is the perfect choice.
Shopping points to visit
Visiting Matsumoto isn't complete without dipping your toes into the local markets. To make sure you get the most out of your trip here, let’s chat about something every traveler loves––shopping in the city.
Nakamachi street
Walking down Nakamachi street feels like you've stepped into a postcard from old Japan. This street has traditional storehouses (known as Kura) and shops where you can pick up unique souvenirs like:
Pottery
Lacquerware
Wooden crafts
Other than that, if you’re up for a snack, the cafes here have a cozy vibe where you can take a break and enjoy the moment.
Nawate street
Next up is Nawate street, also known as frog street, which has a different vibe––a bit more laid-back and quirky. Students from Tokyo University for the Arts built a large frog sculpture at the beginning of the street, which is now the key attraction here.
As you roam around, you will find small cafes and shops selling snacks, antiques, books, and attractive ornaments. That’s why don't miss the chance to grab some local snacks while you shop for your favorite one-of-a-kind items.
Takagi
Takagi is a mix of souvenir and eatery shops with a beer garden on the top of the building, where you can enjoy a pleasant view of Matsumoto castle. You can purchase souvenirs like:
Temari balls (made by weaving multi-colored threads on balls)
Masks
Local arts and crafts
Apart from shopping accessories, the building also houses a restaurant on the second floor. If you feel peckish while shopping, head over and enjoy the city’s famous soba (buckwheat noodles).
Matsumoto's onsen experience
After a day of shopping and traveling, what could be better than a relaxing soak in an onsen? Matsumoto is home to some of the most soothing hot springs that perfectly combine relaxation and scenic beauty. From several exceptional onsens, here are our top 4 picks for your next trip to Matsumoto city.
Shirahone Onsen
Address: Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano
Bathing fee: $3.5 per person
Shirahone Onsen gives a traditional charm and rustic feel with its superior Japanese hot spring experience that's hard to find elsewhere. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for a calm retreat from the fast-paced city.
The staff here provides attentive service to ensure you have a comfortable stay. On top of it, the edible options here are a highlight since the food is famous for its taste and use of local ingredients. Simply put, it’s a place to relax and enjoy your evenings.
Now, what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the soothing spring bath and enjoy the serene Japanese culture.
Shoho
Address: 527 Satoyamabe, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Bathing fee: $21 per couple
Shoho is a mix of luxury and tradition because it caters to modern comforts and the charm of Japanese aesthetics. The ryokan––a traditional Japanese inn––has spacious public baths and rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains (a perfect choice if you’re a nature lover). Some rooms also have a sauna and an open-air bath to give a private oasis of relaxation.
Additionally, the kaiseki dining is a lavish affair, offering you an array of exquisite traditional Japanese dishes. The staff's dedication to providing excellent service amplifies the overall experience, making Shoho a top choice for travelers like you who want to stay at a luxurious relaxation spot.
Awanoyu
Address: 4181 Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1515, Japan
Bathing fee: $5 - $6 per person
Famous for its large, milky white hot spring bath, Awanoyu is a highlight in the Matsumoto onsen scene. Here, the ryokan is in the style of traditional Japanese houses, complete with tatami mat floors and futon bedding.
The ryokan's proximity to scenic spots like Kamikochi improves its appeal, making it an excellent choice for natural beauty lovers. Its traditional and kid-friendly meal options add to the overall experience at Awanoyu.
Simply put, Awanoyu is a great way to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and serene natural settings.
Keiryu-so Shiorie
Address: 4170-4, Azumi, Matsumoto-Shi, Nagano 390-1520
Bathing fee: starting from $105 per person (includes a complete night stay)
Keiryu-so Shiorie, known for its exceptional service, cleanliness, and value, is a luxury onsen ryokan that provides a remarkable experience to its guests.
Here, you can enjoy skiing and fishing, which makes Keiryu-so Shiorie an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts. For relaxation, the ryokan has hot spring baths, including open-air and public baths with massage chairs.
These features, coupled with the lovely location and the availability of kid-friendly meals, make it an ideal destination for families.
One-of-a-kind food spots
There's something about the food in Matsumoto that does more than just satisfy your hunger. As you roam through Matsumoto restaurants, you connect with the soul of the city through its food.
However, beyond the traditional Japanese restaurants, we’ve picked three exceptional food spots that you must go to when you visit Matsumoto.
From left to right: Ishii Miso, Kametaya Sake Brewery and Yamaya Candy
Ishii Miso
Address: 1 Chome-8-1 Uzuhashi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0813, Japan
Customer rating: 4.2 out of 5
If you’re interested in traditional Japanese cuisine and the art of miso-making, Ishii Miso Brewery is a must-visit. Here, you get an insightful tour to witness the miso-making process first-hand.
Visitors can also enjoy a special brewery lunch, including miso-inspired dishes like tonjiru (miso soup with vegetables and pork), miso-grilled rice balls, and even miso ice cream.
After all, Ishii Miso Brewery is easily accessible and an excellent addition to any trip itinerary. It provides an exceptional opportunity to appreciate the traditional Japanese miso-making.
Kametaya Sake Brewery
Address: 2748 Shimadachi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0852, Japan
Customer rating: 4.3 out of 5
Another excellent brewery experience you can have is at Kametaya Sake Brewery. Established in 1869, the brewery is at the foot of the mountains with a pleasing setting surrounded by nature. In fact, it’s housed in one of the original farmhouses of the area, which adds a touch of historical charm to your visit. Underground water from the Alps is used for everything from washing the rice for preparation. Water from the Alps is said to be very delicious so can you imagine how good the sake is which is made from this clean fresh source of water?
During your visit, you can see the phases of sake production and learn about the hard work that goes into every bottle. After the tour, you're invited to taste some of the brewery’s sake and roam around the little shop, where you can purchase blends as souvenirs.
Yamaya candy
Address: 2-1-5 Ote, Matsumoto, Nagano 3900874
Customer rating: 3.5 out of 5
Yamaya Candy isn’t your average candy shop––it’s a wonderland of traditional Japanese confectionery. In fact, it’s the oldest candy store in the city and has a one-of-a-kind signature product, Ita-Ame. This candy is made from rice and spring water, a method that dates back to 300 years.
Not only this, but you will also find a wide range of colorful candies and soft pastries here. This makes Yamaya candy a place where kids and adults can find joy and a bit of nostalgia.
Enjoy your winters in Matsumoto
When the snow starts to blanket the city, Matsumoto changes into a winter dreamland. This is the perfect time to welcome the joy of winter in Japan. If you visit the city in winter, here’s what you shouldn’t miss out on:
Snowshoeing
If you're planning a winter getaway to Matsumoto and looking for an adventure that's a bit off the beaten path, snowshoeing is something you can't miss. If you're new to this, here’s the secret: Snowshoeing is intuitive and fun, and you can always opt for a guided tour, where experts will lead the way.
One of the most magical spots to visit is the Zengoro Falls. In the colder months, these falls freeze over, creating a surreal and stunning spectacle. The hike to get there is an adventure, with some uphill and downhill treks, but the view of the frozen waterfall is worth every step.
Winter festivals
Winter in Matsumoto also brings an array of festivals, including celebrations of culture, tradition, and the season. From illuminations that light up the night to local food fairs where you can warm up with delicious hot treats, these festivals are a vibrant part of winter here.
Here are some of the notable winter festivals you can enjoy in Matsumoto:
Winter illumination (held from mid-December to mid-February)
Ice sculpture festival (held during the last weekend of January)
Ameichi (candy market) festival (held in January)
These festivals are a great way to mingle with locals, enjoy live performances, and taste the city’s winter spirit.
A warm retreat in local cafes
What better way to warm up after a day out in the cold than in one of Matsumoto’s cozy cafes? Each cafe has its own personality, some with views of the snowy streets and others tucked away in quaint corners. They’re a perfect setting to relax, reflect on your day’s adventures, and maybe plan the next one.
For a cozy coffee experience, there are 3 popular cafes you can visit:
Coffee Marumo
Hawaiian Dining Hula-La
Storyhouse Cafe & Bar
Whether you’re trekking through the snow, joining in the festive fun, or cozying up in a cafe, the city has a special vibe that makes its winter unforgettable.
Book your trip to Matsumoto city
Strolling around the grand Matsumoto castle, finding peculiar souvenirs in shopping streets, and then relaxing in those oh-so-relaxing onsens is a real treat for any tourist.
If you're a fan of winter, the snowshoeing and festivals here are magical, and the local cafes are no less. Sounds like a dream to you? TokudAw can make it happen. Book a tour today and see why Matsumoto is such a special place!
