Matsumoto Airport
Located around 10km from Matsumoto City, Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) – or simply, Matsumoto Airport – handles domestic flights to popular destinations including Fukuoka in Kyushu, Sapporo in Hokkaido and Kobe in Hyogo. On this page you will find the following information:
— Getting to & from Matsumoto Airport
— Getting to Nagano from Matsumoto Airport
— Private Charters to & from the Airport
— Accommodation Nearby the Airport
— 25 Things to Do Around Matsumoto & Where to Stay
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
Being located so close to Matsumoto and the North Japan Alps, this small airport offers a convenient transport hub for visitors heading to the region to ski and snowboard in winter and for hiking and mountaineering from spring to autumn.
Given the efficiency of the Japanese public transport network, using the train to reach Matsumoto from destinations including Tokyo, Nagano, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka will be the best option for most travelers. Flying in and out of Matsumoto will be of most interest to travelers heading to or from Kyushu or Hokkaido, for which a flight will be faster than using the train network. Matsumoto is a small, regional airport with a single basic terminal building. As such, navigating the airport is simple. There are multiple flights each day and moving to and from the airport is easy.
For visitors wanting to head straight from the airport to any of the region’s attractions and destinations, arranging a private charter is a great option for doing so directly from the airport. As Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator, we can arrange transport for couples and families along with large groups of up to 44 people per vehicle – see below for details.
ENTERING & EXITING JAPAN
Matsumoto Airport primarily handles domestic flights with along with a number of international routes. As such, it is the entry and departure point for some international visitors. Our ‘Entering & Exiting Japan’ page has useful information including visa requirements, clearing immigration and customs and things to take care of while at the airport. For further essential travel information, see our ‘Plan Your Visit’ main page.
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Given the continued impact of COVID-19 on global travel, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest news and requirements. Our ‘Traveling to / from Japan During COVID-19’ page includes information about who can enter, whether you need to quarantine and vaccination passports. For other essential information including the latest COVID and vaccination numbers from Japan, see our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ main page.
GETTING TO & FROM MATSUMOTO AIRPORT
For visitors heading into Matsumoto City, the airport shuttle bus operates to and from Matsumoto Bus Terminal (adjacent to Matsumoto Station). The bus takes around 30 minutes and costs JPY600. Alternatively, taxis are also available – usually around 25 minutes / JPY4000 – to reach central Matsumoto with rental cars also available. For visitors wanting to head straight from the airport to any of the region’s attractions and destinations, arranging a private charter is a great option for doing so directly from the airport. As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we can arrange transport for couples and families along with large groups of up to 44 people per vehicle – see below for details.
GETTING TO NAGANO FROM MATSUMOTO AIRPORT
To reach Nagano City from the airport, take the shuttle bus into Matsumoto. From Matsumoto Station, take the Limited Express Shinano to Nagano Station. There are many services every day including the Limited Express Shinano – taking around 50 minutes – and local services – taking around 1.5 hours. For the daily train schedule, please refer to our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page.
PRIVATE CHARTERS TO & FROM THE AIRPORT
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator. Operating all year round, we can provide charters to any destination in Central Japan, with customised itineraries to suit your travel needs and interests. We have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your time in the region, including transport to and from any regional destination. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan from Matsumoto? Head to our ‘Charters’ main page or click on the INQUIRY button below, let us know what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
ACCOMMODATION NEARBY THE AIRPORT
Visitors flying in or out of Matsumoto Airport, might want to consider staying nearby including in central Matsumoto. For hotel bookings nearby the airport, please refer to the following accommodation listings on our ‘Matsumoto Area’ hotel page.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND MATSUMOTO & WHERE TO STAY
Many if not most visitors heading to Matsumoto are drawn by its iconic castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and a registered National Treasure. Once in Matsumoto, visitors discover a historic and pleasant city with a thriving folk craft, art and dining scene. So while it’s castle that might attract people to visit, it’s everything else that the city has to offer that makes them want to stay. Matsumoto is also a convenient launching point from where to dive deeper into Central Japan including Mount Norikura, Kamikochi and onto Takayama in the west, the rural enclave of Azuimno and ski resorts of Hakuba to the north, or toward Nagano City and the snow monkeys in the east. Our ’25 Things To Do Around Matsumoto & Where To Stay’ page has lots of great tips and suggestions of things to do, including accommodation listings, in and around Matsumoto.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
For some international visitors, Matsumoto Airport will be their point of entry when arriving in Japan but as we all know, your trip begins long before your get here as you plan your adventure in this wonderful country. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, along with an English-speaking guide, to transport to, from and between any destinations in the region including Matsumoto and beyond. We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Matsumoto? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
