MATSUMOTO CASTLE

Matsumoto's iconic castle is unique for many reasons and one of the few remaining in the entire country that retains much of its original structure.

20 THINGS TO DO IN AZUMINO & WHERE TO STAY

The quiet rural enclave of Azumino lies just outside of Matsumoto and is your gateway to the North Alps.

MATSUMOTO CITY MUSEUM OF ART

Matsumoto-native Kusama Yayoi is the world's most successful living artist with a permanent collection at the city's art museum.

DISCOVER KAMIKOCHI

Considered the jewel of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is open to the public from April to November.

WHERE TO STAY IN MATSUMOTO?

Matsumoto offers visitors a good range of accommodation with multiple hot spring towns within easy reach of the city.

Plan Your Visit

(General)

Best Places to Stay in Suwa

The Suwa region, located roughly in the center of Nagano prefecture, is an adventurer…

(General)

Visit Matsumoto City: Everything You Need to Know

Most famous for its 400-year old castle, Matsumoto is a small but lively city with a …

(General / Things to do)

25 Things to Do Around Matsumoto & Where to Stay

Located in the shadow the North Japan Alps, Matsumoto is a small historic city best-k…

(General / Things to do)

15 Things to Do in Kamikochi, When to Visit, & Where to Stay

Part of the larger Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is a beautiful alpine valle…

(General / Things to do)

20 Things To Do In Azumino & Where To Stay

Located within three hours of Tokyo, Azumino offers visitors a chance to experience t…

(General)

Best Places to Stay in Matsumoto

Matsumoto is one of Central Japan’s most historic and rewarding cities, with plenty o…

(General)

Best Places to Stay In & Around Kamikochi

Kamikochi is one of Japan’s beautiful and rewarding outdoor destinations boasting som…

Tours

Recommended

(Private Tour)

MEET LOCALS: Discovering Local Heritage and Key Figures of Nagano

Spots:
NaganoNagoyaMatsumotoKiso Valley
Pick-up:
Nagano CityNagoyaMatsumotoKiso Valley
Drop-off:
Nagano CityNagoyaMatsumotoKiso Valley
¥50,000 ~
View Details

(Multi-day Tour)

2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto

Spots:
NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaMatsumoto
Pick-up:
Nagano City
Drop-off:
Takayama
¥88,000
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Step into the Past on the Nakasendo

Spots:
NaganoMatsumotoKiso Valley
Pick-up:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
Drop-off:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥24,900
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku

Spots:
NaganoMatsumotoKiso Valley
Pick-up:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
Drop-off:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥23,800
View Details
Best Selling

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle

Spots:
NaganoMatsumotoKamikochi
Pick-up:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
Drop-off:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥23,800
View Details

(Private Tour)

[START FROM NAGANO/MATSUMOTO] Private Kamikochi Tour

Spots:
NaganoMatsumotoKamikochi
Pick-up:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
Drop-off:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥172,100 ~ / group
View Details

(Day Tour)

(Seasonal) 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Alpine Splendor - Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi

Spots:
NaganoTakayamaMatsumotoKamikochiShinhotaka
Pick-up:
Takayama
Drop-off:
Nagano CityTakayamaMatsumoto
¥27,800
View Details

(Multi-day Tour)

(Green Season) 4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour

Spots:
NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaKanazawaMatsumotoKamikochiShirakawago
Pick-up:
Nagano City
Drop-off:
Kanazawa
¥99,000
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Kamikochi – Enchanting Landscapes & Seasonal Beauty

Spots:
NagoyaKamikochi
Pick-up:
Nagoya
Drop-off:
TakayamaNagoya
¥28,900
View Details

(Private Tour)

[START FROM MATSUMOTO/AZUMINO] Private Snow Monkey Tour

Spots:
NaganoSnow MonkeyMatsumoto
Pick-up:
Matsumoto
Drop-off:
Matsumoto
¥160,000 ~ / group
View Details

(Private Tour)

[START FROM NAGANO/MATSUMOTO] Private Wasabi-Picking Experience & Kamikochi

Spots:
MatsumotoKamikochi
Pick-up:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
Drop-off:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥120,000 ~ / group
View Details

(Private Tour, Multi-day Tour)

2-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle, Nakasendo & Countryside Azumino

Spots:
NaganoMatsumotoKiso Valley
Pick-up:
Nagano City
Drop-off:
Nagano City
¥265,000 ~ / group
View Details

(Event Tour)

[AUG 14 ONLY] 1-Day Tour: Azumino Fireworks Festival & Snow Monkeys

Spots:
NaganoSnow MonkeyMatsumoto
Pick-up:
Nagano CityYudanaka/ShibuSnow Monkey
Drop-off:
Nagano City
¥20,500
View Details

(Event Tour)

[SEPT 27 ONLY] 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Local O-Fune Festival In Nagano

Spots:
NaganoSnow MonkeyMatsumoto
Pick-up:
Nagano CityYudanaka/ShibuSnow Monkey
Drop-off:
Nagano City
¥20,500
View Details

(Private Tour)

(Spring Only) Private 1-Day Tour: Cherry Blossoms of Takato Castle Park

Spots:
NaganoMatsumoto
Pick-up:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
Drop-off:
Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥188,100 ~ / group
View Details

Access

(Destination info)

How to Get to Matsumoto

As home to one of Japan’s last remaining original castles along with many other great…

(Destination info)

How to Get to Kamikochi

Sitting between 1,200 to 1,400 meters above sea level, in the shadow of Japan's third…

(Destination info)

Getting Around Azumino - Rental Bicycle, Bus & Taxi

So, you’ve made it to Azumino, the gateway to the Japan Alps and home of Daio Wasabi …

(Destination info)

How To Get To Azumino From The Snow Monkey Park

There is more than one way to get to the Azumino area from the Jigokudani Monkey Park…

(Charter)

HAKUBA → KAMIKOCHI

(Charter)

HAKUBA→ MATSUMOTO

(Charter)

NAGANO STN → KAMIKOCHI

(Charter)

NAGANO STN → MATSUMOTO

(Access)

Snow Monkey Resorts Fleet of Charter Vehicles

Snow Monkey Resorts operates a fleet of vehicles that can be privately chartered for …

(Access)

From Matsumoto: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

Home to one of Japan's last remaining castles, Matsumoto is one of Central Japan's mo…

(Access)

From Kamikochi: How to Get to the Snow Monkey Park

Often described as one of the country’s most beautiful natural treasures, Kamikochi s…

(Access)

From Matsumoto Airport: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport – or more simply put, Matsumoto Airport – is located around…

(Access)

Train & Bus From Matsumoto to Kamikochi

The Alpico Group Company, commonly referred as ALPICO, operates most of the local and…

(Access)

Train & Bus Timetable From Matsumoto to Kamikochi

The ALPICO Bus Company operates express bus services between Matsumoto and several ma…

(Access)

Limited Express Shinano (Nagano--Matsumoto--Nagoya)

Running from Nagano Station to Nagoya Station, the Limited Express Shinano connects t…

(Access)

Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable

The Limited Express Shinano operates daily services from Nagano Station and Nagoya St…

(Access)

Limited Express Azusa Timetable

Running from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Matsumoto Station, the Limited Express Azus…

(Access)

Oito Line inc. Hakuba Train Services

Running from Matsumoto Station to Minami-Otari Station, the Oito Line covers approxim…

(Access)

Matsumoto Airport

Located around 10km from Matsumoto City, Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) – or simply,…

(Access)

Matsumoto Station

Matsumoto Station is a small station connecting the city to nearby destinations inclu…

(Access)

Hotaka Station

Hotaka Station is a small but very convenient access point for travellers moving to a…

(Access)

Kamikochi Bus Terminal

The Kamikochi Bus Terminal is the primary access point in the valley. As such, all pu…

(Access)

Chino Station

Located on the Chuo Main line running from Tokyo into Central Japan, Chino Station is…

(Access)

Local Bus From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen / Kamikochi

The Nohi Bus Company is the main bus operator in Takayama City, connecting visitors t…

(Access)

Local Bus Timetable From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen / Kamikochi

The Nohi Bus Company operates express bus services between Takayama and several major…

(Access)

Limited Express Azusa (Shinjuku--Otsuki--Matsumoto)

Running from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station, the Limited Express Azusa operate…
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Charters

Private Charters

HAKUBA → KAMIKOCHI

Duration:
2-3 Hours
Spots:
Kamikochi, Hakuba
View Details
Private Charters

HAKUBA→ MATSUMOTO

Duration:
Spots:
Matsumoto, Hakuba
View Details
Private Charters

NAGANO STN → KAMIKOCHI

Duration:
2-3 Hours
Spots:
Nagano, Kamikochi
View Details
Private Charters

NAGANO STN → MATSUMOTO

Duration:
1-2 Hours
Spots:
Nagano, Matsumoto
View Details
Explore Charters

Activities

(Historic & Castle / Arts & Culture)

Uncover the Wonders of the Jomon Period: Visiting the Obsidian Mining Pit and National Treasures Tour

This tour offers a unique and immersive exploration of Japan's ancient Jomon heritage…
(Historic & Castle / Nature & Adventure)

Conquer Nakasendo's Toughest Pass: A Journey through the Shimo-suwa Post town Area Tour

On this captivating tour, your journey begins in the charming Shimosuwa-juku, where y…
(Arts & Culture)

Create a Timeless Masterpiece: Mechanical Watch-Making Experience in Suwa Tour

This tour offers a deep dive into the rich history and craftsmanship of watchmaking i…
(Nature & Adventure / Summer Activities / Top Attractions)

Kamikochi

Located approximately 50km to the west of Matsumoto City, the stunning alpine valley …
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Matsumoto Castle

As a registered National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle is one of the region’s most impor…
(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Wildlife / Cherry Blossoms / Shopping / Entertainment / Summer Activities)

Embrace Nature and Fun at Bokka-no-Sato: A Hidden Gem in Gifu Prefecture

Nestled in the serene Hirugano Plateau of Gifu Prefecture, Bokka-no-Sato is a charmin…
(Arts & Culture)

Matsumoto City Museum of Art inc. the Kusama Yayoi Collection

The Matsumoto City Museum of Art exhibits artworks by artists with an association to …
(Nature & Adventure / Summer Activities)

Mount Norikura & Norikura Kogen

Within easy reach of Kamikochi, Mount Norikura – or Norikuradake – stands at 3026 met…
(Arts & Culture / Shopping)

Nakamachi Street

Located between JR Matsumoto Station and Matsumoto Castle, the Nakamachi Street was t…
(Arts & Culture / Shopping)

Nawate-Dori (Frog Street)

Matsumoto’s Nawate-dori shopping street is located between Yohashira Shrine and Metob…
(Arts & Culture)

Japan Ukiyo-e Museum

The Japan Ukiyo-e Museum is said to boast the world’s largest collection of ‘ukiyo-e’…
(Local Food & Drink)

Ishii Miso Brewery

Located around 20-minutes walk from Matsumoto Station, Ishii Miso is a great option f…
(Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Shopping)

Private Walking Tour in Matsumoto

As Nagano Prefecture’s second largest city, Matsumoto offers visitors lots to explore…
(Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture)

Matsumoto Night Tour: Izakaya Dining & Castle Illumination

The best way to discover any country and get to know the people is through its food a…
(Local Food & Drink)

Sake Brewery Tour in Matsumoto

Nagano Prefecture is Japan’s second largest producer of ‘sake’ and as such, visiting …
(Arts & Culture)

Taiko Drum Experience in Matsumoto

As a proud castle town, Matsumoto is the ideal place to try your hand at traditional …
(Arts & Culture)

Tea Ceremony Experience in Matsumoto

Known as ‘cha-do’ in Japanese, tea ceremonies were originally introduced to Japan fro…
(Arts & Culture)

Samurai Experience in Matsumoto

Famous of its iconic castle, of the story of Matsumoto is that of legendary samurai c…
(Local Food & Drink)

Soba-Making Experience in Matsumoto

Made from buckwheat, ‘soba’ noodles are one of the most popular dishes in Japan and n…
(Local Food & Drink / Onsen)

Soba-Making, Sake & Wasabi Lunch Experience in Matsumoto

Discover the charms and food culture of the Asama Onsen district of historic Matsumot…
(Arts & Culture)

Kimono & Ninja Costume Rental in Matsumoto

Visitors to Matsumoto will enjoy one of Central Japan’s most historic city where the …
(Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Castle Town Secrets & Traditional Gastronomic Lunch Tour

People in Japan sometimes say, ‘There are two types of towns here. Temple towns and c…
(Nature & Adventure / Summer Activities / Top Attractions)

eTour de Matsumoto (Guided eBike Tours)

Matsumoto is a small but historic city ideally-suited to exploration on a bicycle. Th…
(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Summer Activities)

Guided Walking Tour: Footsteps of the Castle Lords

Home to one of Japan’s last and best-preserved Edo Period (1603-1868) castles, Matsum…
(Arts & Culture)

Traditional Papercraft Experience in Matsumoto

Known as ‘washi’, traditional Japanese paper plays an important role in country's thr…
(Summer Activities)

Matsumoto Water Tour: Rafting in Azumino

Travelers heading to Matsumoto from April until October and looking for a tranquil, r…
(Health & Well-being)

Guided Cycling In & Around Matsumoto

Matsumoto City and the surrounding region is an ideal area to explore by bicycle. Rid…
(Nature & Adventure / Local Food & Drink / Summer Activities)

Daio Wasabi Farm

Located in the beautiful region of Azumino and set against the background of the Japa…
(Local Food & Drink)

Wasabi-Picking in Azumino

Located between Matsumoto and the Hakuba Valley, and in the shadow of the North Japan…
(Nature & Adventure / Wildlife)

The Siberian Swans of Gohoden Yusuichi, Azumino

Migrating from Siberia each winter, hundreds of swans descend on an otherwise anonymo…
(Nature & Adventure)

North Alps 'Mountain Glow' Morning Walk in Azumino

Visitors to staying in and around the Azumino and Matsumoto areas in winter have the …
(Arts & Culture)

Rokuzan Art Museum

One of 18 museums making-up the Azumino ‘Art Line’, the Rokuzan Art Museum explores t…
(Arts & Culture)

Chihiro Art Museum

Dedicated to the life and work of children’s book illustrator and painter Chihiro Iwa…
(Arts & Culture)

Takahashi Setsuro Art Museum

Housed in a tranquil modern building, the museum is dedicated to the work of Takahaas…
(Nature & Adventure / Local Food & Drink / Summer Activities)

Local Food & Drink in Azumino

Known for its abundant farmlands producing some of Japan’s best fruit and vegetables …
(Summer Activities)

Countryside Cycling in Azumino

Visitors heading to the rural enclave of Azumino should consider renting bicycles onc…
(Arts & Culture)

Tensan Silk Museum & Weaving Experience

One of Japan’s defining characteristics is its love and refined mastery of many tradi…
(Nature & Adventure / Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Onsen / Health & Well-being)

Hotaka Onsen-kyo

Hotaka Onsen-kyo is a small ‘onsen’ (hot spring) town located in the beautiful rural …
(Nature & Adventure / Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Health & Well-being)

TENAR Outdoor Hotel & Holistic Activities

TENAR is a holistic accommodation experience that promotes escape, relaxation and a r…
(Nature & Adventure / Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Onsen / Health & Well-being)

Yasuesou BIO Hotel & Holistic Experiences

As the first hotel in Asia to receive certification as a ‘BIO Hotel’, Yasuesou offers…
(Nature & Adventure / Health & Well-being)

La Casta Natural Healing Garden & Fragrance Workshops

Producing some of Japan’s best-known cosmetics and aromas, La Casta sits within a bea…
(Nature & Adventure / Summer Activities)

Hike Japan's North Alps Mountain Trails

One of three mountain ranges making-up the ‘Japanese Alps’, the ‘North Alps’ boast so…
(Local Food & Drink)

Fruit-picking in Azumino

Azumino’s climate is excellent for growing a variety of fruits, including apples, pea…
(Arts & Culture / Health & Well-being)

Art & Craft Experiences in Azumino

Home to the eighteen galleries and museums of the Azumino ‘Art Line’, along with mult…
(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Summer Activities)

Utsukushigahara Highlands & Open-Air Museum

Within easy reach of Matsumoto City, Utsukushigahara is a highland area known for its…
(Onsen)

Shirahone Onsen

Lying nearby the popular destinations of Mount Norikura and Kamikochi, Shirahone Onse…
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Hotels

Suwa : Mountain Side Area

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
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Suwa : Lakeside Area

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
View Details
Hotel

Tateshina Shinyu Onsen

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
¥30,000 - ¥50,000
View Details

Matsumoto: Matsumoto City Area

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
View Details

Matsumoto: Asama Onsen Area

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
View Details

Hotaka Onsen-kyo Area

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
View Details

Kamikochi Area

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
View Details

Norikura Kogen Area

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
View Details

Shirahone Onsen Area

Matsumoto, Kamikochi & Suwa
View Details
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Events

(Arts & Culture / Entertainment)

Azumino Fireworks Festival

Taking place on August 14th each year, the Azumino Fireworks Festival lays claim to b…
(Arts & Culture)

Azumino O-Fune Matsuri (Ship Festival)

The Azuimno O-Fune Matsuri or ‘Ship Festival’ is a raucous and fun local event taking…
(Arts & Culture)

Azumino Kamiakari

Held every year in the early cold of winter, the Azumino Kamikari is held at the beau…
(Arts & Culture)

Matsumoto Craft Fair

May is known as the Month of Crafts in Matsumoto and every year on the last Saturday …
(Nature & Adventure)

Tatsuno Hotaru (Firefly) Festival "Japan's fireflies dance"

The Tatsuno Hotaru Festival (辰野ほたる祭り)is held every year in mid-June at the town of Ta…
(Entertainment)

Matsumoto Bon Bon Festival

Matsumoto Bon Bon is a music festival where various groups of locals come together an…
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Destinations in Central Japan

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