In this guide, I’ll share how we spent one day in Matsumoto—from exploring its famous castle to tasting delicious local foods—plus some travel tips, hotel recommendations, and things you shouldn’t miss.

Matsumoto was just one highlight of my journey around Japan. If you’d like to see how this stop fits into the entire route—from bustling cities to peaceful small towns—check out my full Japan itinerary.

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• From Tokyo (Shinjuku Station):
  Take the Limited Express Azusa train on the JR Chuo Line. The ride takes about 2.5–3 hours and is covered by the JR Pass. You can reserve seats online through the Eki-net website up to one month in advance.
• From Nagano City:
  Take the Shinano Limited Express on the JR Shinonoi Line. The trip takes about 50 minutes, making Matsumoto an easy day trip if you’re based in Nagano.
• By Highway Bus:
  Direct buses from Shinjuku to Matsumoto take about 3 hours and 15 minutes and are usually cheaper than the train.

• Budget Hotels
  • Hotel M Matsumoto – Clean, modern, and affordable; walking distance from Matsumoto Station.
  • Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto – Great value with comfortable rooms, breakfast options, and good location.
  • Hotel New Station – Simple business hotel right near the station; perfect for short stays.
• Mid-Range Hotels
  • Richmond Hotel Matsumoto – Stylish, well-equipped rooms, good breakfast, and central location.
  • Dormy Inn Matsumoto – Popular with travelers for its public bath (onsen), comfortable rooms, and free late-night ramen.
  • Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto – Conveniently across from the station with good views and breakfast.
• Luxury Hotels
  • Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu – Traditional-meets-modern ryokan-style hotel with tatami rooms and local charm.
  • Buena Vista Hotel – A full-service upscale hotel with spacious rooms and several in-house restaurants.
  • Shoho Hotel – Luxurious hot spring ryokan overlooking Matsumoto, perfect for relaxing with mountain views.

1. Shinshu Soba – Matsumoto is famous for soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat.
2. Basashi – Raw horse meat sashimi, a Nagano delicacy for adventurous eaters.
3. Taiyaki – Fish-shaped pastry with sweet or custard filling, best enjoyed on Nawate Street.
4. Oyaki – Steamed or grilled dumplings filled with vegetables, miso, or sweet beans.
5. Wasabi Dishes – Nagano produces much of Japan’s wasabi; try fresh wasabi soba, wasabi ice cream, or tempura.
6. Nozawana-zuke – Pickled greens, often served as a side dish.
7. Toji Soba – A hot pot soba dish where noodles are dipped into broth before eating.
8. Shinshu Salmon – Local freshwater salmon used in sushi and sashimi.
9. Apple-based Sweets – Nagano is one of Japan’s apple capitals, so look for apple pies, cakes, and cider.

• Spring (April–May): The castle grounds are surrounded by cherry blossoms, making this one of the most picturesque times to visit.
• Summer (June–August): Warm weather is perfect for hiking in the nearby Japanese Alps. Matsumoto also hosts lively summer festivals.
• Autumn (September–November): Crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage make fall another peak season for photography and sightseeing.
• Winter (December–February): Snowy landscapes give the castle a magical look. Matsumoto is also a good base for skiing in Nagano.

After arriving in Matsumoto, we made a quick stop at our hotel to drop off our bags—most places here are happy to store luggage before check-in, which is so convenient when you want to start exploring right away.

We stayed at Onyado Nono Matsumoto Hot Spring, a charming property with its own onsen (traditional Japanese bath). It has a warm, almost ryokan-style vibe, blending classic Japanese touches with modern comfort. One detail I loved: as soon as you step inside, there’s a gentle ritual of cleanliness. A staff member carefully cleans the wheels of your suitcase, and everyone swaps outdoor shoes for cozy indoor slippers. Lockers in the lobby keep your shoes safe until you leave again.

Later that night, after a full day of sightseeing, we simply picked up our room key and discovered that our luggage had already been delivered upstairs—a small but thoughtful touch that made us feel wonderfully cared for.

One treat you shouldn’t miss here is Taiyaki—a fish-shaped pastry filled with something sweet. We went for the custard cream filling, though red bean paste is the traditional choice. 

If you’re wondering whether Matsumoto is worth adding to your Japan itinerary—the answer is yes! Even with just one night, the city offers a refreshing balance of history, culture, and local charm. From climbing the iconic black-and-white Matsumoto Castle to strolling along nostalgic shopping streets, sipping coffee at a cozy café, and tasting regional dishes, every stop feels authentic and unhurried.

What I loved most is how walkable the city is—you can explore the main sights in just a day without feeling rushed. Plus, the surrounding Alps make the scenery extra special, especially in autumn when the leaves turn fiery red.

Matsumoto may not be as famous as Kyoto or Tokyo, but that’s part of its charm. It’s less crowded, more laid-back, and gives you a real sense of small-city Japan while still being accessible by train.

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