Matsumoto
Matsumoto is the second largest city in Nagano and is best known for the dramatic black crow castle. It is the gateway to the Japanese Alps and a popular spot to access Nagano, Kamikochi, Kiso Valley and Takayama.
What to do in Matsumoto
Matsumoto Castle
The most famous landmark in Matsumoto is the Crow Castle, so named because of its painted black exterior. The castle is one of the 12 remaining original castles of Japan, completed in 1594.
The castle can easily be seen across the moat and access to the outer area is free. We cycled through Matsumoto to the castle (the city is flat and easy to ride) and around the outer area of the castle. Then we returned our bikes to the bike station at the castle to enter and explore.
Entry to the castle cost ¥700
Opening Hours 8:30am – 5pm daily, further details about opening hours
Inside the perfectly manicured castle grounds stands the majestic Crow Castle. Shoes cannot be worn in the castle but you will be provided with slippers and a bag to carry your shoes in as you walk through. The inside of the castle is well preserved with explanations of the defensive structures throughout the different levels of the castle as a museum with both English and Japanese descriptions. The stairs up to each floor are very steep. We loved this castle and highly recommend visiting.
After exploring the castle there is a souvenir shop which sells Temari (balls patterned with silk thread which is a traditional craft of Matsumoto), castle souvenirs and of course ice creams from the vending machine. Nothing like Coolish to cool down on a hot day!
The official Matsumoto page has the full history of the impresive Crow Castle.
Shopping Street
There are two popular shopping street in Matsumoto, Frog street and Nakamachi-dori, they are found near each other, in fact they are on opposite sides on the Azusa river. They are within walking distance of the castle and all three areas (castle and both shopping streets) could be seen in one day.
Frog Street
Nawate-dori, also known as frog street with the big frog statue at the start of the street is a pedestrian only street with a number of craft shops, souvenir shops and cafes.
Here you will find the interesting and the bizarre! Some of the shops are open stalls and each of the shops spill out onto the street giving it a market like feel.
Nakamachi-dori
Nakamachi-dori is an old merchant street with white painted houses and warehouse style buildings and is open to cars and pedestrians. The perfect street to explore and shop.
Soba
Matsumoto is known for Soba noodles served cold in summer and warm in winter as toji soba (dipping in hot vegetable broth).
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and there are a number of soba making classes in Matsumoto. While you are in Matsumoto a meal of soba is a must!
Matsumoto Museum of Art
Matsumoto Art museum has a permanent exhibition of Yayoi Kusama, who grew up in Matsumoto. She is best known for her bright and bold spotted pumpkins and often referred to as the ‘dot lady’.
Open every day except Mondays, ¥410 for general entry, there may be additional costs for special exhibits. For full details visit the museum website.
Out and about in Matsumoto
Matsumoto is a great pace to explore with lots of curious shops and quaint streets.
Getting around in Matsumoto
The ‘town sneaker’ bus can get you around the city. The bus terminal is outside Matsumoto station and travels, North, South and East across the city. Tickets can be bought at the station or pay your fare on the bus. For full details see the official site.
Bike Riding in Matsumoto
Matsumoto is mostly flat and the streets are fairly quiet so it’s a great place to ride bikes. We hired ours from Hello cycling through their app. There are places all over the city to collect and drop off bikes through the app. Just note you will need your phone number to get started so download the app at home before you go if you are using a Japanese data SIM while in Japan.
Trips from Matsumoto
Wasabi farm – this is a very popular day trip from Matsumoto
Kiso Valley – watch for posts coming soon on Narai
More Information
Japan Guide
Japan Travel
Official Matsumoto page
