Things to do in Matsumoto
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Top 10 attractions in Matsumoto
Matsumoto Castle
The predecessor of Matsumoto Castle was Fukashi Castle. At the beginning of the Muromachi period, Ogasawara Sadamune, a retainer of the Ashikaga Takahashi clan, was entrusted with the guardianship of Shinano, and the castle was built. In the 17th year of Tenten (1548), when Takeda Shingen of Kohi defeated Ogasawara Chang of Forest City, this place was used as a base for advancing from Higashi Shinano to Kitashinano. The scale of Shenzhi City gradually expanded. During this period, Kiso Yoshimao, Ogasawara Zhenzhong, Ogasawara Zhenqing, and Ogasawara Hidezheng served as the city lords of Shenzhi City respectively. After the fall of the Takeda clan, Ogasawara Masaki, who inherited his father's land, changed the name of Fukashi Castle to Matsumoto Castle. In the 18th year of Tensho (1590), Toyotomi Hideyoshi destroyed the Hojo clan in Odawara, entered Kanto, and transferred the city to Ishikawa. After that, Toyotomi received a salary of 80,000 stone and began to build a five-story and six-tiered tower. It was not until the era of Kang Chang, the son of Shuzheng, that it was finally completed (that is, the prototype of the existing Songyuan Castle). The Tsukimi and Tatsumi turrets used in the castle were built in the early Edo period. After that, he went through the Ogasawara clan, the Toda Matsudaira clan, the Horita clan, and the Mizuno clan. Matsumoto Castle is a typical flat city. The castles of Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru are roughly square. The tower is set in the southwest of Honmaru, surrounded by the concave Ninomaru lacking the north, and surrounded by the square Sannomaru on the outside.Matsumoto · 291m from downtown
Matsumoto Castle Park
Matsumoto Castle Park blends a historic castle, a moat, and a landscape that changes with the seasons. Built in the late 16th century and designated a National Treasure of Japan, the castle boasts a well-preserved main tower and a distinctive black and white exterior. The park encompasses the castle moat and surrounding gardens. In spring, approximately a thousand cherry trees bloom along the moat, creating a breathtaking scene illuminated at night. Summer brings lush greenery, while autumn shimmers with red and yellow maple leaves. In winter, swans occasionally swim in the moat, and the distant Northern Alps are often blanketed in a light blanket of snow, creating a unique atmosphere in each season. The park boasts extensive walking trails, accessible approximately 15 minutes on foot from Matsumoto Station, perfect for strolling or taking in panoramic views of the castle and its reflections in the river. The castle's historic neighborhoods, such as Nawate Street and Nakamachi Street, are also within walking distance, offering visitors the opportunity to experience traditional warehouse architecture and local cuisine.Matsumoto · 238m from downtown
Kamikōchi
Kamikōchi is located in the upper reaches of Azusa River in the western part of Nagano Prefecture. It is surrounded by the Hotaka Mountains, Yaitake Mountains, and Changnen Mountains. It's charm and wonder will be unforgettable once you visit it. It was introduced to the world by the British missionary and mountaineer Wurst Weston in the 19th century, and it is also known by many mountaineers as a famous scenic spot in Japan.Matsumoto · 30km from downtown
Daio Wasabi Farm
Daio Wasabi Farm was established in 1917, covers an area of approx. 15 hectares, and produces 150 tons of wasabi annually, making it one of the larger wasabi farms in Japan. Attracting over a million visitors each year, it is a well-known tourist attraction in Azumino. It also gained fame after being used as a filming location for director Akira Kurosawa's movie "Dreams". Facilities include a visitor center, the Centennial Memorial Hall, the Water Mill (a filming location for "Dreams"), the Aozora Plaza, and more.Azumino · 12.6km from Matsumoto
Kappabashi Bridge
The symbol of Kamikochi - Kappa Bridge is a wooden suspension bridge. Looking upstream from the bridge, there are 3,001-meter-level peaks standing side by side, such as Nishiho Takadake, Okuso Takadake, Maeho Takadake, and Myojindake. If you look downstream, you can see the yakidake that is blowing smoke. The Azusa River, which flows through the willow and larch forests, is also very beautiful, and it is an excellent observation deck. Kappa is a fictional animal that lives in water and has been handed down from ancient times in Japan. Regarding the origin of the name of Kappa Bridge, some people say that there is an abyss suitable for Kappa life here, and some people say that in the era when there was no such bridge, people put their clothes on their heads to cross the river, looking like Kappa, as for the real The answer remains a mystery. You can also go down from the shore.Matsumoto · 30km from downtown
Taisho Ike Pond
Taisho Pond, located in Nagano Prefecture, is a pond formed in the early 20th century due to the eruption of Mount Yai and the blockage of Azusa River. The dead trees highlighted on its blue water form a unique landscape with its surroundings. There are especially many tourists visiting in June when the birch trees are budding, called "thin green mist", and in October when the autumn leaves are more abundant.Matsumoto · 31.7km from downtown
Yōhashira-jinja Shrine
Matsumoto · 364m from downtown
Former Kaichi School
The school building is a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles, featuring white exterior walls paired with a traditional Chinese black hip-and-gable roof. All windows are crafted with 255 pieces of imported handmade glass. The most distinctive features of the building are the octagonal tower house at the central entrance and the genkan (entryway) designed in the karahafu style. Inside, there are 12 exhibition halls showcasing the history of Kaichi School and the architectural heritage of the building. The displays also introduce the histories of two sister schools—the former Kaimon School in Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture, and the former Iwashina School in Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture—along with a guide on cultural properties.Matsumoto · 653m from downtown
Matsumoto City Alps Park
Matsumoto City Alps Park is located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Built on a hillside, this city park is a popular spot for locals to relax, stroll, and enjoy nature. The park is situated at a higher elevation and features open green spaces, woods, and walking paths. One of its highlights is the view of the Matsumoto cityscape and the spectacular Japanese Alps in the distance. On clear days, the mountain silhouettes are sharp, and the scenery is expansive, making it perfect for photography and enjoying the natural landscape. The park offers different attractions throughout the four seasons. In spring, you can enjoy seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms. In summer, the lush trees provide shade, making it suitable for walking and outdoor leisure. In the fall, the leaves change color, creating richer forest views. In winter, when the weather is clear, you have the chance to see the snow-capped Alps. The park is spacious, making it suitable for family trips and a great stop for a short leisure break in Matsumoto. If you don't want to spend your entire trip in Matsumoto visiting temples, historic buildings, or shopping streets, this is a great alternative. You can take a slow walk along the park paths, look out over the city and mountains from the high vantage points, and enjoy a relatively quiet natural environment. For travelers who enjoy photography, taking in the views, and relaxing outdoor activities, this place is definitely worth setting aside some time for.Matsumoto · 3.3km from downtown
Yukemurikan
Yukemurikan, located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is a hot spring hidden among the mountains. As a highly regarded local hot spring facility, it not only provides great convenience for passing travelers but also serves as an ideal retreat for countless visitors to wash away the fatigue of their journey, thanks to its authentic water quality and rich Japanese atmosphere. The hot spring water here is filled with a strong and authentic sulfur scent. For enthusiasts seeking an authentic hot spring experience, this scent and the slightly acidic water quality are undoubtedly a great pleasure. It features not only spacious indoor baths but also open-air baths with expansive views. In the cold winter, visitors can enjoy the snowy scenery while soaking in the steaming hot spring pools. In addition to a high-quality bathing experience, the facilities here have been carefully upgraded and renovated, offering an elegant environment and a spacious shop.Matsumoto · 33.6km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Matsumoto
Featured Day tours in Matsumoto
View all Day tours![Kamikōchi Hiking 1-Day Tour|Azusa River Hidden Gem: Myojin Pond Mountain Pilgrimage [Round-trip from Nagoya]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356812000seyql82A75B_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
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Featured Cultural experiences in Matsumoto
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Featured City sightseeing in Matsumoto
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Free things to do in Matsumoto
Daio Wasabi Farm
Azumino · 12.6km from MatsumotoYōhashira-jinja Shrine
Matsumoto · 364m from downtown
Nawate Shopping Street
Matsumoto · 437m from downtown
Sensō-ji
Japan · Tokyo
Mount Fuji
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Shibuya
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Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya
Shimosuwa · 21km from Matsumoto
Osaka Castle Park
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Asakusa
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Umeda Sky Building
Japan · Osaka
More ways to travel from Matsumoto
Private Tours in Matsumoto
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Group Tours in Matsumoto
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What travellers say about Matsumoto
_TI***e317 April 2025
5.0
Very beautiful castle, especially with cherry blossom trees in full bloom
Matsumoto Castle
_TX***um28 August 2023
4.0
Timeless beauty preserved. Matsumoto Castle Park's architecture and ambiance immerse visitors in Japan's rich history
Matsumoto Castle Park
BossMan1874 January 2025
5.0
Most beautiful valleys and rivers in Japan. I travelled many countries but this was amazing in all aspects. Superb experience. You can do it in one day but better to sleep over 1 night if hotels nearby available. I went with a bus from Nagoya a 3hrs journey 1 way.
Kamikōchi
かある12 May 2023
5.0
Visited Kamikochi on May 4th. The snow-capped Hotaka mountain range is in the background of Kappa Bridge. It is picturesque. It is a 3-4 minute walk from Kamikochi bus terminal.
Kappabashi Bridge
大海家的女汉子4 November 2022
5.0
The surface of Taisho Pond reflects Mt. Hotakogen, and the calm water is a sight to behold. The "standing dead tree" in the pond creates a wonderful sight depending on the season and time of day.
Taisho Ike Pond
YA’s Home 旅遊冒險·愛分享愛生活18 November 2023
5.0
A very quiet shrine, close to Nawate-dori Street, close to Matsumoto Castle and Matsumoto Station, and can be reached on foot.
Yōhashira-jinja Shrine
