Matsumoto
A black castle under the Alps.
Why Japanese travelers love itThe original castle with Alps views, plus soba and clear mountain water.
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's few original castle keeps, black-walled and reflected in its moat, with the Northern Alps behind. Inside, the stairs are very steep. Around it are old shopping streets, good soba and a strong art museum with work by Yayoi Kusama, who was born here. It is a relaxed city and a gateway to the mountains.
Best time: April for cherry blossoms at the castle, or October for crisp weather. Winters are cold.
Weather
Average temperature, °C. JMA 1991–2020 normals (Matsumoto (JMA)).
Top 5
- Matsumoto CastleAn original keep; the inside stairs are very steep.
- Nakamachi StreetWhite-walled storehouses with shops and cafés.
- Nawate StreetA small riverside market lane.
- Matsumoto City Museum of ArtYayoi Kusama works in her hometown.
- SobaLocal buckwheat noodles near the castle.
A simple day
- Castle first thing in the morning.
- Soba lunch nearby.
- Walk Nawate and Nakamachi streets.
- City Museum of Art.
- Local craft beer in Nakamachi.
Where to stay
- Station areaConvenient for trains.
- Near the castleWalkable to old streets.
- Asama OnsenHot-spring inns on the city's edge.
Places we’ve checked
- Matsumoto Jujostay
- Hotel Buena Vistastay site ↗
- Ace Inn Matsumotostay
- Soba Club Sasakirestaurant
- Matsumoto Brewery Taproom Nakamachiizakaya
- Matsumoto Castlespot site ↗
- Matsumoto City Museum of Artspot site ↗
From the psst directory. Opening days and prices change — check the official site before you go.
Getting there
Shinjuku → Matsumoto: about 2h30 by Limited Express Azusa.
psst — skip this mistake: Wearing slippery socks or carrying big bags into the castle. Shoes come off and the stairs are steep.