Things to do in Matsumoto
Explore top experiences
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 · 292m from downtown
Mt. Norikura Snow Resort
The altitude of the higher slopes of Norikura Mountain Ski Resort is over 2,000 meters. You can enjoy the unobstructed starry sky when you experience night skiing. However, the opening is late, and it only opens around the end of December every year. There is also a milky white bone hot spring near the snowfield. After skiing, it is really a pleasure to take a dip in the soup in winter.Matsumoto · 34.2 km from downtown
Shirahone Onsen
Shirahone Onsen is a representative secret hot spring in Japan with a history of more than 400 years. Once the steam rises and contacts the air, it turns white, hence the name Shirahone Onsen. It is hidden in the deep gorge of the Hida Mountains, like a paradise away from the hustle and bustle, full of natural wildness. The hot spring water here is rich in hydrogen sulfide and calcium, and the water temperature is maintained at about 42℃, which has a soothing effect on neuralgia and muscle fatigue. The primeval forest around the hot spring is lush and green, the streams are gurgling, and the magnificent scenery of the Hida Mountains is in full view. Every autumn, the mountains are covered with red leaves like a poem and a painting; when winter comes, the white snow covers this place with silver. There are more than a dozen century-old hot spring hotels in the hot spring town, and most of the open-air baths are carefully built with cypress or rocks. In the early morning, the fog and mountain mist interweave to create a hazy and dreamy atmosphere that makes people linger.Matsumoto · 32.3 km from downtown
Nomugi Toge Ski Resort
Nomugi Toge Ski Resort is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is a resort famous for its natural scenery and skiing experience. The resort is located at an altitude of 2,130 meters and offers a wide selection of ski slopes suitable for skiers of different levels. The ski resort has an altitude difference of 730 meters, providing skiers with diverse terrain and challenges. The ski slopes here are cleverly designed, with both gentle slopes suitable for beginners and steep routes for experienced skiers. The resort's facilities are complete, including ski equipment rentals, ski lessons and a comfortable lounge area. Visitors can enjoy the resort's dining services and taste authentic Japanese cuisine while skiing. Nomugi Toge Ski Resort is not only a paradise for ski lovers, but also an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty. Whether it's a family outing or a solo trip, this area offers an unforgettable winter experience.Matsumoto · 31.6 km 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 · 30 km 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 · 12.6 km from Matsumoto
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
The Matsumoto City Museum of Art is considered a landmark building in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The museum has 4 floors - 3 above ground and 1 underground. Built in 2002, this modern structure features extensive use of lines and transparent glass, earning it awards for contemporary architectural design. The museum serves as a platform for global art and culture, nurtures creative new art forms, promotes artistic culture among citizens, and contributes to enriching the cultural life of the community.Matsumoto · 817m from downtown
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 · 30 km 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 · 31.7 km 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)
4.8/5
· 69 reviews· 1.2k bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
97.1% of travelers recommend
FromRUB 3,322.66
4.5/5
· 2 reviews· 46 bookedFree cancellation
FromRUB 5,086.22
4.9/5
· 89 reviews· 1.8k bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
21 consecutive positive reviews
FromRUB 3,955.50
![Autumn Colors Exclusive: Scenic Kamikochi 1-Day Bus Tour from Tokyo [Guaranteed Departure]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352a12000tnzovzp5CC6_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.0/5
· 2 reviews· 89 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 6,543.08RUB 8,178.85
4.4/5
· 12 reviews· 235 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
108 travelers saved
10% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 3,389.11RUB 3,765.68
4.8/5
· 39 reviews· 381 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
30 consecutive positive reviews
8% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 3,624.46RUB 3,939.64
5.0/5
· 1 review· 75 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
95 travelers saved
FromRUB 4,620.73
5.0/5
· 10 reviews· 35 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromRUB 3,552.69
Featured Cultural experiences in Matsumoto
View all Cultural experiences
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 466.04RUB 582.55
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRUB 15,903.32
4.9/5
· 83 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
83 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 6,644.46RUB 6,994.17
4.5/5
· 33 reviews· 389 bookedFree cancellation
313 travelers saved
FromRUB 4,273.51
![[KRONE Takayama store] Japanese coin ring making experience | Free coin selection](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350n12000u384v75772D_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromRUB 1,277.95
FromRUB 4,827.80
FromRUB 13,197.12
Featured Food & drink in Matsumoto
View all Food & drink![[Matsumoto Samurai] Sword fight performance, experience & premium Japanese cuisine package](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351n12000ouphml35F1F_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
FromRUB 16,868.88
5.0/5
· 2 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 6,939.50RUB 7,304.74
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 9,608.53RUB 10,114.25
FromRUB 14,312.99
4.9/5
· 52 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
52 consecutive positive reviews
FromRUB 7,218.94
![[Toyama riding tour] Glacier and sushi theme riding tour (optional sushi making experience)](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350a12000u5hukx37663_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
FromRUB 12,779.45
4.7/5
· 405 reviews· 106 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
94.3% of travelers recommend
FromRUB 11,235.69
More things to do
Private Tours in Matsumoto
View More Private Tours in Matsumoto
Group Tours in Matsumoto
View More Group Tours in Matsumoto
Free things to do in Matsumoto
What travelers say about Matsumoto
_TI***e3April 17, 2025
5.0
Very beautiful castle, especially with cherry blossom trees in full bloom
Matsumoto Castle
翱翔的大鲨鱼August 18, 2020
4.0
Of course, you have to come to Japan to play in the snow in winter! This ski resort has very advanced equipment. The management is also very good. The division of labor between each area is clear. The facilities are very user-friendly, making tourists feel very comfortable and happy.
Mt. Norikura Snow Resort
小月亮弯弯January 27, 2018
5.0
White Bone Hot Spring lived up to my expectations! Very good hot spring service and great service. The person in charge of the reception was a middle-aged female general whose hometown is in Shikoku. She was great hahaha
Shirahone Onsen
_TX***umAugust 28, 2023
4.0
Timeless beauty preserved. Matsumoto Castle Park's architecture and ambiance immerse visitors in Japan's rich history
Matsumoto Castle Park
BossMan187January 4, 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May 12, 2023
5.0
Matsumoto City Museum of Art has an exhibition of Yayoi Kusama. Since it is a permanent exhibition, the admission fee is reasonable (410 yen in May 2023). There are polka dot motif objects and a permanent world view art exhibit using mirrors, which is very interesting. Highly recommended.
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
TodemmyMay 21, 2021
5.0
[Scenery] It is considered as part of the entire scenic area of Taisho Pond. It is a great scenery. It is very beautiful to take pictures when the sun is bright. It is full of the feeling of wildness in the fields. [Fun] The greenery is very good, suitable for outings and tourism. I recommend this place
Kappabashi Bridge
大海家的女汉子November 4, 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
