Weather in Matsumoto

Matsumoto, in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is home to one of Japan's most beautiful original castles - the black-walled 'Crow Castle', dating from the 1590s and one of only a handful of castles to survive in their original form. The city is also a gateway to the Japan Alps, with the dramatic Norikura and Kamikōchi highlands within reach, plus a lively museum dedicated to local-born artist Yayoi Kusama.

Best areas to stay in Matsumoto

Matsumoto Castle Area

The castle and its moat-side park, the city's central landmark and main historical sight.

Nakamachi District

A street of preserved white-walled merchant warehouses, now housing cafes, galleries and craft shops.

Matsumoto Station Area

The main transport hub with hotels, restaurants and access to trains toward the Alps.

Kamikōchi (day trip)

A pristine alpine valley reached by bus from Matsumoto, with no private cars allowed and dramatic mountain scenery.

Getting to Matsumoto

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Flights

Fly into Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT), then take a train to Shinjuku and the Azusa limited express to Matsumoto (around 2.5-3 hours).

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From London

~14-15 hours total from London including transfers

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Getting around

The castle and old town are walkable from the station; buses connect to Kamikōchi and other Alpine destinations.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Matsumoto?

Spring brings cherry blossoms around the castle moat, while autumn foliage and clear winter views of the surrounding Alps are also highlights.

How do I get to Matsumoto?

Matsumoto is around 2.5-3 hours by train from Tokyo via the Azusa limited express, or accessible from Nagoya in a similar time.

What is Matsumoto Castle known for?

It's one of Japan's twelve original castles, with its dark exterior earning it the nickname 'Crow Castle', and offers a steep wooden-staircase interior tour.

Is Matsumoto a good base for the Japan Alps?

Yes, it's a common gateway for trips to Kamikōchi, Norikura, and the wider Northern Alps for hiking and scenic bus routes.

What else is there to do in Matsumoto?

The Matsumoto City Museum of Art houses major Yayoi Kusama works, and the historic Nakamachi district has preserved merchant warehouses now home to cafes and craft shops.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Matsumoto Castle with cherry blossoms reflected in the moat was one of the most beautiful sights of our whole trip, and far less crowded than the famous castles nearer Tokyo.

Will H. · April 2024

★★★★★

Used Matsumoto as a base for a day trip to Kamikōchi - the valley is stunning and the bus journey through the mountains is half the experience.

Saki T. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Lovely, manageable city with a genuinely impressive castle and a good craft beer scene in Nakamachi. Easy stop between Tokyo and Kyoto if you've got the time.

James O. · July 2024