Matsumoto Travel Guide

  Gate of the North Japan Alps
by hassy
 
  • Gate of the North Japan Alps
      Gate of the North Japan Alps
    by hassy
  •   Matsumoto
    by hassy
  •   Matsumoto
    by Toshioohsako
  •   Matsumoto
    by Toshioohsako
  •   Matsumoto
    by Toshioohsako
 

Explore Matsumoto

Things to Do  

Visiting Suzuki Memorial Museum

Visiting Suzuki Memorial Museum, Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) is know for so called "Suzuki Violin Teaching Methods" (see Wikipedia for details).The last photo presents his necessary conditions for early violin teaching (my translation into English):-early violin teaching and learning-good violin learning... 

Where Samurai lived

Where Samurai lived, Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  "Takahashi Ke Jutaku" (Takahashi family residence) is a typical high level Samurai used t live.It was nominated as "National Treasure" Its a simple but solemn house. If you want to see such house, you should visit this one. 

Where Japanese education started

Where Japanese education started, Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  Kaichi school museum represents one of the oldest Kaichi Elementary Schools in Matsumoto (founded in 1873).The school educated pupils in the dawn of the Meiji period when Japan was pushing hard the development of talents among young pupils and students. It was a nation-wide... 

Fantastic Ukiyoe

Fantastic Ukiyoe, Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  Japan Ukiyoe Woodblock Print Museum is one of the most known woodblock museums in Japan.The 100,000 collection of calligraphy, wood-printed masterpieces. There is a rich repertoire of local wood-block prints. 

New design Performing Arts Center

New design Performing Arts Center, Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  The center just opened last year (2012). Toyo Ito designed it and is intended for various art and cultural activities. There are one big and another smaller concert halls. This building is worth visitingeven you end up with having a drink in the snack bar/restaurant on the... 

Beautiful museum

Beautiful museum, Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  Its a beautiful museum which exhibit the famous modern art of Yayoi Kusama, most known for her giant pumpkin painting. The works of famous calligraphers, Shinzan Kamijo and Kazuo Tamura, are exhibited here. Adults:400 yen and students:200yen. You can take photos without... 

Tracing the memory of Shogun period

Tracing the memory of Shogun period, Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  "Narai-Juku" is a post town in Kisokaido. Almost all people pass through this town or spend a night in this town (on way to Edo) during Tokugawa Shougun period. It is one of the most famous post town. The atomosphere of old days can be felt when walking through this town... 

Hotels  

Toko City Hotel Matsumoto

 1 Review and 11 Opinions  9600 yen with breakfast for a twin room. It's right across the road from the station. Rooms are... 

Hotel New Station

 1 Review and 6 Opinions  This hotel is only 5 mins walk from JR Matsumoto Station. Very good location as it's near most of... 

Restaurants  

Za.Watami: Hot Pot in Winter

Za.Watami: Hot Pot in Winter, Matsumoto

 edelng Says:  We hit this restaurant by chance. It was almost full house when we arrived. We tried their famous hot pot set dinner, crab & potato coquettes, scallops on hot plate . 2 hot pot options were sold out when we ordered. They also have an English menu. We were on a 2nd floor,... 

Soba Restaurant: Restaurant near Matsum0to Castle

Soba Restaurant: Restaurant near Matsum0to Castle, Matsumoto

 edelng Says:  This restaurant is recommended by one of the locals in Matsumoto. The waiter speaks no English but they have English menu. They had horse meat set menu which we dared not try. 2nd floor is the restaurant. The ground floor sells souvenirs and their food stuff. We tried the... 

Nightlife  

Chikuma Pub (Izakaya): Relaxing and laughing
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Toshioohsako 453 reviews
From the darkness to laughter
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Chikuma is a Japanese pub with fantastic social atmosphere and excellent Japanese food.
One can enjoy sake of many different kinds and seasonable food composed of fresh fish,vegetables and meat. One can easily find people to talk to and drink and joke together.
One needs to visit this pub to find out the essence of Matsumoto life, taste and people.

Dress Code: very informal - almost anything

Written Apr 25, 2013

Address: 4-1-25 Ohte, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Phone: 0263-39-0628

Website: http://chikuma.chu.jp/

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Transportation  

Matsumoto Station as central link to other places

Matsumoto Station as central link to other places, Matsumoto

 RoseAmano Says:  You can access here via an Express Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station (three hours by JR special express "Super Azusa"). Matsumoto is located in relatively central Japan, and is a convenient transfer point to Tokyo (three hours by JR special express "Super Azusa"), western Sea... 

How to get to Matsumoto.

How to get to Matsumoto., Matsumoto

 worldkiwi Says:  The easiest way to include Matsumoto on your Japan trip itinerary is to take a train there from either Tokyo of Nagoya. Both these cities have international airports. If you are staying in Kyoto or Osaka, trains connect through Nagoya.The train to Matsumoto from Tokyo... 

Local Customs  

The magic of Onsen (hotspring)

The magic of Onsen (hotspring), Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  Onsen is one of the most loved form of relaxation in Japan. It is totally a relaxing, warm and social experience for the Japanese as well as foreigners. There are numerous hot-spring inns and hotels around Matsumoto. I picked 'Yume no Yu" (dream hot-spring) in Asama Onsen... 

JAPANESE CUSTOMS

JAPANESE CUSTOMS, Matsumoto

 kiwigal_1 Says:  Japan is FULL of interesting differences with other countries. For example: TOILETS : Public toilets in Japan are mostly the squating variety although count yourself lucky if you happen to find an electronic 'space rocket' toilet with lots of fancy gagets to play with! TAXIS... 

Warnings and Dangers  

SNOW AND ICE
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kiwigal_1 1092 reviews

As with other parts of Nagano it is worth warning you of the dangers in winter. Matsumoto is nestled in the Japan Alps and as such is a fairly cold place in winter. Yes, there ARE snowstorms and yes, the roads ARE slippery! Take care!

Updated Jun 21, 2004

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What to Pack  

WHAT TO BRING?
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kiwigal_1 1092 reviews

Luggage and bags: If you plan on doing a lot of train travel when you are in Japan then I suggest that you decline from bringing large, heavy suitcases. Most train stations in Japan have huge staircases (often no lift) so lugging a big suitcase is not an easy task. I suggest a good backpack would be a good choice.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Rainy Season is around June/July and rain weather gear is essential. I just use an umbrella but there have been times that I have got completely soaked!! I can't buy shoes in Japan so I have had to think carefully before I came about what kind of footwear to buy. Note: Easy to slip on and off shoes are best and if you are going to work in a public building you will need 'indoor' shoes to wear. The Japanese always take their outdoor shoes off before entering their house or work. Matsumoto is pretty cold in winter being up in the Japanese Alps so make sure you have good winter clothes (don't forget your skiis etc!!)

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Most things you will need can be purcahsed here. I don't recommend going to a hospital in Japan unless you really need to. In most cases the pharmacist will be able to help you if you tell them what is wrong and what kind of medicine you are looking for (a phrase book will have this in it).

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Matsumoto and Nagano Prefecture in general are great places to experience the outdoors in Japan. Kamikochi (and hour from Matsumoto) is a great place for hiking. If you are into skiing or snowboarding then this is the place to come!

Updated Jun 21, 2004

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Off The Beaten Path  

Don't miss Wasabi!

Don't miss Wasabi!, Matsumoto

 Toshioohsako Says:  Daio Wasabi farm is the largest in Japan (15h). The spring water supplied by the Northern Alps grow and nourish Wasabi. The nature of Azumino region is beautiful which provides you with the curiosity of Wasabi, Wasabi ice-cream, Wasabi beer, Wasabi cakes, and other foods. It... 

HAKUBA

HAKUBA, Matsumoto

 kiwigal_1 Says:  I mentioned Hakuba on my Nagano page. I decided that it needs to be mentioned here also as it is actually easier to get to Hakuba by train from Matsumoto. It takes a couple of hours on the local train but doesn't cost a lot. For those of you who aren't in the 'know' Hakuba... 

Favorites  

Wandering the streets is a great way to explore.

Wandering the streets is a great way to explore., Matsumoto

 worldkiwi Says:  Wandering the streets of any city is a great way to explore, provided you have a good map! This photo was taken at the Jorinji Temple, in Matsumoto, which we stumbled across one chilly and damp April morning in 2006.The temple is down a side street off Isemachi Street. 

MATSUMOTO CASTLE

MATSUMOTO CASTLE, Matsumoto

 kiwigal_1 Says:   Lit up at night in winter Matsumoto Castle is a beautiful site. In the spring the area becomes decorated in pink and white as the Cherry Blossoms come out. One evening I went to the Castle grounds with some friends for a Cherry Blossom party! See my Japan page to learn... 

Comments (1)

  • owyewwah's Profile Photo
    Mar 27, 2013 at 3:17 AM

    Hi, I am interested to view cherry blossom in Japan, but I am told it is kind of late for some of the areas like the cities. I am told Matsumoto is a good place for early April. I plan to come and stay in Nagano, and make trips to Matsumoto during the day. I most like will come via Tokyo from Singapore in the 2nd week of April. I hope this is a good plan. Please advise. Thanks.

Map of Matsumoto