Original castle & alpine gateway
Matsumoto
松本 · Black castle in the Alps
A handsome castle town ringed by the Japan Alps. Matsumoto is home to one of the country’s finest original wooden castles and serves as the gateway to the high mountains of Kamikochi and the Tateyama route.
Top sightsSights
Matsumoto Castle
A striking black-and-white original keep from the 1590s, reflected in its moat — a national treasure.
Nakamachi & Nawate streets
Preserved storehouse streets of craft shops, cafes and a frog-themed lane.
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
A museum celebrating hometown artist Yayoi Kusama, dots and all.
Kamikochi
A pristine alpine valley of clear rivers and peaks, open in the warm months.
Daio Wasabi Farm
Japan’s largest wasabi farm, fed by crystal-clear alpine water.
What to eatFood
Shinshu soba
Nagano’s celebrated buckwheat noodles.
Basashi
Horse-meat sashimi, a regional delicacy.
Wasabi treats
Everything from fresh-grated wasabi to wasabi ice cream.
Good to know
- Reachable in ~2.5h from Tokyo (Shinjuku) by limited express.
- Kamikochi is car-free and only accessible spring through autumn.
- The castle is stunning floodlit at night and during cherry season.
Getting there
Limited-express Azusa from Tokyo Shinjuku (~2.5h); a hub for alpine buses.
Next city
Sendai