Things to do in Matsumoto

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Matsumoto

Mt. Norikura Snow Resort

4.5

4.0/5

2 reviews

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 · 34.2km from downtown

No. 2 of Ski Resorts in Matsumoto

Nomugi Toge Ski Resort

4.3

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 · 31.6km from downtown

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto Castle Park

4.2

4.0/5

1 reviews

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

No. 1 of Hot Springs Attractions in Nagano Prefecture

Shirahone Onsen

Matsumoto · 32.3km from downtown

15 reviews

Shirahone Onsen is located in a valley deep within the Hida Mountains, at an altitude of approx. 1,400m. The history of the hot springs dates back to the Kamakura period, when samurai would stop here to rest and bathe while traveling along the rugged mountain paths. The hot spring water is clear and colorless when it emerges, but once it comes into contact with air, the dissolved hydrogen sulfide and calcium bicarbonate precipitate into fine particles, turning the water milky white. This is how the name "Shirahone" originated. The hot spring town has over ten inns and one public open-air bath scattered along the valley. While small in scale, each has its own unique history. There is also a rare experience here—drinking the spring water. There are designated drinking spots within the hot spring town where you can directly taste the mineral-rich spring water, and various inns also use the hot spring water to cook hot spring porridge, a local specialty.

No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Nagano Prefecture

Kamikōchi

4.2

4.9/5

81 reviews

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 · 30km from downtown

Daio Wasabi Farm

Azumino · 12.6km from Matsumoto

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.

Matsumoto · 817m from downtown

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

3.4

4.7/5

9 reviews

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.

Taisho Ike Pond

3.5

Matsumoto · 31.7km from downtown

10 reviews

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.

Kappabashi Bridge

3.5

Matsumoto · 30km from downtown

14 reviews

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.

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SHIBUYA SKY

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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

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67 reviews

Departs from Matsumoto

FromAED 322.08

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8D7N • Japan + Tokyo + Gunma + Niigata + Tateyama + Matsumoto

8-day route linking Tokyo, Gunma, Niigata, Tateyama & Matsumoto, mixing old streets, fruit picking, gorges, cable cars, art museums and national treasure castle. | Cozy hotels arranged per daily destination; central Tokyo hotels for free time, lodges near Hokuriku scenic spots. | Private driver-guide with clear overtime fees, door-to-door transfers, ticket booking & itinerary adjustment support. Local restaurant recommendations plus online customer service throughout the trip.

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From AED 7,837

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2D1N • Japan + Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route + Kamikōchi Forest Secret Trail Hiking Tour

5/5

5 reviews29 booked

Classic easy hiking routes in the Northern Japanese Alps including Tateyama transport tickets. Relax and heal your soul amid snow mountains, streams, forests and fiery autumn leaves. | Explore iconic routes and popular spots: Kamikochi, Kappa Bridge, Myojin Pond, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, and the Snow Wall Valley. Includes 6 types of public transport tickets for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. | Professional Chinese-speaking guide service ensures smooth communication and worry-free travel.

Max. 47 peopleMandarinNo mandatory shoppingFree cancellationDeposit acceptedGroup Tours

From AED 1,302

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Experiences you can't miss in Matsumoto

Featured Day tours in Matsumoto

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Kamikōchi Hiking 1-Day Tour|Azusa River Hidden Gem: Myojin Pond Mountain Pilgrimage [Round-trip from Nagoya]

4.8/5

· 76 reviews· 1.2k booked

Duration: 10.5 hrs

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97.4% of travelers recommend

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Hiking in the hidden alpine paradise of Kamikochi | Kappabashi Bridge & Taisho Ike Pond | Round-trip from Nagoya

4.9/5

· 90 reviews· 1.9k booked

Duration: 10.3 hrs

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Nagoya, Japan: Kamikochi, Kappa Bridge, God's Falling Land, and Taisho Pond Day Tour

4.4/5

· 12 reviews· 253 booked

Duration: 7 hrs

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Kanazawa area: 1-day tour with private charter to Tateyama Kurobe + Kamikōchi | Adjustable itinerary with Chinese-speaking pickup

Duration: 8 hrs

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Seasonal Limited: Nagoya Strolling Kamikochi one-day tour(Myojin Pond, Kappa Bridge, and Taisho Pond)

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Seasonal Limited: Nagoya Strolling Kamikochi one-day tour(Myojin Pond, Kappa Bridge, and Taisho Pond)

4.8/5

· 43 reviews· 374 booked

Duration: 10.5 hrs

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Nagoya area: Matsumoto + Nagano private chartered 1-day tour [adjustable itinerary, private car pick-up]

Duration: 10 hrs

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1-day tour to Kamikōchi from Nagoya (round-trip) - Kappa Bridge / Taisho Pond / Myojin Pond

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 7 hrs

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1-day tour from Nagoya to Kamikōchi, Japan's Jiuzhaigou, including Taisho Pond, Tashiro Pond, Kappa Bridge, and Myojin Pond

4.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 11 hrs

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Featured Culture & history in Matsumoto

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Matsumoto Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Treasures and Artistic Spirits

Duration: 1.5 hrs

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Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour

4.9/5

· 35 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

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FromAED 230.41

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Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour

4.9/5

· 47 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

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42 consecutive positive reviews

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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Making Workshop

5.0/5

· 2 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

4.9/5

· 86 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

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FromAED 313.99

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Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Local Bites Walking Tour

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Matsumoto: Samurai Experience with Sword and Archery

5.0/5

· 2 reviews

Duration: 4 hrs

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Featured Food & drink in Matsumoto

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[Matsumoto Samurai] Sword fight performance, experience & premium Japanese cuisine package

Duration: 3 hrs

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Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Local Bites Walking Tour

5.0/5

· 5 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

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Nagano Snow Monkeys, Limited-Time Kamakura Snow Domes & Sukiyaki Lunch Day Tour | Guaranteed Daily Departure

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Nagano Snow Monkeys, Limited-Time Kamakura Snow Domes & Sukiyaki Lunch Day Tour | Guaranteed Daily Departure

4.7/5

· 405 reviews· 106 booked

Duration: 10.5 hrs

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94.3% of travelers recommend

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Food & Culture Walk in Nagano: Oyaki, Sake, Matcha & Zenkoji

4.9/5

· 52 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

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[Toyama riding tour] Glacier and sushi theme riding tour (optional sushi making experience)

Duration: 3 hrs

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1-day tour of the Nakasendo trail and Tsumago-juku (meet at Nakatsugawa station/disband at Nagiso station)

Duration: 4.5 hrs

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FromAED 642.75

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Featured Spa & wellness in Matsumoto

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Follow-up photography and videography (photos and videos) in Kusatsu, Japan, hot spring town Trip Moments portraits (all negatives included), translation

Duration: 3 hrs

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Tokyo surrounding: Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort/hot spring 1-day tour/itinerary adjustable in Chinese and English

Duration: 9.5 hrs

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Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Guided Group Tour

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Nagano: Snow Monkey Park, Soba Lunch, and Shibu Onsen Tour

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Departing from Nagoya | Bokka no Sato snow park fun + hot spring 1-day tour

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1-day tour to Bokka no Sato Snow Park + Hot Springs from Nagoya (Departing from Nagoya)

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Private Tours in Matsumoto

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7D6N • Japan winter scenic journey from Tokyo to Osaka with Mount Fuji, Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kyoto highlights

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Discover central Japan highlights: Lake Kawaguchi, Oishi Park, Matsumoto Castle, Shirakawa-go, watch assembly at Suwako Watch & Clock Museum, and food sample making in Gujo. · Enjoy quality accommodation with optional hotel upgrades. Stay at carefully selected, well-reviewed hotels that balance comfort and convenience. · Private Alphard for your group with no shared rides. Japanese- and Mandarin-speaking driver, with an optional English-speaking guide. Tolls and parking included for a comfortable journey.

From AED 8,046

2D1N • From Tokyo: 2-Day Nagano Private Tour with Snow Monkeys

EnglishPrivate Tours

Discover the best of Nagano on a 2-day private tour from Tokyo · Enjoy the hot-spring culture of Shibu Onsen and its traditional streets · Explore the charming historic town of Obuse and its local shops

From AED 1,554

5D4N • Chubu Alpine & Cultural Tour: Kanazawa, Tateyama Kurobe, Matsumoto Castle & Shirakawa-go

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

You will marvel at Gujo Hachiman Castle, wander UNESCO Shirakawa-go thatched roofs, explore Kanazawa Kenrokuen, Omicho Market, admire Amaharashi Coast, Tateyama Kurobe, Matsumoto. · You will stay in Kanazawa, Toyama, Matsumoto and Nagoya. Each hotel sits along your route, so you can rest and enjoy geisha evenings, Toyama Bay sunsets, castle charm, Nagoya energy. · Nagoya Airport pick-up and drop-off included. Your private driver connects all destinations smoothly, from Shirakawa-go roofs to Kanazawa tea houses, Tateyama passes, seamless.

From AED 6,228

4D3N • From Nagoya: 4-Day Private Japanese Alps Tour

JapanesePrivate Tours

Discover Kamikochi’s rivers, forests, and mountain views · Experience four contrasting regions of the Japanese Alps · Explore Takayama’s preserved Edo-period merchant streets

From AED 5,064

4D3N • Japan Nagoya Chubu fall foliage panoramic tour, private car throughout, no shared groups, no rushing

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelExcellent accommodationPrivate Tours

Discover central Japan's autumn beauty, stroll through Kamikōchi, visit Matsumoto Castle and Tateyama Kurobe, then explore Kenrokuen Garden, Shirakawa Village, and Hida Takayama's historic streets. · Flexible stay arrangements. Cancel your original hotel or get recommendations for select hot spring hotels based on your budget and needs. · Travel smoothly in your private Alphard. Our travel specialist helps arrange your trip. Enjoy time-saving direct transfers, no shopping stops, and pick attractions you like.

From AED 4,709

2D • Japan Central 2-day private car charter: Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kamikochi

Japanese/English/ThaiGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

Explore Shirakawa-go, Takayama Old Town, and Kamikochi, and enjoy beautiful alpine scenery along the way. · If you've already booked your own hotel, we can remove the hotel stay from this package. · Travel in a private Alphard with no shared rides and service from a driver who speaks Japanese and Chinese.

From AED 2,551

9D8N • Japan : Tokyo + Karuizawa + Kusatsu Onsen + Shirakawa-go + Takayama + Kanazawa + Nagano + Yamanashi + Yokohama

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

9-day all-in-one tour covering Tokyo, Karuizawa, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Nagano. Balanced mix of cities, onsens, ancient villages & nature, no backtracking, suitable for all ages. · Urban hotels in Tokyo, century-old Kusatsu onsen ryokans, cozy inns in Kanazawa & Takayama. Self-booking supported, flexible rooms fit family & kid groups. · Daily 10-hour private driver-guide with transparent overtime fees, full trip door-to-door private transfers, plus support for attraction ticket booking and itinerary adjustments.

From AED 8,874

8D7N • Japan + Osaka + Kyoto + Gero + Shirakawa-go + Takayama + Mount Fuji + Tokyo

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This tour covers ancient temples, countryside villages, hot springs, iconic mountains and shopping all in one trip, ideal for first-time visitors looking for an in-depth tour of Japan. · Carefully selected downtown sightseeing hotels and distinctive hot spring ryokans throughout the trip. A ryokan featuring one of Japans three renowned hot springs is arranged in Gero. · Exclusive private car with pro local drivers for airport and sightseeing transfers. No sharing. Customize routes freely; overtime fees are clear and upfront.

From AED 8,368

Group Tours in Matsumoto

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Matsumoto Today's weatherClear 8-16℃

Matsumoto weather for the next 2 days11/15: 8-14℃, 11/16: 4-14℃

Free things to do in Matsumoto

Shirahone Onsen

Matsumoto · 32.3km from downtown

15 reviews

Daio Wasabi Farm