What to do in Matsumoto

Activities, attractions and tours

A traditional Japanese pagoda by a calm lake with autumn trees in the background.
A bustling restaurant with wooden interiors, Japanese menu signs, and patrons seated at tables.
A street with shops and people walking.
A cityscape with autumn foliage, a park with a pond, and distant mountains.
A traditional Japanese storefront with wooden signage, hanging lanterns, and a brick entrance.

Things to do

Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip

Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip

Rp3.183.244
per adult
Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip
Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour

Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour

Rp1.114.135
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

Rp1.557.516
per adult
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

Rp1.557.516
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Narai juku and Wasabi Grating Lunch Nakasendo Meets Real Flavor

Narai-juku & Wasabi Grating Lunch: Nakasendo Meets Real Flavor

Rp3.728.943
per adult
Narai-juku & Wasabi Grating Lunch: Nakasendo Meets Real Flavor
Matsumoto Castle Tour and Sake Tasting

Matsumoto Castle Tour, Local Lunch and Sake Experience

Rp1.752.476
per adult
Matsumoto Castle Tour, Local Lunch and Sake Experience
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What to do in Matsumoto

Stay near popular Matsumoto attractions

A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers, surrounded by autumn foliage and a stone bridge.

Matsumoto Castle

9.2/10 (508 reviews)
Known as "Crow Castle" for its striking black exterior, Matsumoto Castle stands as one of Japan's oldest original fortresses. Climb its steep wooden staircases to discover samurai armour and views of the Japanese Alps.
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Where to stay in Matsumoto

Find the best Matsumoto areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Asama Onsen

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Asama Onsen and surrounding area, you can visit Asama Hot Spring and Utsukushigahara Onsen.

A sunflower field with mountains in the background.
Photo by くろふね
Open Photo by くろふね

Niimura

When in Niimura, you can plan a visit to Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and Matsumoto Castle, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers, surrounded by a moat and reflecting in the water.

Tsukama

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tsukama and surrounding area, you can visit Matsumoto City Museum of Art and Matsumoto Performing Arts Center.

A traditional Japanese building with a gate, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

Kaichi

While Kaichi isn't home to many top sights, Matsumoto Shrine and Matsumoto Castle are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sasabe

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sasabe and surrounding area, you can visit Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and Matsumoto Performing Arts Center.

Day trip destinations from Matsumoto

A traditional Japanese street with wooden buildings, a torii gate, and a mountainous backdrop.

Takayama

A traditional Japanese street with wooden buildings, a tree, and a street lamp.

Ueda

A bicycle parked by a guardrail with a snow-capped mountain in the background.

Kiso

A snow-covered landscape with a lake, mountains, and a building in the foreground.

Aoki

Frequently asked questions

Is Matsumoto worth visiting?
Famous for its nature and dining, discovering cool things to do in Matsumoto is easy. Remember to add Asama Hot Spring to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Matsumoto?
Asama Hot Spring and Hinoki Hot Spring are two excellent places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Matsumoto while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Matsumoto?
Asama Hot Spring is one of the top tourist attractions in Matsumoto and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Matsumoto?
Three days in Matsumoto is enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Asama Hot Spring, Matsumoto City Museum of Art and Utsukushigahara Onsen are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Nagano.
Is Matsumoto a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Matsumoto is a good destination to experience on foot. Wander between Asama Hot Spring and Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Then take a stroll through Kakeyu Onsen, located 3 kilometers from the centre, and Asama Onsen, which is about 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Matsumoto with kids?
Planning what to do in Matsumoto with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Matsumoto for adults?
Izutsu Winery and Kametaya Sake Brewery are just a few of the things to do in Matsumoto. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Matsumoto?
In Matsumoto, Joyama Park is a top spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Matsumoto.