Top Things to do in Matsumoto
Top Restaurants in Matsumoto
Top 10 Things to do in Matsumoto, Japan
The proud black “crow castle” of Matsumoto keeps watch over a city that’s rapidly developing into an epicenter of food and culture. Slurp noodles made from local soba or taunt your taste buds with product from the Daio Wasabi Farm. Take a soothing soak in a local hot spring or spend a few minutes in the Timepiece Museum. Classical music fans should consider a visit during the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto, founded by famed conductor Seiji Ozawa.
Restaurants in Matsumoto
1. Matsumoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Fuet-i-mate
Inside the castle there is an exposition but is not very interesting. I think that is too much expensive although is cheaper than Himeji Castle. There is a way to pay one ticket but two people get inside. Read about it in fuetimate
2. Azumino Chihiro Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By ShonWata - Singapore, Singapore
Visited this museum for the first time. I have known this museum for long time but did not have chance to visit so far. This time of visit has been a bit of dream come true experience. After spending more than an hour of quality time viewing nice piece of works and learning about Chihiro Iwasaki's life, I became even greater fan of her and her works. I guarantee that her truly a heart warming water paintings mochiefed on children will last in your heart after your visit.
Stands in very nice location at the foot of Northern Japan Alps. Visiting Azumino itself is an absolutely wonderful experience.
Reco to visit.
3. Kurumayama Highland
Overall Ratings
4 based on 273 reviews
Kurumayama-kogen Highland Visit Mount Kurumayama summit where the breathtaking views of Japan’s finest Mountains awaits you, from the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mount Fuji to the Southern, Central, and Northern Alps.
Reviewed By Vanessa Y - Tokyo, Japan
At first, we thought the fee to use the ski lift up to the top, was a little steep (1600 yen return) but, changed our minds having finally reached the very top. The lift seats 3 comfortably. It was a longer journey than expected, too. There aren't any toilets at the summit, but at the second stage, where you change ski lifts, there are - but, expect to line up for the ladies ... as everyone thinks the same thing - better to be safe than sorry. There is also a cafe there ... but, nothing at the top.
We had perfect blue skies and when we reached the summit, we were spoilt with a magnificent 360 degrees view and could even see Mt. Fuji, faintly but clearly in the distance.
If we had more time and it was summer (October is a little chilly and everything is a bit dry - not green) a walk around the main area would be nice. It looked great for trekking - an easy course ... a sunrise must be something to see, as well.
It might also be good to walk all the way back down the hill, if you didn't want to spend so much money for the lift and had time.
We will definitely come back in summer, for that ...
4. Anrakuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Gaikokujin P - Moscow, Russia
Very impressed - the Octagonal 3-storey pagoda, the 16 Rakans (arhats) pavillion, the statues of priests Yogyu Enin and Shokoku Isen and, last but not least, the quiet cemetery and the surrounding forest are great. Mark the Kuro-mon (Black Gate) marking the old border of the temple territory.
5. Daio Wasabi Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 563 reviews
Reviewed By Phil M - Bangkok, Thailand
We really enjoyed our visit here. The train journey out of Matsumoto in the morning past the snow-clad hills was a treat in itself. It was very interesting to see the plants at different stages of development in the cold streams, in which we also spotted some beautiful trout. Lovely scenery, even on a cold and drizzly morning, and plenty of different wasabi products to try and buy. The beer was a little disappointing as it didn't have a strong wasabi flavour. The staff were very helpful and called a taxi for us when we wanted to go back to the station.
6. Manji no Sekibutsu
Overall Ratings
4 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By じんべえざめ - Ninomiya-machi, Japan
諏訪湖のお神渡りを見学し、諏訪大社にお詣りした後、この万治
の石仏をお参りしました。伝説では、諏訪大社下社（春宮）に石
の大鳥居を造る時、この石を材料にしようとノミを入れたところ
傷口から血が流れ出したので､石工達は恐れをなし仕事をやめた
その夜、石工の夢枕に上原山に良い石材があると告げられそこに
良材を見つけることができ鳥居は完成したとのことです。
石工達は、この石に阿弥陀如来を祀って記念としたとのことで
す。又、この「万治の石仏」のお参りの仕方・・という立て札
も有りました。１．正面で一礼し、手を合わせて「よろずおさ
まりますように」と心で念じる。２．石仏の周りを願い事を心
で唱えながら時計回りに三周する。３．正面に戻り「よろずお
さめました」と唱えてから一礼する。・・のだそうです。私も
お参りの仕方をしっかり守ってお参りしました。よろずおさま
ると良いのですが。
7. Suwa Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By edmundduck - Hong Kong, China
I visited many Japanese shrines. This Suwa Shrine (諏訪大社) was definitely an amazing and inspiring one comparing to others. I certainly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere there, however I wanted to visit all 4 of them within 1 day, so it became kinda rush. Let me share my experience.
This shrine is divided into 4 parts as below,
1. 上社本宮
2. 上社前宮
3. 下社春宮
4. 下社秋宮
The 1st and 2nd one are in southern part of Suwa, and 3rd and 4th one are in northern part. They are indeed very far from each others. In Spring season, day time is still short, so if 1 day tour for all is what you need, then don't take train, get a rental car instead.
The 1st one is the most notable and the largest one, so we visited it first, and spent most of the time there. After that, visited the 2nd one. When we finished that, it should be afternoon, had a quick lunch. We spent a while to visit the shops nearby the 1st Shrine, and bought some Japanese food. Finaly, we drove and visited the 3rd and 4th one. When we finished the 4 Shrines tour, it was already sunset, that's close, but it's worthwhile!
8. Taisho Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By Sydney-TD - Sydney, Australia
The Taisho pond is the first bus stop coming into Kamikochi. If you're here just for the day (or half), jump off here, rather than leaving this to the end, amin reason being that you might not get a seat on the buses leaving more upstream! Excellent signage here and along the way help you appreciate and understand what you're seeing.
9. Suwa City Kohan Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By keninsydney - sydney
JR上諏訪駅から徒歩10分程で諏訪湖畔につきます。
湖畔は遊歩道として整備されていて遊具やベンチ等々も完備された散策＆市民の憩いの場に成っています。
諏訪湖の眺めもいいのですがその先に見える山々の神々しいこと・・
10. Kitamuki Kannon Shrine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By Judge404 - Cape Town
A beautiful shrine with gorgeous outdoor shrines surrounding it. No access charge and set against a hillside forest. It just oozes character and history. My choice for this area.
TAGS
