Top Things to do in Matsumoto
Top Restaurants in Matsumoto
What to do and see in Matsumoto, Chubu: The Best Things to do
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 3,584 reviews
Reviewed By phale12017
When l was told we were visiting a a castle, grey blocks of stone came to mind( l clearly wasn’t thinking logically) I was amazed to see this massive, towering wooden structure before me! Yes Japanese castles are made from wood. They have moats and tiny narrow windows for firing weapons out of and other familiar features but l have to say they are quite different from the English versions. They have a hidden extra floor that you cannot see from outside, this is just one unfamiliar feature! We were put into groups of 5 or less and shown round by retirees who were practicing their English, what a wonderful idea! Our guide was very amusing!! A word of warning, there are lots of steps inside, some of them steep! But make the effort, it’s well worth it!!
2. Norikura Kogen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Norikura Kogen (Highland) is a large area spreading in the east of Mt. Norikura (3,026 m), which is the 10th highest mountain and one of the younger volcanoes in Japan. You can enjoy the magnificent views from Japan's highest highway (2,700m) over Mt. Norikura. There are also many viewpoints like water falls, flower gardens, and caldera lakes. Ushidome-ike is a beautiful pond, which gives you one of the best views of the mountains especially on a breathless morning or calm sunset. You can enjoy various activities like hiking, biking, jogging, birdwatching or just a peaceful walk in nature. The annual "Tenku Marathon" and "All Japan Norikura Mountain Cycling Race" are held in June and August each year. In Winter, Mt. Norikura Ski Resort is a renowned winter destination. The snow remains year round and some skiers enjoy skiing as late as August on Mt. Norikura. After walking or skiing, you can soak in Norikura Kogen Onsen (hot springs), which are famous for their white onsen water. Norikura is also famous for delicious soba noodles and other local mountain vegetables.
3. Taisho Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
Reviewed By From_Hotel_to_Hotel - Singapore, Singapore
Easy walk to/from Kappa Bridge. Scenery along the Azusa river was so beautiful ard 3rd week of October, even though we visited 1-2weeks before the peak autumn.
4. Myojin Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By From_Hotel_to_Hotel - Singapore, Singapore
It worth 1hr walk from Kappa Bridge. This place is so magical, peaceful and very beautiful. Visit to Kamikochi is not complete without visiting Myojin pond. The 2nd pond beside the main pond was like man made, so beautiful.
5. Pond Tashiro
6. Kappa Bashi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By ChloeTay - Singapore, Singapore
We were blessed to have a good weather when we visited Kamikochi. It was forecasted to rain heavily that day. The view is magnificent, water is so clear and clean and we enjoyed the 10km walk that day. It is a must to visit if you are travelling in that region, it can be evidence from the photos I took. We stayed overnight in Hirayu Onsen and took a bus (only 30 mins) to Kamikochi. No need to reserve, just buy the ticket on same day.
7. Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By BoardingPass151160 - Singapore, Singapore
If you are an art lover and especially a fan of Yayoi Kusama, this museum showcased her art mind from the moment before you step into the compound and throughout the museum. Unfortunately there's no photography allowed inside the museum. Yayoi Kusama's art displays are on the 3rd floor. You could walk up the grand staircase or take the lift. Oh, one more thing, you are not allowed to bring your bag into the gallery, to prevent vandalism and probably accidental damage to the artworks. There's a locker for you to keep your staff though. No worry. The first artwork of Yayoi Kusama is the the great pumpkin. It was a magnificent piece of sculpture. Apart from her polkadotsy artworks, you'll get to see her other intricate works. If you look close enough, you'll see how she painted herself into her works. There are also amateurs artworks on the 2nd & 3rd floor galleries as well. There are some really great works on display including sculpture. Take your time enjoying these great work of arts. If you don't mind walking, its about 10 to 15mims walk from Matsumoto Station.
8. Kaichi Gakko Primary School
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By PeterthePauper - Ulsan, South Korea
The Former Kaichi School was founded in 1873, Construction was completed in 1876 and it served as a functional school for 90-years until 1963. Having been designated an important cultural asset in 1961, the wooden building was painstakingly dismantled and moved from its' original location in 1963/1964 and rebuilt in its current location. When I learnt that the building had been reconstructed, my first thought was that perhaps the building had been "over-embellished" in the process of restoration, but having seen photographs of the school in its' original location, I can see that this is not the case. In its' original location adjacent to the Metoba River, the equally grandiose building was surrounded by other adjoining buildings in 1963; at least in its' current location the beauty and subtle details of the building can be admired from a proper distance. Having commenced my own elementary school education over 60-years ago in the UK, the period classroom layouts invoked many happy memories!
9. Yohashira Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By OldGirlTravels - London, United Kingdom
All the maple leaves were changing colour when we visited, and the shrine was a technicolour riot of beauty. It's definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Japan.
10. Nakamachi Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 409 reviews
Since the 17th century, Nakamachi Street prospered as the main business district of Matsumoto’s castle town where wholesalers sold goods such as sake and kimono. It was located on the old Zenkoji Kaido, a route connecting Zenkoji Temple to Nagoya and Kyoto. Many of the historical buildings in Nakamachi are old storehouses, some being over 100 years old. Nakamachi now has a variety of shops including folk art and craft shops, restaurants, and cafes. You will also find the Kurassic-kan, which was once a sake brewery building, and the Scale Museum, which is housed in a former scale shop. Sticker campaign service has started 2018. You can get original stickers when you go to Nakamachi Street after visiting Matsumoto Castle. Free Wi-Fi is available since 2019.
Reviewed By williamsM29HU - Kobe, Japan
We found many interesting shops along this street and a could of good restaurants. There is a large mounted map and you can get a good English-language map enroute. There are several craft shops offering Japanese and local wares - pottery, lacquerware and art. We are fortunate that it wasn’t so crowded and spent a couple of hours wandering this area. It’s worth seeking out.
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