Matsumoto

Matsumoto, located in the Japanese Alps, makes for a welcome contrast to the huge, neon cities of the eastern seaboard. Here you'll find fantastic art museums and delicious food presided over by the "Black Crow" castle, which rises dramatically above the city centre.

“Like most places in Japan, Matsumoto has plenty of local delicacies to try - from apples and soba noodles to fresh wasabi. And for those with a more adventurous palate, the city is also famous for basashi (raw horse meat) and edible insects!”

Until the twentieth century parts of this region were amongst Japan's most isolated, often inaccessible for much of the winter when heavy snowfall and temperatures as low as -25C (-13F) made the mountain passes too treacherous for any journey to be undertaken. However, Matsumoto itself was an important trade route and a centre of export. During the Edo era 25% of all cigarettes smoked in Japan came through the town, making their way onto Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Nagoya.

Matsumoto today is a very cosmopolitan city and has long been a centre of the arts and education. The world famous Suzuki Method of learning the violin was developed here, and the city also boasts Japan's first Elementary School (now preserved as a tourist attraction), opened during the Meiji era and paid for by donations from the local people. This was a landmark in education in Japan, as up until this time only the children of the samurai had access to a proper education.

Matsumoto is also the hometown of the celebrated artist Yayoi Kusama, whose polka-dot creations have graced art galleries worldwide - and can be found on display at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. If you're interested in the visual arts, we also highly recommend heading to the city's ukiyo-e museum, which is located in the suburbs and houses the world's largest collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints.

Though its cultural offerings are diverse, Matsumoto's piece de resistance is undoubtedly its castle - which is lauded as one of the most beautiful original castles in Japan. Having survived over four hundred years through wars, earthquakes and fires, the current keep dates back to around the late sixteenth century and is open for the public to explore and admire. Be careful though! The steep ladders and low wooden beams (the Japanese were considerably shorter back then!) within require a fair degree of concentration.

And finally, on a culinary note, Matsumoto is also famed for its soba or buckwheat noodles and its wasabi - the spicy green radish paste that usually accompanies sushi has a habit of catching the uninitiated unawares! Soba noodles make for a delicious lunch whether served hot or cold, and if you have an interest in wasabi then we recommend a visit to the Daio Wasabi Farm just outside the city.

Recommended Accommodation in Matsumoto

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Matsumoto.

Experiences in Matsumoto

Matsumoto offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Weather in Matsumoto

The Climate Guide for Matsumoto, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	0	1	5	13	18	21	25	26	21	15	9	3
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	-9	-9	-5	1	6	12	16	17	13	5	-1	-6
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	5	5	6	6	7	5	5	6	4	5	5	5
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	15	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	None	Low	Low	None	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	23	21	20	17	16	20	22	19	19	15	16	21
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	43	58	95	121	129	210	227	167	224	109	74	35
UV Index (Maximum)	2	4	6	8	9	10	11	10	8	6	3	2

Tour Gallery

View our Gallery >
Video Gallery > Watch video

Featured trips including Matsumoto

Self-Guided Adventure

Mountains & Culture Family Activity Holiday (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Matsumoto
- Takayama
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Tokyo
The whole family can get stuck in to Japanese culture with this hands-on activity holiday.

12 nights: from US$11531 (per family) Read more >

View more Self-Guided Adventures
Self-Guided Adventure

Through the Floating World (Superior)
- Tokyo
- Kawaguchiko
- Matsumoto
- Obuse
- Kanazawa
- Kyoto
- Tsumago
- Tokyo
Journey across Honshu Island to visit the towns and landscapes depicted in the ukiyo-e woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige.

15 nights: from US$6596 pp (twin share) Read more >

View more Self-Guided Adventures
Self-Guided Adventure

Traditional Japan (Superior)
- Tokyo
- Kanazawa
- Shirakawago
- Takayama
- Matsumoto
- Tsumago
- Kyoto
- Tokyo
Discover traditional Japan through its beautiful ryokan inns, delicious cuisine and a range of cultural experiences on this superior itinerary.

14 nights: from US$8312 pp (twin share) Read more >

View more Self-Guided Adventures