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

Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience

Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience

฿3,036
per adult
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle 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. Learn more about Matsumoto
Learn more about Matsumoto

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

Kiso

A rural landscape with traditional houses, green fields, and mountains in the background.

Omachi

A person in a red jacket standing on rocky terrain with a view of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.

Azumino

A traditional Japanese temple with a wooden structure, surrounded by trees and a gravel courtyard.
Photo by z tanuki (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Shimosuwa

A sunset over a lake with a cityscape in the background.

Okaya

A clear lake with a rocky shore, surrounded by lush green mountains and a partly cloudy sky.

Sawando

A mountain road with autumn foliage, a bridge, and a mountain backdrop.

Hirayu Onsen

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 kilometres from the centre, and Asama Onsen, which is about 3 kilometres 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.