4 Recommended Hotels in Matsumoto
Hotel Buena Vista
The finest city hotel in Matsumoto, blending Alpine-inspired design with elegant interiors and panoramic views. Experience warm Japanese hospitality in the heart of Nagano.- 7-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station with complimentary shuttle service
- Original craft beer brewed in-house
- Comfortable rooms and premium bedding for quality sleep
- Complimentary use of the hot spring baths at Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho (free shuttle bus provided)
- Friendly international staff providing attentive service
Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho
One of Nagano’s most spacious hot spring ryokan, perched high above Utsukushigahara Onsen with panoramic views of the Northern Alps and Matsumoto city. All guest rooms feature panoramic vista.
- Seasonal kaiseki dinner
- Panoramic indoor and open-air hot springs
- Breathtaking Japan Alps views from every guest room
- Free shuttle bus from/to JR Matsumoto station
Alpico Plaza Hotel
Convenient comfort in a prime location. Just a 2-minute walk from Matsumoto Station and adjacent to the bus terminal, this hotel is a perfect base for exploring Nagano. Thoughtful services ensure a pleasant stay.
- Comfortable rooms with all essential amenities
- Western & Nagano-style breakfast buffet
- Next to Tsunagu Yokocho Izakaya Food Hall, includes a free drink coupon (as of Aug 2025)
- Luggage delivery service for hassle-free travel
- Complimentary use of the hot spring baths at Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho (free shuttle bus provided)
Ace Inn Matsumoto
Affordable comfort just 1 minute from JR Matsumoto Station and the Bus Terminal. With 157 guest rooms, this hotel is ideally located for sightseeing in Matsumoto and beyond, offering budget-friendly stays with essential in-room amenities.
- Free breakfast buffet
- Excellent location, only 1 minute from JR Matsumoto Station and Bus Terminal
- Complimentary hot spring access at Shoho (reservation required, limited availability)
Matsumoto Itinerary (2 Nights Plan)
Day 1
- Arrive in Matsumoto late morning
- Join Ishii Miso Brewery Tour
- Visit Matsumoto City Museum of Art
- Visit Matsumoto’s Traditional Dolls Shop
- Enjoy Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping Show!
- 11:00 - 13:00
-
Ishii Miso Brewery Tour & Lunch
Discover the tradition of Shinshu miso at Ishii Miso, a historic brewery founded in 1868.Join an English-language tour to explore cedar-barrel aging rooms and learn about their famous three-year miso.Upstairs, enjoy lunch with signature dishes like pork miso soup and miso dumplings. The shop also offers additive-free miso, miso sweets, and miso-flavored soft serve.Located just 20 minutes on foot from Matsumoto Castle—perfect for a local food adventure!
More info and book your miso brewery tour and special lunch here!
- Access
- 15 min walk from Matsumoto Station
- Town Sneaker Sightseeing Bus East Route, get off at Shimingeijutsukan bus stop
- 13:30 - 16:00
-
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Admire Matsumoto’s vibrant art scene at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, known for its impressive exhibitions and iconic Yayoi Kusama artwork at the entrance. Take your time to explore galleries featuring local and international artists.
- Access
- 12 min walk from Matsumoto Station
- Town Sneaker Sightseeing Bus East Route, get off at Matsumotoshi bijutsukan bus stop
- 16:30 - 17:30
-
Belleamie Doll Shop “Mimura” – Matsumoto’s Traditional Oshie & Tanabata Dolls
Visit the only shop in Matsumoto specializing in oshie and Tanabata dolls, traditional crafts with roots in the Edo period. At Belleamie Doll Shop, watch skilled artisans demonstrate classic doll-making techniques and admire beautifully handmade pieces crafted from fine fabrics.
Unique washi paper dolls are also available, along with charming local souvenirs. This is a must-visit spot to experience the artistry and heritage of Matsumoto.
- Access
- 15 min walk from Matsumoto Station
- Town Sneaker Sightseeing Bus East Route, get off at Shimingeijutsukan bus stop
- 18:00
-
Soba Dinner and Illuminated Matsumoto Castle
First, enjoy Nagano’s famous warm soba noodles for dinner at one of Nakamachi Street’s cozy local restaurants.After dinner, stroll through the historic streets and head to the iconic Matsumoto Castle. At 6:00 pm, be amazed by the castle’s spectacular projection mapping light show—a stunning blend of history and modern art that lights up the night in Matsumoto.
- Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping Show!
- Show Time: Dec 13, 2025 - Feb 15, 2026, 6:00-10:00 PM
Day 2
- Matsumoto
-
Direct Bus
- Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort
-
Direct Bus
- Matsumoto
- 7:00
-
Depart from Matsumoto
Hop on the Matsumoto–Hakuba bus at 7:00 from Hotel Buena Vista or Matsumoto Bus Terminal, and ride straight to the number one hotspot right now—Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort!
- 9:30 - 15:30
-
Enjoy Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort
- Unforgettable Views in Iwatake White Park Area
- Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Harbor: Famous terrace café with panoramic views of the Japan Alps. Sip hot cocoa or a latte with unforgettable scenery. The view from the terrace is absolutely spectacular – wide open skies, snow-covered peaks, and perfect photo angles from every corner.
- YOOHOO Swing: Don’t miss the Giant Swing – fly out over the mountains and get a photo you’ll remember forever.
- Kid’s Area with Sled & Tube Rentals: Slide, ride, or bounce in a snow park with rental snow gear – only ¥500/hour.
- YAHOO! Ice Slider (NEW!): A 15-meter ice slide you can ride on a real toboggan! Totally free & fun for all ages. Operates from late Jan to late Feb.
- Buggy Cruise Tour: Take a short guided ride in a snow buggy to hidden mountain viewpoints. Great for photos! (Adult ¥2,000 / Child ¥1,000)
※Please note that all food & drinks, and rental fees are at your own expense.
- 16:00
-
Depart from Hakuba
Head back to the same bus stop area – no need to walk far or find another location. Say goodbye to the snow with a smile (and probably hundreds of photos).
- 18:30
-
Return to Matsumoto
After a long but fun day, head back to your room for a hot shower, dinner, and a good rest.
- More Things to Do at Night
- Bar-Hopping: Enjoy bar-hopping in Matsumoto, known as the “City of Bars.” Explore classic bars with great vibes, including some uniquely renovated from traditional KURA warehouses.
- Evening Stroll: Wander through historic streets lined with stylish cafes and bars. At night, the area is softly illuminated, creating a cozy atmosphere quite different from daytime.
- Eat at Izakaya: Sample Matsumoto’s specialties at izakaya along Nakamachi Street, near Matsumoto Station, or at Matsumoto Tsunagu Yokocho—a lively food alley with various unique eateries offering local regional flavors.
Matsumoto Nearby Sightseeing
- Takayama: 3 hours by bus
- Narai-juku Post Town: 1 hour by train
- Daio Wasabi Farm: 1 hour by car
- Shirahone Onsen: 1.5 hour by bus
- Shirakawa-go: 4 hours by bus (via Takayama)
- Hakuba: 2 hours by bus
- Kawaguchi-ko: 2.5 - 3.5 hours by train
Bus Routes to Matsumoto
- Shinjuku
- Matsumoto
- Matsumoto
- Kamikochi
- Osaka
- Kamikochi
- Sawando
- Kamikochi
- Nagano
- Kamikochi
- Shibuya
- Kamikochi