Matsumoto

About Matsumoto

Steeped in history and studded with gorgeous architecture, Matsumoto is the second-largest city in the Nagano Prefecture. Famed for its beautiful castle, wealth of museums and charming streets lined with boutiques, eateries and traditional ryokans, it is the ideal destination for history fans and keen foodies. Carefully chosen for their location, style and amenities, our collection of the best places to stay in Matsumoto offers chic city pads as well as a restful rural retreat.

The streets of Matsumoto are peaceful and picturesque, with the feel of a quaint town rather than a bustling metropolis. Admire the antique shops of Nawate-Dori, the classic ryokans and gourmet restaurants of Nakamachi-Dori, or take a guided walking tour for a sense of the area’s past. By mid-April, the cherry trees are in full bloom, and the grounds of Matsumoto Castle are at their most enchanting. Complete with turrets, a keep and a tower, this is one of Japan’s most beautiful castles — and one of very few positioned on flat land. Staff in traditional warrior dress lead informative tours, and the Castle’s museum teems with ancient artefacts, armour and weaponry. Other highlights include the Jorinji Shrine, the Ukiyoe Museum and the Museum of Art.

Venture beyond the city to discover a 15-hectare wasabi farm — the largest in Japan — or to enjoy tours and tastings at excellent wineries. The Yatsugatake National Park, where one of the best places to stay in Matsumoto is located, is brilliant for hiking and bird-spotting.

The Best Places to Stay in Matsumoto

For Boutique Chic

Hotel Tamanoyu has 17 minimalist rooms with big cosy beds and low dining tables. The best have private hot spring baths, perfect for long soaks. The restaurant serves fantastic regional dishes. A boutique base for couples in search of seclusion and authenticity.

For City Style

Buena Vista is a sleek city hotel with 190 smart, contemporary rooms. Expect impressive views of the Japanese Alps, superb Japanese and international fare at five restaurants, meeting spaces and bicycles for exploring the city on two wheels. Ideal for business travellers.

For Rural Luxury

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is a luxurious retreat in the Yatsugatake National Park. Choose from 45 Japanese or Western-style rooms and suites, savour delectable French and Japanese fare, and spend your days hiking, wild swimming or kick back at the soothing spa. Gorgeous and romantic.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR COTTAGE

If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Fly to Tokyo's Haneda International Airport or to Narita International Airport and travel to Matsumoto by train via Shinjuku Station. The journey should take under three hours by rail.
The Nagano region is wonderful to explore by road! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
Summers are warm, with temperatures hovering between 22 and 28°C, whilst spring brings the world-famous cherry blossoms: this is the best time to visit. For a quieter trip and great hotel deals, we'd recommend travelling in early autumn. Winters are cosy but cold.

STILL NOT SURE?

Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Hokuto.
Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Japan.
Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Matsumoto

Best Hotels in Matsumoto

Buena Vista Matsumoto (Nagano) 190 rooms from $129

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Cycling  -  Hire bicycles to zip around the area on two wheels, or to explore the forested landscape on leafy trails
Local exploring  -  Located in the heart of the city within easy reach of attractions such as Matsumoto Castle
Museums  -  The Matsumoto City Museum of Art offers a regular series of fascinating exhibitions
Business meetings  -  A smart city choice with meeting rooms and events spaces aplenty

A sleek hotel located in the heart of the city. Simply dressed rooms are all white on white with crisp linen and large windows, the best of which have views onto the Japan Alps. A range of restaurants offer everything from Japanese to French cuisines. A chic base to explore the city from. See More

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Hotel Kagetsu Matsumoto (Nagano) 89 rooms from $106

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Romantic Break  -  The historical folk craft furniture, lofted ceilings and warm wood create a romantic feel
Families  -  The Japanese tatami rooms can accommodate four people so great for families
Local exploring  -  Yohashira and Fukashi Shrine are both within walking distance
Restaurant  -  There's an elegant French-influenced restaurant

This charming hotel in downtown Matsumoto offers traditional Japanese-style rooms or, in the annexe, a retro feel with historical folk craft furniture, wooden beams and stucco walls. There's a restaurant and a cafe, plus guests can relax in the communal bath. A wonderful nostalgic step back in time. See More

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Hotel Tamanoyu Matsumoto (Nagano) 17 rooms from $143

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Local exploring  -  Within walking distance - or just a short drive - to many of the city's main attractions, including the Kissei Cultural Hall
Total relaxation  -  Boasting both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and in-room massage chairs, this is a relaxing base
Hotel Entertainment  -  Live performances of traditional music and cultural shows in the lounge-bar are a highlight
Museums  -  Visit the fascinating Kaichi School Museum and the Matsumoto City Museum of Art

A boutique property offering contemporary Japanese style. Smart rooms are minimalist in design with enormous windows, sink-into western beds, low level dining tables and the best have hot spring baths. The restaurant serves up superlative regional dishes. A chic city base. See More

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Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel Matsumoto 103 rooms from $146

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Local exploring  -  Matsumoto is brimming with fascinating cultural monuments, many within walking distance of the property
City Style  -  A smart city base; book one of the suites for a seriously smart room with wooden four poster and more
Sights nearby  -  The property is the closest hotel to Matsumoto Castle — it's just a stroll away
Restaurant  -  Beautifully concieved dishes by specialist Japanese chefs with a hint of French inspiration

Ideally located in the heart of town, nestled in the shadow of Matsumoto castle. A clever blend of old and new buildings feature rooms and suites with luxurious furnishings and neutral, earthy colours. Various dining options including Western fusion menus. A stylish city base. See More

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Shoho Matsumoto (Nagano) 97 rooms from $210

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Local exploring  -  The hotel is close to many sightseeing spots such as Kamikochi in the Northern Japan Alps and the city of Azumino
Short break  -  Take the Town Sneaker tour bus which has four routes showcasing the highlights of Matsumoto City
Views  -  Outstanding views over the surrounding area and Matsumoto from its elevated position
Great walks  -  Enjoy strolling through Utsukushigahara Highland open-air museum with its lush mix of grassland and alpine flowers

An onsen hotel situated in the hills high above Matsumoto city. Tastefully decorated rooms in warm wood and burnt orange have floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning views. There are several hot spring baths, plus a restaurant serving traditional multi-course meals. A picturesque relaxing stay. See More

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KAI Matsumoto Matsumoto (Nagano) 26 rooms from $397

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Local exploring  -  KAI Matusmoto is ideally for anyone looking to explore the eclectic mix of nightlife and culture
Spa breaks  -  Enjoy a meditation session or a soak in one of the thriteen onsen fed by the Asama hot spring
Sights nearby  -  The awe-inspiring Matsumoto castle is within walking distance of the resort
Restaurant  -  Superb seasonal kaiseki-style cuisine including high-end Wagyu beef

A tranquil resort nestled in the outskirts of Matsumoto. Sleek, modern rooms with elegant traditional furnishings including latticed shoji sliding doors. Eight types of bath fed by the Asama hot spring, daily musical recitals and superb kaiseki cuisine complete the picture. Fabulous! See More

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Keiryuso Siorie Matsumoto 8 rooms from $430

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Families  -  Various children's amenities are available to rent such as a children's tablet and baby chair, as well as kid's meals provided
Total relaxation  -  Relax in the indoor and outdoor hot spring baths; the private bath is available for reservations if preferred
Traditional  -  Authentic interiors, with woven tatami flooring, futons and Japenese seating area
Restaurant  -  Kaiseki cuisine with shinshu ingredients served for dinner, along with a traditional Japenese breakfast in the mornings

A charming hotel in the foothills of the alps close to River Azusa. Rooms offer traditional Japanese décor with woven tatami flooring, futons and soft colourings; some have private outdoor onsens. Leafy gardens, indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths and tranquil surroundings make this the perfect escape. See More

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Matsumoto Jujo Matsumoto (Nagano) 27 rooms from $363

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Total relaxation  -  The huge book store, rooms with views and hot spring baths make for a chilled-out and relaxing stay
Local exploring  -  A great spot for exploring the nearby waterfalls, shrines and temples
Restaurant  -  367 Restaurant serves wood-fired cuisine and Alps Table's fare is based on the theme of Shinshu Italian
Sights nearby  -  It's a 10-minute drive to Matsumoto Castle

Situated 20 minutes outside the city centre, Matsumoto Jujo consists of two hotels, a bookstore, a bakery, a shop, a restaurant, and a cider brewery. The spacious rooms have an industrial feel with exposed concrete and wood; all have open-air hot spring baths. A perfect blend of comfort and style. See More

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Tobira Onsen Myojinkan Matsumoto (Matsumoto-shi) 45 rooms from $611

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Great walks  -  Take a scenic stroll along the Usukawa River, where you'll find benches to perch and contemplate your tranquil surroundings
Romantic Break  -  A wonderful setting, great cuisine and lovely accommodation - ideal for a romantic getaway
Total relaxation  -  Tobira Onsen Myojinkan enjoys a wonderfully serene rural location in a nature reserve
Other Activities  -  Visits to wineries and wasabi farms are wonderful ways to discover the area
Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux, Kiwi Collection

The tranquil Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is located a few miles outside Matsumoto. Choose between Japanese or Western-style rooms and suites, enjoy a range of traditional kaiseki, modern Japanese and French cuisine at the restaurant, or unwind at the spa. A fabulous retreat with beautiful onsens. See More

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