JP · Nagano Prefecture · 36.24°N 137.97°E

matsumoto

Moody black 'crow castle' with the Alps behind it, and the gateway to Kamikochi.

Best time
April for cherry blossoms at the castle, summer for cool trips up to Kamikochi (open from late April to mid-November), and October for autumn colour.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly to Tokyo (about 7 hours from KL). The Azusa limited express from Shinjuku takes about 2.5 hours, and highway buses from Shinjuku take a little over 3 hours. From Nagoya, the Shinano limited express takes about 2 hours.
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JP · Nagano Prefecturematsumoto36.24°N 137.97°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Moody black 'crow castle' with the Alps behind it, and the gateway to Kamikochi.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMatsumotoJP, Nagano Prefecture
KLmatsumoto
≈ 5,230 km from KL, as the crow flies
Matsumoto Castle and Hida Mountains in Matsumoto, Nagano prefecture, Japan

Photo: 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A relaxed city in Nagano with one of Japan's few original castles, its black walls earning it the nickname Crow Castle. The Northern Alps rise behind it, and it's the gateway to the alpine valley of Kamikochi.

Makan

  1. Shinshu sobaNagano's famous buckwheat noodles, at their best in autumn when the new harvest comes in.Map ↗
  2. SanzokuyakiA big slab of garlicky fried chicken, a Matsumoto local favourite.Map ↗
  3. OyakiNagano's chewy dumplings stuffed with vegetables or red bean.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Matsumoto CastleJapan's oldest surviving five-tiered keep. Climb the steep wooden stairs inside to the top.Map ↗
  2. Nawate StreetA frog-themed lane of small shops and snack stalls along the river.Map ↗
  3. Nakamachi StreetWhite-walled old storehouses turned into craft shops and cafés.Map ↗
  4. Matsumoto City Museum of ArtA big collection of work by Yayoi Kusama, who was born in the city.Map ↗
  5. KamikochiA high alpine valley with a clear river and walking trails, about 1.5–2 hours away by train and bus.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Private cars can't drive into Kamikochi. Park at Sawando or take the train and bus from Matsumoto.
  • The castle gets long queues on holidays and weekends, so go early.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.