Nagano Prefecture (長野県) is a natural destination for travellers looking for an escape from Tokyo City (東京). Easily accessible by a variety of trains and other modes of transport from Tokyo and Shinjuku Station, standout locations include the luxurious summertime retreat of Karuizawa (軽井沢), and the onsen-bathing snow monkey sanctuary in Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑). But one particular city high up on the bucket lists of most explorers, thanks to its rich history, natural charm, and close proximity to other popular sites like Azumino(安曇野) and Kamikochi(上高地), is the castle town of Matsumoto!
Nestled in the heart of Nagano, Matsumoto City (松本市) is a destination that beautifully transforms into a magical wonderland in winter. From dazzling light festivals and nostalgic streets lined with traditional buildings to rejuvenating hot springs and hands-on cultural experiences, this mountain city offers countless ways to experience the beauty of Japan’s winter season. Here are 6 activities we think you should spend your next winter getaway doing in Matsumoto City!
1. Visiting Matsumoto Castle
No trip to Matsumoto is complete without a visit to its stunning castle—the oldest surviving five-tiered, six-story castle tower in Japan! One of only five castles in Japan to be designated a National Treasure (国宝 kokuhо̄), Matsumoto Castle (松本城 Matsumoto-jо̄) is the only castle in Japan where all walls of the main castle keep are coated with black lacquer.
Matsumoto Castle (松本城)
Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano 390-0873
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station (松本駅)
Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping
This winter, get ready to view the majestic castle in a brand-new light! 🏯 The Castle Town Festival of Light and Ice will be held from 13 December 2025 to 15 February 2026, during which Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure of Japan, will shine with a special glow on winter nights. Fantastic images themed around ice crystals and snowy landscapes will be shown on the castle walls as a projection mapping, vividly illuminating the pitch-black castle tower.
The Castle Town Festival of Light and Ice
Event Period: December 13 (Sat), 2025 – February 15 (Sun), 2026
Projection timing: 6pm – 10pm
Address: Matsumoto Castle Park, Daimyomachi Street, Chitose Bridge
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station (松本駅)
What’s more, the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival 2026 will be held simultaneously on January 23rd, 24th and 25th, and will feature an array of exquisite works by ice sculptors. Enjoy ice art during the day and a fusion of light and sound at night, and be sure to come and experience this fantastical festival that will brighten up Matsumoto in winter!
National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival 2026
Event Period: January 23 (Fri), 24 (Sat), 25 (Sun), 2026
Event locations: Matsumoto Castle Park, Flower Clock Park, Otemon Masugata Ruins Square, Nakamachi Kura Chic Hall, Matsumoto City Museum of Art
2. Exploring the nostalgic streets
Nawate Street
During your walk towards Matsumoto Castle from the train station you might come across a nostalgic-looking shopping street next to the Metoba-gawa riverbank. Nawate Street has flourished as the approach to Yohashira Shrine since the Meiji Era. “Nawate” means a long, rope-like embankment, and souvenir shops and general stores lining the street are always bustling with people.
The street is also home to many frog symbols, as the Metoba-gawa River was once inhabited by scores of Kajika frogs which thrived in the clear river water. 🐸 Take photos with the giant frog statue at the street entrance designed by students from the Tokyo University for the Arts, or with the scattered illustrations and merchandise of frogs which dot the shopfronts! There’s also a spring fountain in front of the shrine, giving Matsumoto a sense of its abundant water resources.
Nawate Shopping Street (なわて通り商店街)
Address: 3-4-3 Ote, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano 390-0873
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station (松本駅)
Nakamachi Street
On the other side of the river you have Nakamachi Street, another charming shopping street lined with traditional storehouse buildings that were constructed with plaster during the Edo and Meiji Periods to protect against fires. Here, you can shop for items unique to Matsumoto, and in particular, you can experience the beauty of traditional craftsmanship at showrooms selling lacquerware and folk furniture. Shoppers can also find fine tableware and accessories, making this a great place to enjoy shopping. There are also several cafes and Japanese confectionery shops where you can enjoy lunch or a light meal, providing a nostalgic atmosphere.
Nakamachi Street (中町 蔵のある町)
Address: Central, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0811
Access: 12-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station (松本駅)
3. Taking a dip in a hot spring inn
Matsumoto is home to numerous hot springs, each with its own rich history. ♨️ For instance, have you ever tried soaking in the bath of a former samurai lord? Asama Onsen was built during the Edo Period as a palace bath for the lord of Matsumoto Castle, and remains a beloved bathhouse to this day.
Matsumoto is also home to numerous charming hot spring inns, and they can be found in Utsukushigahara, Norikura, and Shirahone. There, you can enjoy not only hot springs, but also Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from Nagano Prefecture and local sake. A hot spring inn is the perfect place to soothe your travel fatigue!
Asama Onsen (浅間温泉)
Address: Asamaonsen, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0303
Access: From JR Matsumoto Station (松本駅) take a 17-minute bus ride on the Asama Line (浅間線) to Asama Onsen Bunka Center Bus Stop
4. Travelling the city sights in style
To complete your immersion as you see the historic sights of Matsumoto, having a kimono-dressing experience and a rickshaw ride around Matsumoto Castle are a must-try. Try stepping back in time and taking a leisurely tour of Matsumoto Castle by wearing traditional Japanese costumes, and even sprucing up your hairstyle!
For more information regarding these experiences and other fun programs you might try, check out the Visit Matsumoto website!
5. Handcrafting your own Soba or Candy
🍬 For a more unique experience, you might want to try making soba noodles or Japanese sweets, both unique to Matsumoto. While soba is a well-known specialty, Matsumoto has also historically been known as a Japanese sweets town. During the Edo Period, there were dozens of Japanese sweets shops, and even today, several long-established shops sell traditional rice-based sweets.
Come visit some of the local candy shops to learn more about the city’s candy culture, a truly fascinating experience unique to Matsumoto!
Experience making “Temari” candy with Japanese traditional pattern
Address: 2 Chome-1-5 Ote, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0874
Access: An 8-minute walk away from JR Matsumoto Station (松本駅)
6. Shredding the slopes and other Snow Activities
Matsumoto is a city surrounded by mountains, so you can enjoy beautiful snowscapes throughout the winter. ❄️ Why not only enjoy the sights, but also ski the powder snow for yourself?
Matsumoto City boasts ski resorts at Norikura Kogen and Nomugi Pass. The snow is known as powder snow, known for its smooth, excellent texture. There are courses for beginners, experienced skiers, and families, and most equipment is available for rental. Due to its high altitude, you can get some exercise while enjoying views of Mount Norikura and the Northern Alps, making it an ideal place to enjoy Japan’s winter.
Blue Resort NORIKURA
Address: 4294-3 Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1520
Access: From Shin-Shimashima Station (新島々駅) take a 48-minute bus ride on the Shin-Shimashima-Norikura Kogen Line to N-31 Ski Resort Bus Stop
Nomugi Toge Ski Resort
Address: 1173-13 Nagawa, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1611
Access: 65 minutes by bus on the Nagawa-Azumi Line from Shin-Shimashima Station.
Access from the Greater Tokyo Area
Matsumoto City is located in Nagano Prefecture, almost in the centre of Japan. From Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station, the city’s centre, it takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes on the Azusa Limited Express, providing easy access without transfers. Enjoy a relaxing train journey while admiring the ever-changing scenery from the window, and you’ll arrive at Matsumoto Station, the gateway to Nagano Prefecture, in no time.
Just outside the ticket gate, you’ll find our Welcome Center MATSUMOTO, where JR employees await you to assist you with train ticket information. We look forward to welcoming you to Matsumoto.
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) offers a convenient way to explore Matsumoto City and beyond. Priced at ¥27,000, this pass provides 5 consecutive days worth of unlimited travel on JR East lines, shinkansen routes, limited express trains, and selected non-JR lines within the designated area. It allows travellers to easily journey from the bustling metropolitan of Tokyo to the scenic and cultural highlights of the Nagano and Niigata regions.
The information written in this article is accurate as of 11 November 2025.
Header Image Credit: ©JR East/Yuya Kumazaki
