Nestled in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto is a captivating city that offers a blend of traditional Japanese charm and stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by the majestic Japanese Alps, it’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic and peaceful experience. From its iconic Matsumoto Castle to its vibrant local festivals, Matsumoto is a destination that caters to all kinds of travelers. The city offers the warmth of small-town Japan, with friendly locals and breathtaking landscapes waiting to be explored. Let's dive into everything that makes Matsumoto a must-visit destination for your next trip to Japan.
Population: Approximately 240,000 in 2019.
Economy: Matsumoto's economy focuses on a mix of tourism, agriculture, and local craftsmanship. The city is known for wasabi farming, traditional arts, and a growing role as a cultural and outdoor travel destination.
Landmarks: Famous for the Matsumoto Castle, Daio Wasabi Farm, and the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum.
Japan
Matsumoto is not just another city in Japan; it’s a place where history comes alive. One of its most famous landmarks, Matsumoto Castle, dates back to the 16th century and is one of Japan's few remaining original castles. It is known as the "Crow Castle" due to its distinctive black facade that represents the city's strong ties to ancient Japan's samurai era. However, the city's historical significance doesn’t stop there. Many of its streets still retain their old-world charm, with a large number of traditional houses. The city's galleries also reflect the impact of Ukiyo-e art, particularly the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, which houses one of the world's greatest collections of these prints.
Read more about our exclusive tour to Matsumoto here.
Matsumoto has roughly 240,000 population, making it a mid-sized city in Nagano Prefecture. The population is a blend of locals with deep cultural roots and a growing number of newcomers drawn by the city's charm. Despite modernization, the community maintains a peaceful, small-town atmosphere, reflecting the values of Japanese rural life.
Matsumoto Castle - © Markus Winkler
Matsumoto is a city brimming with cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the top attractions that you absolutely shouldn't miss during your visit.
Matsumoto Castle, popularly known as the "Crow Castle" for its distinctive black exterior, is one of Japan's best-preserved ancient castles and a reminder of the country's feudal era. The castle was built in the late 16th century and operated as a stronghold throughout the Warring States Period. Today, it remains one of the country’s five national treasure castles. Visitors can tour the castle’s interior, where narrow, steep staircases lead to exhibits on samurai armor and weaponry, offering a glimpse into the military strategies of the era.
Located just outside Matsumoto, the Daio Wasabi Farm is one of the largest wasabi farms in Japan. The farm is a lush, sprawling area fed by crystal-clear streams sourced from the Japanese Alps. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the farm’s beautifully maintained paths, passing by charming wooden bridges and waterwheels that make the place feel like a scene from traditional Japan. You can also learn about the delicate cultivation process of wasabi, which requires clean, cool water to grow properly.
For nature enthusiasts, Kamikochi is an unmissable destination. Situated in the Hida Mountains (part of the Japanese Alps), this stunning alpine valley is one of Japan’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The area is known for its crystal-clear waters, peaceful meadows, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Kamikochi, along with Nagano Prefecture, is especially popular among hikers and nature photographers who are drawn to its serene beauty and wildlife, including monkeys and rare birds.
Art enthusiasts in Matsumoto should surely visit the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, which houses the world's biggest private collection of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The prints displayed here offer a unique window into Japan’s artistic and cultural history, with vivid depictions of landscapes, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and scenes from everyday life. Visitors can also learn about the delicate art of woodblock printing and its role in spreading popular culture in Edo-era Japan.
Daio Wasabi Farm - © Notes of Nomads
If you are interested in knowing more about other region cuisines, check out our article about Nagano here.
Shinshu Soba - © Wikipedia
Matsumoto’s cultural vibrancy truly comes alive through its festivals, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the city’s traditions, music, and seasonal events. These festivals are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the unique spirit of Matsumoto.
One of the most energetic events in the city is the Matsumoto Taiko Drum Festival, held every summer. During this festival, the streets of Matsumoto come alive with the powerful sound of taiko drums. Performers from across Japan gather to showcase their drumming skills, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere with their synchronized beats. It’s a captivating display of traditional Japanese music that resonates through the city, drawing in large crowds.
Another key event is the Matsumoto Bon Bon, a summer dance festival that sees the streets filled with locals and tourists alike, all dancing to the beat of the Bon Bon dance. The festival is a celebration of unity, where participants wear colorful yukata (summer kimonos) and perform the traditional dance in groups. The festival encourages everyone to join in, making it a fun and interactive way to experience Japanese culture.
During Setsubun in February, Matsumoto’s Fukashi Shrine hosts a lively event where locals throw roasted soybeans to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. This is a traditional celebration that marks the start of spring and provides an interesting glimpse into Japan’s spiritual customs.
Setsubun at Fukashi Shrine - © TimeOut
Nakamachi Street - © Wikimedia
Understanding the weather in Matsumoto is essential for planning the best time to visit, especially since this scenic city experiences all four distinct seasons, each offering its own unique charm.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Matsumoto as the temperature is mostly between 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F). The city comes alive with cherry blossoms, especially around Matsumoto Castle and along the Metoba River. Mild temperatures make it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking in Kamikochi or cycling through the town’s charming streets.
Summer brings warm temperatures, around 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F), ideal for exploring Matsumoto’s natural beauty. It’s the best time for hiking in the Japanese Alps and enjoying the lush greenery of Kamikochi. The Matsumoto Taiko Drum Festival and the Matsumoto Bon Bon are also held during the summer months, offering visitors a chance to experience lively local culture.
Read more about the best time to visit Japan here.
Autumn is arguably the most picturesque season in Matsumoto with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). The mountains surrounding the city burst into shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating stunning views for visitors. The crisp, cool air is perfect for sightseeing or walking around the old samurai streets. Autumn is also harvest season, making it a fantastic time to enjoy local produce and dishes like Oyaki and Shinshu Soba.
Winters in Matsumoto are cold and often snowy, particularly in the surrounding mountains as the temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). This is the time to visit nearby ski resorts or enjoy the tranquility of a snow-covered Matsumoto Castle. Winter offers a peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists, making it ideal for those who enjoy a quieter travel experience.
Autumn in Matsumoto - © Weiqi Xiong
Matsumoto offers plenty of ATM and banking services for visitors, making it easy to access cash during your stay. While many businesses in Matsumoto accept card payments, it's still advisable to carry some cash, as smaller shops and restaurants may prefer cash transactions. Currency exchange services are also available at central locations, ensuring a smooth financial experience during your trip.
Hide away in the gentle hills of Tochigi Prefecture, Mashiko is more than a stop on a map, it’s a living gallery of clay, craft, and community. Known worldwide for its Mashiko-yaki pottery, this charming rural town draws travelers seeking hands-on creativity and a slower pace of life. Here, kiln smoke curls into blue skies, and artisan shops spill treasures onto narrow streets. Only a few hours from Tokyo, Mashiko offers the perfect escape for lovers of traditional Japanese culture, authentic local food, and countryside landscapes.
Population: Approximately 22,000 in 2020.
Economy: Mashiko’s economy thrives on its renowned pottery industry, attracting both domestic and international buyers. Tourism plays a vital role, fueled by pottery fairs, local crafts, and cultural events.
Landmarks: Famous for the Mashiko Pottery Museum, Pottery Street, and the Saimyoji Temple.
Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go feels like a scene from an old Japanese folktale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, wooden homes with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snow. Here, each season paints the village in new colors: spring blossoms, green summer paddies, golden autumn leaves, and glistening winter snow.
Population: Approximately 60,000 in 2020.
Economy: Shirakawa-go’s economy blends heritage preservation with sustainable tourism. While agriculture, especially rice farming, remains part of local life, tourism is now the main economic driver.
Landmarks: Famous for Ogimachi Village, Wada House, and Shiroyama Viewpoint.
Fuji-shi, or Fuji City, is a vibrant gateway to Japan’s most iconic peak, Mount Fuji. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, this coastal city blends scenic beauty with rich traditions. From its bustling streets to the peaceful banks of the Fuji River, every corner offers a postcard-worthy view of the mountain. Just an hour from Tokyo by train, Fuji-shi is ideal for travelers seeking authentic Japanese city life with nature close at hand.
Population: Approximately 245,000 in 2019.
Economy: Fuji-shi is a major hub in Shizuoka Prefecture’s manufacturing sector, known for its paper and pulp production. The city also benefits from the logistics and transport industries due to its location along the Tōkaidō corridor.. Fishing at Tagonoura Port, tea production in nearby plantations, and tourism linked to Mount Fuji further diversify the local economy.
Landmarks: Famous for Mount Fuji viewing points, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, and Tanuki Lake.
Nestled in the far west of An Giang Province, Châu Đốc is where the Hậu River bends toward the Cambodian border. This riverside city is a blend of cultures, faiths, and flavors. Here, Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities live side by side, shaping a rich tapestry of daily life. For travelers, Châu Đốc offers more than stunning river views. It’s a city of floating markets, sacred temples, and bustling border trade.
Population: Approximately 100,000 in 2019.
Economy: Chau Doc’s economy thrives on cross-border trade, aquaculture, and agriculture, especially rice and fish farming. Tourism also plays a key role, fueled by its cultural diversity and proximity to Cambodia.
Landmarks: Famous for the Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu Temple, and the Chau Doc Floating Market.
Tucked away on the southeastern edge of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is a dazzling mosaic of emerald waters, hidden beaches, and towering limestone karsts. Often called the “quiet sister” of Halong Bay, it offers the same breathtaking scenery without the tourist crowds. Here, over 300 islets and unspoiled coves create a paradise for kayakers, nature lovers, and those seeking authentic cultural encounters. This is where the rhythm of the sea shapes daily life, and where travelers can slow down to embrace Vietnam’s coastal charm.
Population: As a part of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is home to a small population, primarily concentrated in Viet Hai village, which has a population of around 300 people.
Economy: Lan Ha Bay’s economy is closely tied to tourism, fishing, and aquaculture. The bay attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, supporting hotels, boat tours, and local services. Fishing and seafood farming, especially oysters and squid, provide income for coastal communities. Eco-tourism and sustainable aquaculture are increasingly promoted to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Landmarks: Famous for the Monkey Island, Dark & Bright Cave, and the Nam Cat Island.
Hai Phong, known as the City of Red Flamboyant, blends coastal beauty, historical depth, and vibrant urban life. Sitting on Vietnam’s northeast coast, this dynamic port city opens the door to famous attractions like Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay. Stroll along tree-lined boulevards, admire French colonial architecture, or wander through bustling markets alive with local flavors.
Population: Approximately 2 million in 2022.
Economy: Hai Phong is one of Vietnam’s key economic hubs, driven by its strategic position as a major seaport in the north. The city’s economy thrives on shipping, logistics, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and fisheries. Tourism and hospitality also play a growing role, supported by Hải Phòng’s coastal attractions and cultural heritage.
Landmarks: Famous for the Ky Co Beach, Do Son Beach, and the Tam Bac Lake & Flower Street.