Matsumoto & the Alps, Go Deeper
A castle town under the Japan Alps, keeping one of only five original black-keep castles in the land. From its willow canals and storehouse streets you can reach an alpine valley of turquoise rivers, a wasabi farm fed by snowmelt, and post towns frozen in the Edo age.
- Tap Open in Google Maps on any place for live directions, transit, hours & reviews.
- Get an ICOCA / Suica IC card — tap on/off trains, subways & buses, no ticket needed.
- Carry some cash (¥) — many small shops, shrines & old streets are cash-only.
- Go early: the famous spots are calm and beautiful before ~9am.
Matsumoto Castle
The 'Crow Castle,' one of just five original wooden keeps left in Japan and the oldest of its kind, its black-and-white tower mirrored in the moat against the Alps. Climb the steep original stairs inside.
Nawate Street
A little pedestrian lane along the Metoba River, lined with tiny old shops and watched over by frog statues — the town's mascot. Cross to Nakamachi for its white-walled kura storehouses turned cafes.
Matsumoto City Museum of Art (Kusama)
The home-town museum of Yayoi Kusama, born in Matsumoto — polka dots swallow the walls, the vending machines and a towering flower sculpture out front. Contemporary Japan in a castle town.
Kamikochi
A pristine highland valley in the Northern Alps, where the Azusa River runs clear and turquoise beneath 3,000-metre peaks. Walk from Kappa Bridge along the water; private cars are banned to keep it wild.
Daio Wasabi Farm (Azumino)
Japan's largest wasabi farm, where snowmelt from the Alps runs in clear channels between long beds of green wasabi. Watermills, a cameo film location, and fresh wasabi soft-serve on the way out.
Utsukushigahara Highland
A grassy plateau at 2,000 metres, grazed by cattle and ringed by a 360-degree horizon of Japan's highest mountains. A summer world of cool air, wildflowers and an open-air sculpture museum.
Narai-juku
A perfectly preserved post town on the old Nakasendo highway, a kilometre of dark-wood inns and shops that once served travellers crossing the Kiso passes. Walk it at dawn and the Edo era feels present.
Asama Onsen
Matsumoto's own hot-spring quarter in the eastern hills, soaked in since samurai days as the castle lords' retreat. A low-key place to end an alpine day in an old wooden bathhouse.
Shinshu Soba
Nagano's cool climate and pure water make it Japan's soba heartland — firm buckwheat noodles served cold with dipping sauce, or hot in winter. Pair with local wasabi and a cup of Shinshu sake.
Crafts of this region
Authentic pieces made near here — learn the story, then bring one home.
Mino Ware
美濃焼 · Toki, Gifu
Shizuoka Tea
静岡茶 · Shizuoka
Tokoname Ware
常滑焼 · Tokoname, Aichi
Nishio Matcha
西尾抹茶 · Nishio, Aichi
Seto Ware
瀬戸焼 · Seto, Aichi
Mino Washi
美濃和紙 · Mino, Gifu
Seki Blades
関の刃物 · Seki, Gifu
Suruga Bambooware
駿河竹千筋細工 · Shizuoka
Plan this trip
Curated experiences (tea ceremonies, guided walks) and places to stay for this route.
Coming soon