THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Matsumoto (2025) - Must-See Attractions
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Things to Do in Matsumoto
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Walking Tours, Art Museums. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Walking Tours, Art Museums. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Matsumoto.
- fromper adult£188
Half-day Toursfromper adult£51
Rail Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£5,523- fromper group (up to 6)£10,532
- fromper group (up to 5)£439
- fromper adult£161
Rail Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£180
Half-day Toursfromper adult£68- fromper adult£161
Food & Drinkfromper adult£53
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Art Museums
Bodies of Water
Bridges
Historic Sites
Bodies of Water
Bodies of Water
Neighbourhoods
Other Top Attractions around Matsumoto
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
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What travellers are saying
- Graeme HDunfermline, UK1 contributionOur guide for the day was excellent and very informative , superb advice and communication, met us at railway station on time and took us round the castle which is a must visit.Written 1 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ChongCYSingapore, Singapore475 contributionsWorth visiting yayoi kusama's permanent exhibition. Huge sculptures of Kusama greet you at the entrance her famous mirror light exhibits are worth the queue. Polka dot Pumpkin is displayed. Even the toilets have polk dotsWritten 2 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ejinjapanTokyo, Japan12 contributionsGo early to get the full mist effect! I got the 8am bus from Hirayu and it was not too crowded and the pond looked amazing. It left plenty of time to walk to Kappabashi and Myojin pond. Got back to the bus terminal at Kappabashi around 2pm. Did 20,000 steps and 14km by the end of the day. Be prepared for quite a walk to do the whole main sections : )Written 12 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Simon GMilton Keynes, UK1,100 contributionsWent in the middle of the day which was not the best time to see the wildlife but was a beautiful day capped with great scenery. The walks are easy enough as long as you are able to do a couple of miles (3km) between rest stops. The buses that are available between stops are well maintained and frequent. The shops at the bridge have a couple of little gem finds.Written 17 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- valerie xSydney, Australia33 contributionsWe took a Willer bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto and spent a night, then took the train to Shin-Shimashima then a bus to Norikura Kogen. This transfer was quite easy - you buy the ticket from the Matsumoto Bus Terminal which will take you all the way to Norikura Kogen (you'll need to ask whether the ticket is your train tiket as well). There's lots of workers to guide you to your bus etc. Once we got to Norikura Kogen we had lunch at Oasis cafe. We did a hike to Zengoro falls and walked around the neighbourhood until our check in time. We stayed at Pension Poetical.
The next day, we got up early and took the 8am bus to Norikuradake and bought a return ticket via the ticket machine which has Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean. We then spent the day in the mountains and took the 2pm bus back to Norikura Kogen. We saw some monkeys!
I think Norikura Kogen is probably more busier during winter time for the snow so it was more laid back however there were still alot of people hiking.
Whilst Norikura Kogen is a bit of a trek to get to via public transport, it was well worth it. Unfortunately leaving Tokyo and getting into Tokyo was a nightmare due to accidents so our 3hr bus ride turned into a 6.5hr bus ride each way. An alternative is to not go travelling during public holidays (like us, if you dont work full time) or take the shinkansen to Nagano, then the local train to Matsumoto.
We only had 3 days so we didn't get time to fit in Kamikochi which is in the same prefecture and same transport route (you just change buses at Shin-Shimashima).
Tips - bring enough cash to cover you the whole time including all expenses like food/drinks/transport tickets etc. and make sure you reserve dinner in advanced as there are very limited dinner options.Written 19 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - seeknfindBrsibane,Australia458 contributionsWent early in the morning and had the park to ourselves. Great views over to the mountains. Well organised walking tracks and Autumn leave colours. A good early morning walk free of other tourists.Written 6 November 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JigglieJakarta, Indonesia186 contributionsYohashira Shrine, located in the heart of Matsumoto City, is a serene and spiritually significant site that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich Shinto traditions.
Ambiance and Setting
Nestled near the lively Nawate Street and the Metoba River, the shrine provides a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The towering grey torii gate at the entrance is a prominent landmark.
Cultural Significance
Established during the Meiji Period, Yohashira Shrine is dedicated to four Shinto deities: Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami, Takamimusubi-no-Kami, Kamimusubi-no-Kami, and Amaterasu Omikami. The name “Yohashira” translates to “four pillars,” reflecting the unique enshrinement of multiple deities in one location—a rarity in Japan. This distinction has led to the belief that the shrine possesses special wish-granting properties, attracting numerous visitors seeking blessings. 
Events and Festivals
The shrine hosts the annual “Shinto-sai” festival from October 1st to 3rd, featuring traditional floats and fireworks, and creating a vibrant atmosphere with numerous stalls lining the grounds and nearby streets. 
Accessibility
Yohashira Shrine is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. Its proximity to other attractions, such as Matsumoto Castle, allows visitors to include it in a broader exploration of the city. 
Overall Experience
Visiting Yohashira Shrine offers a blend of cultural enrichment and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in Shinto practices, seeking a peaceful spot for reflection, or looking to experience local festivals, the shrine provides a meaningful addition to any Matsumoto itinerary.Written 2 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - kim buay pSingapore, Singapore13,842 contributionsThere is a shinto shrine outside the pond with English instructions on how to pay one's respect.
After that we paid 500 yen each to enter Myojin pond. There was a queue at the wooden jetty to take photos. The walk from Myojin Pond back to Kappa Bridge is my favourite with lots of autumn foliage and different types of paths, some dirt path and some boardwalk. We also walked past Dekesawa Marsh where we saw the snow-capped mountains. Near to Kappa Bridge the views are especially pretty with all kinds of dried wild flowers and plants. This walk is highly recommended while hiking in Kamikochi.Written 25 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - wxywangRichmond, VA25 contributionsWe hiked yarigatake in around June 12th? or so of 2016. By this time, most snow of nearby mountains have melted, but for some reason not on the path of yarigatake.
Departure: left at approx 9am from Kamikochi
Supplies: very basic food/snacks/water
I also brought my DSLR and tripod, which I complained about the whole time. I think the great photos I was able to take justified the pains it took for me to get my camera up there.
We actually wore very light clothing: I wore a tshirt + light jacket and shorts than can be converted to long pants. temp on the mountain was about 45 degrees during the day.
Need study hiking boots, crampons optional, but definitely helpful. Snow can get deep at times and you can sink down to your upper thigh. We didn't have crampons but did fine, though it was a slow journey up the snowy parts.
We took the most popular and direct route from Kamikochi up a river. The trail is about 7 miles one way and 1 mile in elevation gain up to over 10,000ft at the peak of yarigatake. Extremely straightforward, impossible to get lost; trail very well marked.
For the first 4-5 miles, it was just hiking on flat ground. After you cross the river the last time (look for japanese macaques in this area; they are very active here), trail will become steep very quickly (not dangerous but become more strenuous).
You will reach the first real mountain hut not long afterwards. The ones before were mostly for less avid hikers. (should stock up on snacks and pocari sweats before since prices go up as you go higher)
After reaching that hut, we hiked a little bit further before encountering snow. Snow was difficult to get thru with only boots and no real snow gear. Can be very slippery at times, two steps forward, one step back. However, we kept moving steadily.
Eventually, you will see the second mountain hut. Forgot the name. Guy speaks english here. But you're only about 1 mile from yarigatake sanso, the hut right under the peak, so just keep pushing forward.
Immediately after the second mountain hut, you can easily see the yari peak in front of you and the yarigatake sanso right under it. This is the area with the switchbacks.
Finally, we reached yarigatake sanso at about 7pm, just as the sun was about to set. The operators of the hut were annoyed at us since most people arrive at about 4pm (since most Japanese hike Yarigatake in 3 days, while we did 2).
We were completely exhausted at this point since we had no snow gear and hiking at 35+ degree incline in snow is extremely tiring without any snow gear. Right after dinner, we retired to our room and passed out until 3am sunrise.
Went outside at 3am to get pics of the sunrise. Spectacular. Wish I couldve climbed the peak and gotten pics from there, but at the time, it was too dark and we didn't have the flashlights that attached to our heads.
Went promptly back to bed and woke up for breakfast at around 6 or so. Got breakfast, and went out to climb the peak. That took approximately 20 minutes. It looks scary but you have to just be careful. Make sure to test all footholds.
At the top, we stayed 30+ mins to take in the view. It was just us since most people went to the top after they got here yesterday afternoon. We planned very well; weather was spectacular. Visibility was fantastic. could make out Fujisan 120 miles away.
Afterwards, we departed yarigatake sanso at around 9:30am. Going down is very difficult on your knees, so be careful. We mostly sled down by sitting on our jackets and lifting our feet up. It froze our butts, but was pretty fun and relatively efficient way to go down. If only I had a sled.
We were able to reach kamikochi easily before 4pm and took the bus back to matsumoto. Fantastic hike.Written 27 April 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jojo T75 contributionsWe drove from Takayama to Akanada Parking to take a designated bus into Kamikochi. It happened to be the LAST day to visit this fabulous place on 15 NOV before they official closed the mountain to tourists due to winter! Glad we can make it!!
We alighted at Taisho pond and hiked to Kappa bridge.Written 20 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Karen MKirkwall, UK1,357 contributionsTraditional merchant street in the heart of Matsumoto. Filled with white & black wooden buildings - lots have safe like windows & doors.
The buildings house a variety of local craft shops & restaurants/cafes. There is a detailed map on an old style notice board - indicating the various build use & history of the street.
A pleasant way to spend an hour or so strollingWritten 12 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Karen MKirkwall, UK1,357 contributionsJust a short walk from Matsumoto castle & station, this traditional street of wooden buildings that runs alongside the river is filled with craft & antique shops. Designated 'frog street' - there are numerous statues & references to frogs, even the street lights.
Enjoy a pleasant wander & stop at the various bridges across the river.
Cafes & food stalls available too.Written 12 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
