Matsumoto is a mystical city in the area of the central Honshu Island, also known as Chubu. Being a gateway to the Japanese Alps it is very famous for mountaineering and trekking opportunities, but also for its remarkable Matsumoto castle.
The attractive houses within the city have been restored and turned into inns and shops, where you can buy souvenirs or visit a fully restored Sake brewery. This south bank of the city divided by the Metoba River also consists of a museum on the west part, with a vast collection of prints including the art collections by Hiroshige Utagawa and Hokusai Katsushika that could be interesting for the art enthusiasts.
To get to the Matsumoto castle you have to cross a footbridge, only to remain astonished by the castle keep, the oldest in the country, originally built in 1504. Its black façade makes a very strong impression on the visitors, and the view of the city and the mountains from its sixth storey is absolutely amazing.
WHAT IS IT KNOWN FOR
Matsumoto castle, the oldest of its kind in Japan
HOW TO GET THERE
Flights from Sapporo, Osaka or Fukuoka, train from Nagano or Tokyo, or bus from Tokyo.
