Things to do in Matsumoto

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Matsumoto Castle featuring a pond, heritage architecture and a sunset
Matsumoto featuring a bar and interior views as well as a large group of people
Nawate-dōri which includes street scenes and night scenes
Matsumoto Castle which includes a city and landscape views
Matsumoto showing signage

Matsumoto Attractions

If you're after things to do in Matsumoto, expect to be busy. This bustling city is a people-pleaser. Whatever your interests, you'll be wowed by the broad range of tourist attractions to get stuck into here. Read on to discover a few of the favorites.

Discover what makes Matsumoto tick with the very best tours & day trips. Look into our {29 fun activities in Matsumoto fun activities in Matsumoto}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in Matsumoto

Tours & day trips

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KDDI and Softbank eSIM in Japan for 1-30 Days with 3GB-Unlimited

KDDI and Softbank eSIM in Japan for 1-30 Days with 3GB-Unlimited

Activity duration is 30 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $5 per adult
KDDI and Softbank eSIM in Japan for 1-30 Days with 3GB-UnlimitedOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 9 activities
One Day Snow Monkeys Zenko ji Temple and Sake in Nagano

One Day Snow Monkeys Zenko ji Temple and Sake in Nagano

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $715 per traveler*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities
eTour de Matsumoto - Private Electric Bike Tour

eTour de Matsumoto - Private Electric Bike Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $91 per adult
eTour de Matsumoto - Private Electric Bike TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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Matsumoto Everything Tour: Castle, Miso, Wasabi, Wine & Ukiyo-e

Matsumoto Everything Tour: Castle, Miso, Wasabi, Wine & Ukiyo-e

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $194 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $87 per adult
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai ExperienceOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Matsumoto

Number of things to do
29
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
KDDI and Softbank eSIM in Japan for 1-30 Days with 3GB-Unlimited: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Matsumoto

Free Things to Do in Matsumoto

There's no need to constantly reach for your wallet in Matsumoto. The following won't cost a penny.

Old High School Memorial Museum - Chat to the friendly staff or curator and find out about the fascinating collections on exhibit at this museum.

Kurassic - Spend a little time here and discover the artistic and cultural side of the region.

Lake Saikawahakucho - Take a deep breath — there's nothing like being near the water for some peace and calm.

Yohashira Shrine - Throw a little spirituality into your getaway by dropping by this religious sanctuary.

Agatanomori Park - Refresh your mind and soul by spending a little time in nature.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Matsumoto? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Matsumoto

Matsumoto Castle which includes a city and landscape views

Matsumoto Castle

5/5(17 reviews)

Among Japan’s most beautiful original castles, this attraction presents a different scene with each season. Come year round, as it’s always photogenic.

Matsumoto Castle
Kappa Bridge which includes a river or creek, a bridge and mountains

Kappa Bridge

5/5(21 reviews)

Kappa Bridge is just one of the places to see in Matsumoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's mountain views and hot springs.

Kappa Bridge
Matsumoto Performing Arts Center which includes night scenes

Matsumoto Performing Arts Center

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy a performance at Matsumoto Performing Arts Center, a theater with a story to tell in Matsumoto. Discover the hot springs while you're in the area.

Matsumoto Performing Arts Center
Kamikochi Visitor Center

Kamikochi Visitor Center

Explore the great outdoors at Kamikochi Visitor Center, a lovely green space in Matsumoto. Discover the area's mountain views and hot springs.

Kamikochi Visitor Center
Kamikochi is really a beautiful place to visit in Nagano area of Japan. The Taisho Pond looks like a mirror in the early morning and I will never forget this memory. #green

Taisho Pond

5/5(8 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Taisho Pond during your travels in Matsumoto. Discover the area's mountain views and hot springs.

Taisho Pond
Alps Park Matsumoto showing a garden and fall colors

Alps Park Matsumoto

5/5(1 review)

Alps Park Matsumoto is just one of the places to see in Matsumoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the hot springs in this walkable area.

Alps Park Matsumoto
Matsumoto City Museum showing heritage elements

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

4/5(8 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at Matsumoto City Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Matsumoto. Take in the museums and waterfalls in this walkable area.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Mt.Yakedake , Japan

Mount Yake

5/5(1 review)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Yake during your travels in Matsumoto. Discover the area's mountain views and hot springs.

Mount Yake
Myojin Pond featuring a pond and wetlands

Myojin Pond

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Myojin Pond during your travels in Matsumoto. Discover the area's mountain views and hot springs.

Myojin Pond

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Matsumoto

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Asama Onsen

5/5(3 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Asama Onsen, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Asama Hot Spring and Utsukushigahara Onsen.

Asama Onsen
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Sasabe

Sasabe might not have many top sights, but Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and Matsumoto Timepiece Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sasabe
Kaichi School Museum which includes heritage elements and interior views

Kaichi

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Kaichi and surrounding area, you can visit Matsumoto Castle and Matsumoto Castle Black Gate.

Kaichi
Susuki River.
Photo by Qurren (CC BY-SA)

Tsukama

Though Tsukama might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Matsumoto City Museum of Art and Matsumoto Performing Arts Center.

Tsukama
松本大学前のひまわり畑
Photo by くろふね (CC BY)

Niimura

While there might not be top attractions in Niimura, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kametaya Sake Brewery and Japan Ukiyo-e Museum.

Niimura
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Wadamachi

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Wadamachi and surrounding area, you can visit Kametaya Sake Brewery and Japan Ukiyo-e Museum.

Wadamachi
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Matsumoto

Takayama Yatai Kaikan

Takayama

Photo by Sharon

Ueda

Kiso

Kiso

Photo by JC

Omachi

Chubu which includes a city, a sunset and views

Azumino

Photo "Aoki" by Qurren (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Qurren (CC BY-SA)

Aoki

Photo "Shimosuwa" by z tanuki (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by z tanuki (CC BY)

Shimosuwa

Photo by James Ng

Okaya

Frequently asked questions

Is Matsumoto worth visiting?
Providing a blend of nature and dining, there are many things to do in Matsumoto. While you're here, visit Asama Hot Spring, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Matsumoto?
Asama Hot Spring and Hinoki Hot Spring are two good places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Matsumoto while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Matsumoto?
The top tourist attraction in Matsumoto is Asama Hot Spring, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Matsumoto?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Asama Hot Spring, Matsumoto City Museum of Art and Japan Ukiyo-e Museum with a three-day break in Matsumoto. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Nagano.
Is Matsumoto a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, Matsumoto is a great place to explore on foot. Have fun wandering between Asama Hot Spring and Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Then take a stroll around Kakeyu Onsen, located 2 miles from the center, and Asama Onsen, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Matsumoto with kids?
Deciding what to do in Matsumoto with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Matsumoto for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Matsumoto for adults including Izutsu Winery and Kametaya Sake Brewery.
Are there free things to do in Matsumoto?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Matsumoto. If you need new ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Joyama Park is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

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