A Quiet Spring Day in Matsumoto

I had a few extra days in Japan and decided to spend them visiting a new city. After some consideration, I chose Matsumoto – a gem nestled in the Japanese Alps and home to one of Japan’s most celebrated historical treasures, Matsumoto Castle.

From Tokyo, I made my way to Shinjuku Busta Bus Terminal and embarked on a scenic 3.5-hour journey through the countryside, watching Japan’s urban landscape gradually give way to mountain vistas before arriving in this charming castle town.

How to Get to Matsumoto from Tokyo

The fastest way to Matsumoto Castle is by train. The Azusa Limited Express connects Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station in just under 3 hours. Having already experienced several train journeys throughout Japan, I opted for a long-distance bus this time.

I had pre-booked my ticket online via the Willer Travel website before I left Nairobi, and boarding required only showing the digital ticket on my phone. Though slightly longer than the train, the bus ride was pleasant, and we soon arrived at the Matsumoto Bus Terminal.

Where to Stay in Matsumoto

I booked two nights at Richmond Hotel Matsumoto, which turned out to be the perfect choice for my stay. Located just a short walk from the bus station and within easy reach of all the local attractions, it couldn’t have been more convenient.

Though my itinerary wasn’t packed – many of Matsumoto’s surrounding highlights require either lengthy bus journeys or rental cars, and Kamikochi (which I’d hoped to visit) was still closed for the season – I found myself thoroughly enjoying the simplicity of my stay.

My days were filled with long walks around the city, breathing in the cold, fresh air, dining in super cute restaurants, and just savouring the feeling and privilege of visiting Japan once again.

A Quiet Spring Day in Matsumoto – Visiting Matsumoto Castle Grounds

My explorations first took me to Matsumoto Castle, where I spent some time wandering the grounds while being amused by a lone swan that kept chasing a duck around the moat.

This castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles. Dating back to 1593, this national treasure has stood for over 400 years, its imposing black-and-white exterior dramatically set against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps.

I lingered for a while, watching the sunrise over the castle and mountains in the distance, as well as observing some older folks who came out for their morning exercise. Later, I returned to explore Nawate-Dori and Nakamachi-Dori, two charming heritage streets situated adjacent to one another, and the serene Yohashira Shrine.

I actually experienced these historical areas twice – once in the early morning when everything was closed and silent, allowing me to appreciate the surrounding areas without distraction, and again when the shops had opened their doors. I found both outings equally peaceful. Maybe because of the chilly weather or perhaps due to visiting during the shoulder season, even these supposedly popular spots never felt crowded.

I’d normally have a bunch more photos to share, but Matsumoto claimed my phone! While taking pictures at the castle, it tumbled right off my tripod. Luckily, I had a video camera with me, so I was still able to capture numerous videos instead 🙂 Most of the photos here are just snapshots from the videos.

One of my favourite memories actually turned out to be navigating the city with nothing but a hand-drawn map. Despite my notorious sense of direction (or lack thereof), I managed to find my way to the mall in a failed attempt to fix my phone and even successfully located the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, which was absolutely worth the visit.

Visiting the Matsumoto City Museum of Art

The museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary Japanese artwork, including the works of Matsumoto-born and world-famous artist Yayoi Kusama. Her iconic polka-dotted pumpkins and immersive infinity rooms serve as the centrepiece of the permanent exhibition.

On my way back from this museum, I walked past a cafe called Bench Matsumoto. With no phone to check out the ratings of this place, I simply decided to walk in and give it a try. This was Japan after all, where you won’t be hard pressed to find foods made with the freshest ingredients!

Lunch at Bench Cafe, Matsumoto

The small, cosy interior welcomed me with the aroma of home cooking, and the seasonal lunch set showcased local vegetables and perfectly prepared dishes. Just as expected, my meal here was delicious! Sometimes, the most memorable meals come from trusting serendipity rather than online ratings.

In full disclosure, though, I wish I had my phone with me! I would have discovered that this place serves very cute seasonal desserts and ordered the one with the swan 🙂 Next time, Matsumoto!

Breakfast at Coffee Abe, Matsumoto

Anyway, my last stop was a quaint cafe called Coffee Abe (aka Coffee Bigaku Abe), where I enjoyed their signature mocha au lait and cinnamon toast in a retro atmosphere.

I am not typically a coffee drinker, but I’d say I absolutely enjoyed the one I had here. The ice cream might have had something to do with it 🙂 I would say it was the perfect ending to a wonderful time in Matsumoto!