Perfect for making memories! Recommended places in Matsumoto to visit with children
Matsumoto, which still retains the atmosphere of a castle town, may seem like a place for adults to enjoy historical walks and Shinshu soba noodles, but there are also many fun playgrounds and restaurants for children. From a park with a variety of playground equipment to a robot that makes ice cream, here are some of the best places to stop by and make memories with your children.
<Scenic Spots in Matsumoto Recommended for Visitors with Children
1Shinshu Sky Park
A vast park where you can watch airplanes take off and land up close
The largest park in Nagano Prefecture, this lush green park surrounds Matsumoto Airport. It is a popular spot for taking photogenic photos involving airplanes. The "Field and Flower Zone" on the south side of the park is especially recommended, where you can see airplanes taking off and landing from the front.
The park is divided into seven zones, with the "Family Sports Zone" offering bicycles and putting golf, the "Terminal Zone" and other areas where visitors can enjoy barbecues, and a wide variety of Family Fun Activities and Property.
Go to the "Interesting Bicycle Plaza" where you can ride unusual bicycles
The "Fun Bicycle Plaza" in the Family Sports Zone is very popular with children, with a variety of unique bicycles, such as two-seater bicycles and bicycles with animal motifs. The spacious course is specially designed for children to safely enjoy riding bicycles. At the adjacent "Cycle Center," mountain bikes and other equipment can be rented for long rides while enjoying the view of the mountains of the Alps.
In the administration building next to the Cycle Center, there is a nursing room and a children's corner, making it a safe place to stay even with children.
- Shinshu Sky Park
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5300 Kanbayashi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
Approximately 30 minutes from JR Matsumoto Station on the Airport/Asahi Line of the Alpico Kotsu Bus, a short walk from the Shinshu Sky Park and Sports Center stop.
Varies depending on the Property and Facilities.
No holidays
0263-57-2211
Free of charge
2Alps Park
Park with a panoramic view of the mountains of the Northern Alps
Located on a hilly terrain at an elevation of approximately 800 meters, Matsumoto's representative park is an ideal destination for an outing drive with children. In addition to an observatory that takes advantage of the undulating terrain and nature, the park also features a zoo and playground equipment, and is a popular place for citizens to relax. The park's high elevation makes it an excellent place to enjoy the view. The view of the mountains of the Northern Alps can be seen from various places in the park. The best place to view the park is the free 360-degree panorama from the free observation room on the fifth floor of the Matsumoto City Museum of Mountain and Nature, and the observation plaza, which was renovated in 2017, also offers a panoramic view of Matsumoto city and the mountains of the Northern Alps.
A playground bustling with families
In the park's "Children's Adventure Plaza," visitors can freely play on a variety of playground equipment, including a roller slide, rock slide, and field athletic equipment. The 630-meter-long Alps Dream Coaster (410 yen for adults, 200 yen for children), which slides down the park's slopes like a bobsled, is just one example of the large scale play equipment available at the "Adventure" playground.
The "Forest of Small Birds and Animals (Zoo)," where visitors can observe about 50 different species of animals, is also very popular with families. Children and adults alike are excited to touch and feed the animals at the petting zoo corner. The zoo is always full of smiling faces.
3Agata Bakery
A popular local bakery with a panda as its signature character
It is a 10-minute drive from Matsumoto Castle and Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Agata Bakery" has a reputation for its delicious bread made with whole wheat flour from Nagano and Mie prefectures and homemade yeast. The bakery's cute "panda" character is used on packaging and other items, and there is also a sign showing its face at the entrance, which is popular among children.
A must-try is the "Milk Bread," a well-known local bread in Nagano Prefecture. The fluffy dough is filled with milk cream, and its simple, slightly sweet flavor is well accepted by people of all ages. Available in five varieties (milk, peanut, egg, tuna, and potato salad), it is just right for a meal or a snack, and is also appreciated as an easy souvenir.
Picture book corner inside the store
The store always has 40 to 60 varieties of breads, including prepared foods and pastries, and all breads are made with 10 to 100% whole wheat flour, which is stone ground in house. Many people visit the shop every day for the safe and nutritious bread, which is rich in dietary fiber and various minerals.
In one corner of the store, there is a corner with picture books, and many families enjoy reading picture books to their children with their fathers while their mothers choose bread.
- Agata Bakery
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- 2-16-6 Ken, Matsumoto, Nagano MAP
- From JR Matsumoto Station, take the Alpico Kotsu bus on the Utsukushi-ga-hara Hot Spring Route (approx. 14 min.), and get off at the Shimizu Higashi Ku stop (approx. 3 min. walk).
- 9:00-19:30 (close when sold out)
- Wednesdays and Thursdays
- 0263-33-7088
- Free of charge
4Kaiundo
Soft ice cream made by robots is a hot topic
This long-established Japanese and Western confectionery store was established in 1884. At the entrance of the store, the world's only soft-serve ice cream robot is in operation. The robot performs the entire process from setting the cone, rolling the soft serve ice cream in a slow, circular motion, to handing it to the customer.
The repertoire of flavors includes the standard vanilla, strawberry, kuromitsu kinako, hojicha, fresh melon, salted caramel, etc., and when seasonal items are added, there are about 40 to 50 different flavors, which can be enjoyed on a daily basis. The soft-serve ice cream robot, which was introduced to attract young people to the store, has become a symbol of the store and is sometimes crowded with families visiting for sightseeing.
A wide variety of unique Japanese and Western sweets
Kaiundo continues to make unique Japanese and Western sweets under the motto of "simple, unique, and always innovative. The "Hitokireru Roll (Nuts & Mocha)" is a cute swirl-shaped, bite-size confection. Soft cookies with swans stamped on them, such as "Swan Lake," are popular among young people.
The "Apple Angel" and "Spirit of Leaves" (both on sale only from March to November), made in collaboration with the Iwasaki Chihiro Art Museum, are perfect for souvenirs with a picture of Chihiro Iwasaki on the package. Both Japanese and Western confections are available in a wide variety, and some can be purchased by the piece, allowing you to compare your favorites.
- Gokashiji Kaiundo Honten
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- 2-2-15 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano MAP
6 min. walk from Matsumoto Station- 9:00-18:00
- New Year's Day only
- 0263-32-0506
- Free of charge (2 cars)
5Yunoka Sento Zuisho Matsumoto-kan
A hot spring property in town where you can relax with your family
Daytrip Destinations is a hot spring Property located in the center of Matsumoto City. The hot water, directly from Togurakamiyamada hot spring in Chikuma City, is an alkaline simple sulfur spring that is said to be highly effective for back pain, neuralgia, and sensitivity to cold.
The spacious Outdoor hot spring has a variety of bathtubs, including a large Shigaraki-ware (Shigaraki-ware) jar and a sleeping bath. Family baths are recommended for those with small children. You can enjoy both indoor baths of hinoki cypress and outdoor hot spring baths of motsuboyu, and relax in the baths.
Taste Matsumoto's handmade soba (buckwheat noodles) and sanzokuyaki (grilled fish cake).
The inn is also fully equipped with a Dining Area that boasts of its taste. The restaurant serves handmade soba (buckwheat noodles), which is so popular that it has regular customers, and the local Matsumoto specialty, the "Sanzoku-yaki Set Meal. A la carte dishes, alcohol, and soft drinks are also available.
There is also a small tatami-mat floor where you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere. There is also a private room a short distance away where you can enjoy the Dining Area menu in a private space. We recommend this restaurant not only for those with small children, but also for those who want to take a little nap after dinner. Feel free to stop by during your sightseeing in Matsumoto.
- Yunohana Public Bath Ruisho Matsumoto Kan
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- Nagisa Life Site, 1-7-1 Nagisa, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- 5 min. drive from JR Matsumoto Station
- Bath: 9:30 - 24:00, Sat/Sun, holidays: 6:00 - 24:00, Dining Area: 10:30 - 22:00, Private rooms: 10:30 - 22:00 (reservation by phone required)
- 3rd Tuesday of the month
Bath Adults 700 yen, elementary school students 350 yen, toddlers 100 yen, children under 3 free
Family bath: from 2,700 yen for 1.5 hours
Private rooms 1 hour 1,200 yen～- 0263-29-2686
- Free (Nagisa Life Site Parking)
MAP
- <Scenic Spots in Matsumoto Recommended for Visitors with Children
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
