Girls' trip to Matsumoto. Exploring history and special gourmet spots by car
Matsumoto City is the perfect area to enjoy a historical stroll by car, featuring Matsumoto Castle, the Former Kaichi School, and Nakamachi Street, where traditional storehouse buildings line the road. Nakamachi Street is also packed with spots that appeal to women, including select shops and casual food stores perfect for eating while walking, all set within a street rich in historical atmosphere. Furthermore, we will introduce notable spots you'll want to stop by when visiting Matsumoto, such as restaurants with superb views that are easily accessible by car.
1National Treasure Matsumoto Castle
The symbol of the castle town of Matsumoto is the "National Treasure Matsumoto Castle." Built around 1594 (Bunroku 3), it is one of only two castles in Japan with an existing five-story, six-story castle keep, the other being Himeji Castle. You can experience this precious historical asset.
As you walk toward the majestic castle, the first things that catch your eye are the defensive features built into the gates, walls, and turrets, such as stone-drop windows and loopholes. You can truly feel that the castle functioned as a fortress. Furthermore, as you climb the steep stairs inside the keep, you reach the third floor, which has no windows and is hidden by the roof of the second floor. The different structures for each floor's role, such as the 61-degree staircase on the fourth floor and the Tsukimi Yagura (Moon-viewing Turret) connected to the keep, are well worth seeing. On the top floor, the sixth floor, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, and the open, expansive scenery will leave you feeling refreshed.
Local
Supporter
The castle stairs can be a bit tough, but I highly recommend climbing to the top floor of the keep at least once to enjoy the view!
View weapons and equipment
On the second floor, where you can learn deeply about the battles of the time, we recommend taking your time to look around. Matchlock guns, armor used in battles, and military equipment are on display. In addition to booths introducing their structures and mechanisms, you can also see the lattice windows from which matchlock guns were said to have been fired.
Matsumoto Castle also hosts various events. Events such as night cherry blossom viewing and tea ceremonies are held according to the season, so visiting during these events is also recommended. In addition, if you download the dedicated app "Street Museum" (free), you can enjoy "Matsumoto Castle VR." By holding your smartphone or tablet over nine locations within the castle, you can see the appearance of Matsumoto Castle in the Edo period, recreated based on historical facts, and listen to audio guides introducing the historical site.
- Matsumoto Castle
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4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP 
Approx. 20-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station
Approx. 10-minute ride on the Town Sneaker North Course loop bus from JR Matsumoto Station, get off at "Matsumoto-jo/Shiyakusho-mae"
8:30–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Golden Week/Summer: 8:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30)
New Year's holidays (Jan 1–3): 10:00–15:30 (last admission 15:00)
Year-end (December 29–31)
General: 1,200 yen for electronic tickets, 1,300 yen for paper tickets
Elementary/Junior high school students: 400 yen for both electronic and paper tickets
0263-32-2902
2Former Kaichi School Building
Built in 1876 (Meiji 9), the "Former Kaichi School" is one of the oldest elementary schools in Japan. Its distinctive pseudo-Western style architecture, characterized by beautiful white walls, was designed and constructed by a local master carpenter who drew inspiration from institutions like the "Kaisei School," the predecessor to the University of Tokyo. It was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1961 (Showa 36).
With its blend of Japanese and Western elements—such as carvings of dragons, auspicious clouds, and angels, as well as a tiled roof with a karahafu gable, an octagonal tower, and a balcony—the exterior is a true symbol of the Meiji era's "Civilization and Enlightenment." Inside, you can see the craftsmanship of the carpenters who took on the challenge of new architectural styles, featuring elements like a spiral staircase and colorful "giyaman" (stained glass) decorations.
A nostalgic space that recreates a classroom from that time
In the exhibition area, a recreation of a classroom from the 1950s (Showa 30s) is particularly popular. By actually sitting in the chairs and opening the desk drawers, you can touch items from that era and feel as if you have traveled back in time.
The exhibits include fascinating and rare items that offer insight into the social conditions of the time, such as a "Blue-Eyed Doll" sent from the United States in 1927 (Showa 2), materials related to "nanny classes" that accepted children who could not attend regular school due to working as nannies, and floor coverings made of traditional Matsumoto Misuzu crafts that are laid out like a carpet.
Local
Supporter
The materials are extensive, giving a clear picture of what the school was like at the time. There are also original products available only here.
- Former Kaichi School Building
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- 2-4-12 Kaichi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- Take the Town Sneaker North Course loop bus from Matsumoto Station and get off at "Kyu-Kaichi Gakko" (Former Kaichi School), then walk for 1 minute.
- 9:00–17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
- December 29–January 3, Mondays from December to February, and the third Monday of each month from March to November
- Adults 300 yen, Elementary/Junior high students 150 yen
- 0263-32-5725
Free
3Oimo Biyori Matsumoto Nakamachi Store
Located along Nakamachi Street, which is lined with traditional storehouses, this shop specializes in sweet potato desserts. Using aged, highly sweet potatoes, they offer a wide variety of Japanese and Western-style menu items, including classic roasted sweet potatoes, sweet potato cakes, puddings, and shakes.
Highly recommended is the "Beni-Ureshi" roasted sweet potato, known for its rich, creamy texture. This exquisite roasted potato, with its abundance of syrup and smooth mouthfeel, is delicious served piping hot or even chilled. For those eating on the go, they will cut it up and provide a spoon.
Local
Supporter
The idea of chilling baked sweet potatoes to eat them is surprising! There is a great selection of items for souvenirs and for eating on the go.
The secret to its deliciousness is a strictly controlled aging process
For all our products, we use "aged sweet potatoes" that are grown with a focus on the soil and stored in a dedicated cellar for about two months to build up their sweetness. After being baked in our store's far-infrared oven, they are further aged at a low temperature to maximize their natural sweetness and umami.
Our "Daigaku-imo" (candied sweet potatoes), generously coated with our special syrup, is sold in packs of four mini trays (exclusive to the Nakamachi store).
During the hot season, our baked sweet potato gelato, shakes, and "Oimo Sticks"—crispy candied sweet potatoes that are eaten frozen—are very popular.
- Oimo Biyori Matsumoto Nakamachi Store
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- 2-10-17 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10-minute walk from Matsumoto Station
- 10:30–18:00
- Irregular holidays
- 0263-88-3996
- None
4Seltie
The store name was coined from "Selfish." The items are selected based on the concept of "like a selfish, whimsical, and free-spirited girl..." Because we carry rare domestic brands that are difficult to purchase even in Tokyo, some people even travel from other prefectures just to visit us. In addition to clothing, we have a diverse lineup of accessories such as shoes, jewelry, and bags, and we also carry men's and kids' items, making it a great place for families as well.
A selection worth making a special trip for
The brands we carry all feature unique designs. Among them, "Mame Kurogouchi," created by a designer from Nagano Prefecture who is active on the global stage, is popular for its designs that express feminine elegance and delicacy through embroidery and textiles.
We also feature other attractive collections, such as "ohta," which adds a soft atmosphere to a mode style with bold patterns and androgynous silhouettes, and "Ka na ta," which offers unique styles with a strong presence that are only available in a few stores in Japan.
Local
Supporter
There are many highly designed products that are exciting to see. It is a shop that conveys the joy of fashion.
5Shiroyama Park
Developed in the early Meiji era as Matsumoto City's first park, this is a place of relaxation that remains beloved by citizens today. Known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, a cherry blossom festival is held in early April when approximately 500 trees are in full bloom. Once the cherry blossoms fall, azaleas, rhododendrons, and wisteria trellises color the park, allowing visitors to enjoy a gorgeous competition of flowers.
The lawn area is the perfect space to spend a relaxing time, whether lounging in the shade of the trees or playing on the playground equipment. There are also monuments engraved with poems by poets associated with Matsumoto, allowing you to experience the city's culture.
It is a spot you will want to visit for a stroll or a picnic.
Enjoy a panoramic view of Matsumoto City from the observation deck.
There is an observation deck in the park, and the view from the top of the spiral staircase is not to be missed. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Matsumoto city area to the southeast and the Northern Alps, including Mount Jonen, to the northwest. You can encounter wonderful scenery in every season, from winter snowscapes and the lingering snow of spring and early summer to autumn foliage, so be sure to bring a camera if you go to the observation deck. The evening and night views are also lovely, but it is recommended to visit before sunset when the footing becomes poor.
Although it takes a little time from the bus stop, you can reach the observation deck from the free parking lot in about 5 minutes.
Local
Supporter
Whether it's the view from the observatory on a sunny day or the starry sky and night view spreading out below at night, you can enjoy it whenever you visit.
- Joyama Park
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- 1219 Arigasaki, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Matsumoto Station
- 7 minutes by Alpico Kotsu bus from JR Matsumoto Station, get off at "Shiroyama Koen-guchi" and walk for about 15 minutes
- 0263-34-3254 (Matsumoto City Park and Greenery Division)
- Free
6Café SENRI
This cafe is an authorized retailer of the "Royal Sweet Vanilla Soft Serve" from "Karuizawa Cafe de Minoriya," which uses the highest grade vanilla. This high-quality soft serve, which is rich yet has a clean aftertaste, is a legendary flavor said to have been loved by John Lennon and many other celebrities in the past. You can enjoy it with various toppings such as Shinshu apple honey, Shinshu buckwheat honey, caramel, Mont Blanc, and seasonal fruits.
Local
Supporter
It has a rich body and sweetness, but it is not cloying. It is also recommended to enjoy while strolling through the town.
Takeout available. Tacos made with Shinshu buckwheat flour.
We also recommend the "Soba Tacos," which feature a chewy crepe dough made with Shinshu buckwheat flour. Their convenience for both eat-in and takeout, along with their perfect size for a light snack, makes them popular with women.
In addition, we offer a variety of cafe menu items perfect for a quick break, such as "Ice-on Crepes" made with brown sugar crepes rolled up and topped with ice cream and fruit sauce, and our original 100% juices made from locally grown grapes, apples, and more, with no additives or added sugar.
- Café SENRI
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- 2-9-11 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10-minute walk from Matsumoto Station
- 10:30 AM until sunset *10:00 AM from July to October
- Open every day *Wednesdays only from December to March
- 0263-33-5868
- None
7Sunday in Provence
This is a hidden-gem restaurant where you can enjoy cuisine from the Provence region of southern France, all while taking in a superb view overlooking the Northern Alps and the city of Matsumoto. Using carefully selected ingredients—such as fresh vegetables from local farmers, home-grown herbs, and wild vegetables and mushrooms foraged by the owner himself—the dishes brilliantly capture the colors and flavors unique to southern France.
Both dinner and lunch are served in a prix-fixe style, and you can choose your main dish from seven seasonal options featuring fresh fish or beef and pork from Nagano Prefecture. A popular choice is the "Provençal-style Wagyu Hamburger Steak." It is a flavorful dish infused with a herb blend called "Herbes de Provence" and has become a staple on the menu available year-round. With a wide array of dishes that make abundant use of vegetables and highlight the bounty of nature, a course meal where you select your own favorites is guaranteed to provide a highly satisfying and blissful experience.
French cuisine with appealing desserts.
There is also a wide selection of sweets available for takeout. "Matsumoto Bon-Bon," the grand prize winner of the 2018 Matsumoto Sweets Contest, features a perfect pairing of caramelized Matsumoto apples and sweet potato. The runner-up, "Ichigo Ichie," offers a new sensation of flavor, combining Matsumoto green onions and miso in a financier. Both are perfect as small gifts for someone special.
Local
Supporter
I was very satisfied with the food, which uses plenty of local ingredients and is a feast for the eyes! There is also a great selection of sweets and teas.
- Sunday in Provence
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- 4-3-35 Namiyanagi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
- From in front of Matsumoto Station, take the Alpico Kotsu bus bound for Namiyanagi Danchi, get off at "Namiyanagi Elementary School" and walk for about 5 minutes
- Lunch 11:30–14:00
Dinner 18:00–20:00 (L.O. 19:30)
*14:00–16:00 is open as a tea time by reservation only - Thursdays, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays
- 0263-28-5550
- Free
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Noe InagakiMatsumoto Haikara Joshi
KAI Matsumoto
Nagano Prefecture, Asama Onsen
A modern hot spring inn located in Asama Onsen that reopened in August 2026. You can enjoy a variety of bathing experiences, Shinshu wine, and gourmet Italian cuisine.
Access 15 minutes by taxi from JR Matsumoto Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥33,000