Where to Go and What to Do in Matsumoto City, Japan? (Part 2)

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Where to Go and What to Do in Matsumoto City, Japan? (Part 2)

Shopping at Nawate-dori street, visiting museums, heading to Jigokudani Monkey Park to watch monkeys bathing in hot springs... These are the activities you can experience when visiting Matsumoto City.

Where to Go and What to Do in Matsumoto City, Japan? (Part 2)

Visiting Museums

One of the wealthiest merchants in Matsumoto City was Sakai Yoshiaki. With his immense wealth, he began collecting artworks and woodblock prints.

Over time, his descendants continued this collecting endeavor until they amassed over 100,000 pieces.

One of the unmistakable signs to recognize the path is a giant frog statue placed nearby. The locals believe frogs are mystical creatures, and this area is also teeming with many frogs.

One of the must-try delicacies here is taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake with red bean filling inside.

Indulge in Local Specialties

Soba is a type of buckwheat noodle in Japan, and the city of Matsumoto is renowned for this dish. Don't confuse soba noodles with ramen (thin noodles) and udon (thick noodles).

Additionally, don't forget to savor oyaki, a local specialty. It's a steamed bun made from buckwheat flour, filled with vegetables, meat, or beans. Oyaki buns are available in almost all eateries in the city.

Partake in Festivals

Matsumoto is a vibrant city with dozens of festivals happening throughout the year. Some of the most unique events to experience include:

Ofune Festival (May): One of the oldest local festivals where people parade through the streets carrying wooden boat frames. It is said that this festival is held to commemorate the Azumi-zoku, a group of elderly people who migrated to the sea centuries ago.

Taiko Drum Festival (July): An event held at Matsumoto Castle, where groups from all over Japan gather to play taiko, a traditional Japanese drum.

Matsumoto Bon-Bon (August): A festival to show respect for the ancestors of the Japanese people.

Matsumoto Ice Sculpture Festival (January): Ice sculptors from around the world flock to Matsumoto Castle to create artworks overnight.

Other Experiences

Thanks to its strategic location, there are plenty of things you can explore near Matsumoto City, Japan.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Known as the 'Roof of Japan,' this 90km route traverses Mt. Tateyama.

You'll pass through various stops using different modes of transport such as buses, cable cars, or trains. The highest stop is Murodo Station (at an altitude of 2,450 meters).

Kamikochi: Located about a 3-hour drive from Nagoya, Kamikochi is a representative scenic spot in the Chubu Sangaku National Park.

Kamikochi connects to the northern Japanese Alps, boasting stunning landscapes and abundant nature, attracting many visitors for sightseeing and mountain hiking.

However, this place closes from mid-November to mid or late April.

Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi: Similar to some Japanese manga, here you can witness monkeys bathing in hot springs.

The monkeys here are called Japanese macaques or snow monkeys. They are very accustomed to humans, so you can comfortably observe and take photos.

The park is open year-round, but if you want the most beautiful photos, visit from January to February, when the park is blanketed in pristine white snow.

Miharashi Farm: This is one of the largest agricultural farms in Nagano Prefecture. You can enjoy fruits such as strawberries (from January to mid-June), blueberries (from early September to late October), apples (from late August to late November).

Additionally, there are other experiences you can have on the farm, such as learning to make soba noodles.

How to Get to Matsumoto City, Japan?

From Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya, you can take a train to Matsumoto in about 3 hours.

Most landmarks in Matsumoto City, Japan are within walking distance.

For areas farther away, you can go to Matsumoto Station and find a bus to all the famous landmarks in the city. The ticket price is 190 yen (about 38,000 VND), with buses departing every 30 minutes.

Another option is to use the free bicycles available at various locations in the city from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to Binh Minh/Tuoi Tre

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour

MytourFebruary 6, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique cultural experiences can I enjoy in Matsumoto City?

In Matsumoto City, you can partake in various cultural experiences such as visiting local museums, enjoying traditional festivals like the Ofune Festival and Taiko Drum Festival, and savoring regional delicacies like soba noodles and oyaki buns.

How can I visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park during my trip?

To visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, you can travel from Matsumoto City by car or bus. It's best to go during January or February for stunning snow-covered scenery and to see the Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs.

What are the best local dishes to try when visiting Matsumoto?

When visiting Matsumoto, be sure to try local specialties such as soba, a type of buckwheat noodle, and oyaki, a steamed bun filled with various ingredients. Taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake with red bean filling, is also a must-try.

How do I get to Matsumoto City from Chubu Centrair International Airport?

You can reach Matsumoto City from Chubu Centrair International Airport by taking a train, which takes about three hours. There are also buses available from Matsumoto Station to various landmarks within the city.

What festivals are held in Matsumoto throughout the year?

Matsumoto hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Ofune Festival in May, the Taiko Drum Festival in July, and the Matsumoto Ice Sculpture Festival in January. Each festival showcases unique cultural elements and traditions.

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