MATSUMOTO FAQ`S

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The Matsumoto Airport is also known as Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport, it is located 6 miles southwest of the city center. The airport IATA code is MMJ and it opened in 1965 and services domestic flights only. Travel time to reach downtown Matsumoto is approximately 20 minutes by car and transport options at the airport include taxis, buses, and rental cars.

What types of transportation can I find at the airport?

If you have not booked a private transfer through us then you have a few options for transportation from the airport to the city center of Matsumoto.

Due to the small size of the Matsumoto Airport, there are limited options for transportation to reach the city and limited information is available online. There is a shuttle bus from the airport to downtown costing around ¥600 and departing every 30 minutes from outside the terminal at the bus stop. Taxis can be found outside the airport and a ride into the city center costs around ¥4,000. There are a few rental car companies found at the airport.

How do I get from the train station to my hotel?

The JR Matsumoto Station is the main train station located in the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture of Japan. Matsumoto is located on the JR Shinonoi Line, there is a tourist information center located inside the station along with other facilities. Taxis and buses can be caught outside the station. It is around a 15-minute walk from the train station to central Matumoto where most of the accommodations can be found.

Should I rent a car in Matsumoto?

If you hire a car when visiting Matsumoto it allows visitors to explore the more remote areas of Nagano and the surrounding mountainous countryside which is hard to reach with limited public transportation in the city.

Parking is available in the city and can be found at three large parking garages that offer convenient parking in the downtown area. The Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street, and Nakamachi Street can easily be reached on foot from the parking places.

-Matsumoto Castle Otemon Parking Lot 7:30 am until 10:30 pm

-Chuo Parking Lot (M-Wing North) 7:30 am until 11:30 pm

-I-Park Isemachi (Chuo-Nishi Parking Lot) 7:30 - 11:00 pm

-Rates are around ¥150/30 min

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

The Town Sneaker Buses depart from outside the Matsumoto Station every 30 minutes making a circular trip around all the sights in the city and the cost is around ¥150 - ¥ 200. Other bus loops in the city stop at the major tourist attractions, timetables are posted at bus stops throughout the city.

The Matsumoto Bus Terminal is located diagonally across the street from the station in a building with ALPICO written in large white letters on the side.

There are Rickshaws offered in the city that can normally be found outside of the castle. The traditional Nagano form of transport pulls passengers around like a chariot and costs around ¥1,800 for two people for a 15-20 minute ride.

How do I call/hail a taxi?

Taxis in the city are best reserved by phone or online. There is a taxi rank found outside of the Matsumoto Station`s Castle (East) exit on the ground floor by the stairs. Taxis lineup here to take passengers to the final destinations. The standard rates for taxis in the city are around ¥700 for the first mile and an additional ¥100 for every 1,000 feet thereafter.

Is Matsumoto a walking city?

Walking around Matsumoto is the best way to discover the city, the central area of the city is quite compact and most of the sights and attractions can be reached on foot. The Matsumoto Station has a central location and many places are walkable from there. Many of the main attractions are just a 10-15 minute walk from the station. The streets are filled with historical buildings and quaint shopping streets easily discoverable on foot. The surrounding mountainous region around Matsumoto is the perfect place for a hike with stunning scenic views and beautiful countryside landscapes.

Can I ride a bike in Matsumoto?

There are free bicycles offered in the city of Matsumoto daily from 8:30 am until 5 pm. Bikes can be found at various locations throughout the city including the Matsumoto City Museum and the Matsumoto Castle.

Is Matsumoto a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?

Matsumoto is remarkably safe and Japan has long been known as one of the world`s most crime-free countries. Crimes against visitors are practically unheard of and lost belongings are generally turned into local police. Keep your wits about you and practice street smarts when out sightseeing.

What are some popular areas for shopping?

There are some great shopping opportunities in the city of Matsumoto, unique destinations include the old fashioned shopping streets named Nawate-Dori and Nakamachi-Dori. These historic streets are filled with antique shops, bookstores, craft stores, ceramics and lacquerware stores, and art. There are cute cafes and restaurants here as well with an overall nostalgic, traditional atmosphere. Takasago Street is just south of Nakamachi and features several doll shops that Matsumoto is famed for along with Temari patterned balls (embroidered balls). There are department stores such as Parco Department Store located in the city center and traditional sweet shops found all over the city.

What is the best time to visit Matsumoto?

Matsumoto features a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, each season in the city has its charm. The summertime in Matsumoto is filled with fun festivals and beautiful flowers in the countryside along with many outdoor opportunities to soak up the beautiful warm weather. The winters in Matsumoto are picturesque with snow-capped mountains and interesting hot springs resorts nestled in the countryside. Matsumoto is the perfect destination to escape to nearby ski resorts and mountainous areas. Springtime brings the beautiful blossoming cherry blossom season to the city which is a stunning sight to see.

I don`t speak Japanese will there be many people who speak English?

Japanese is the language spoken in Matsumoto, but English is widely spoken throughout the country with announcements on public transportation frequently made in Japanese and English, most signs include roman characters or an English explanation. Most Japanese people study English in junior high and high school so you are best seeking out younger people who may be able to help and translate for you.

It is best to have your destination written down in Japanese so you can show this to your taxi driver or people on the street. People are always willing to help whether they can speak English or not.

We recommend that you get a good English - Japanese guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1 - 10.

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency in Japan is the yen symbolized by ¥. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand and be prepared to exchange your dollars to yen upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and bank locations throughout the city, ATM`s are widespread. ATM`s are located at Post office`s all over the city, look for a symbol that indicates `International ATM Service` or `Authorized Foreign Exchange` (a green clover) and stickers indicating which cards are accepted.

For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Japan by clicking Japan

What is the food like?

The city of Matsumoto is famous for its Shinshu soba noodles, these buckwheat noodles are normally served with a dab of wasabi from the world`s largest farm found in the nearby countryside. Another must-try in the city is taiyaki, a waffle in the shape of a fish that`s filled with sweet red bean paste. Sake and mountains vegetables are other popular staples in the city grown with fresh waters from the nearby Japanese Alps. Basashi (raw horse meat) is another strange local delicacy item famous in Matsumoto.

There are many eateries found in and around the city center with a large population located close to Matsumoto station where izakaya (bar-restaurants) are popular. There are many quaint cafes and restaurants found along the famous shopping streets of Nakamachi and Nawate-Dori. Many excellent eateries are tucked away on the side streets, don`t be afraid to wander away from the downtown and check out some authentic hidden gems.

What is the nightlife like?

There are many unique options to enjoy in the evening times in Matsumoto including catching a glimpse of the city`s main attraction the Matsumoto Castle illuminated by thousands of LED lights every night from sunset to 10 pm. During the wintertime, there are other locations around the city lit up at night providing a charming ambiance especially when the city is covered in snow.

There are restaurants and bars found throughout the city that offer delicious food, drink specials, and live entertainment.

Is Matsumoto a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?

If you need emergency services while in Japan dial 110 for the police or 119 to call an ambulance or report a fire.

Hospitals:

Aizawa Hospital tel. 81-263-33-8600

General Hospital tel. 81-263-5-5300

Matsumoto Medical Center tel. 81-263-58-4567