I am the “Mountain Man of Matsumoto.”
If you plan to stay around Matsumoto Station before or after mountain climbing, this guide is for you.
This time, I, the “Mountain Man of Matsumoto,” a local mountaineer, will introduce spots around Matsumoto Station (Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture).
By the way, Matsumoto Station has two main exits: the side facing Matsumoto Castle is called the ‘Castle Exit,’ and the side facing the Northern Alps is called the ‘Alps Exit.’
The ‘Castle Exit‘ side is the main downtown area.
The sightseeing and gourmet spots introduced in this blog article are basically located on the Castle Exit side of Matsumoto Station.
The spots introduced here are based on my personal preferences and impressions, so please use this information as a reference only.
I feel that visitors coming from outside Matsumoto City might be able to research and know more about the area than I do…
However, for those who have little prior knowledge of Matsumoto, I hope this guide will be helpful.
Now, let me introduce some spots around Matsumoto Station in Gakuto (the Mountain Capital), Matsumoto City.
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station by a Local Mountaineer
About Sightseeing
Izakayas & Drinking Spots
The Bar Scene in Matsumoto
Ramen Shops
Soba Restaurants
Mountaineering Gear Shops
My Regular Lodging
Souvenir Shops
Others
Now, let’s go through and introduce each of them.
Map of Sightseeing & Dining Around Matsumoto Station (Handmade by Me)
The location of Matsumoto Station is marked as “0” on the Google Map below.
*The numbering in the article below matches the numbering on the map above.*
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station by a Local Mountaineer
Sightseeing
First, let me introduce some sightseeing spots around Matsumoto Station.
1 Matsumoto Castle（国宝松本城）
When it comes to sightseeing in Matsumoto, the first thing that comes to mind is the National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle.
You can enter the castle tower (Tenshukaku) for a fee.
At busy times, there can be long lines—sometimes several hours of waiting—so I recommend purchasing a date-specific electronic ticket in advance.
The viewing hours inside the castle tower are normally from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.), as of 2025.
The admission fee is 1,200 yen for e-tickets (as of 2025).
Inside the Honmaru Garden of Matsumoto Castle, there is a souvenir shop where you can buy original Matsumoto Castle merchandise.
From Matsumoto Castle Park, on a clear day, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Matsumoto Castle with the North Alps’ Mount Jonen in the background, across the moat.
For me, this is one of the best photo spots in the city.
In spring, the castle is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and a Night Cherry Blossom Festival is held.
By the way, Matsumoto Castle is sometimes referred to as “Karasu-jō” (Crow Castle).
However, according to the official Matsumoto Castle website, “Matsumoto Castle is not called Karasu-jō,” which is the official statement from the management office.
Some people call it the “Crow Castle” because of its black lacquered exterior, but officially, it is not referred to as the “Crow Castle.”
Taken from Matsumoto Castle Park. You can see the snow-covered Northern Alps (Mount Jonen) on the left.
Matsumoto Castle is said to have been built in the 1590s, during the late Azuchi-Momoyama to early Edo period.
The city of Matsumoto itself was a castle town, carefully planned and developed around Matsumoto Castle.
38 Former Kaichi School（旧開智学校）
It is designated as a National Treasure, just like Matsumoto Castle.
It was constructed in the early Meiji period, during the height of Japan’s modernization.
The building features Giyōfū architecture, a unique blend of Japanese and Western styles, and is open to the public as a museum.
2 Nawate Street Entrance（縄手通り）
t is a tourist shopping street lined with unique shops that stand side by side like traditional row houses.
The street is a pedestrian-only zone.
A frog is the symbol of this shopping street.
This is Nawate Street at night.
3 Entrance to Nakamachi Street（中町通り）
It is a tourist shopping street where many traditional kura-zukuri (storehouse-style) buildings from the Edo to Taisho periods still remain.
Since Nawate Street and Nakamachi Street run parallel to each other with the Metoba River in between, it’s a good idea to walk along Nawate Street on the way out and return via Nakamachi Street.
4 Yohashira Shrine（四柱神社（よはしらじんじゃ））
The God of Tying Wishes Together.
This shrine is known as one of the most powerful spiritual spots in Nagano Prefecture.
My family held our wedding ceremony at this shrine.
5 AEON Mall Matsumoto（イオンモール松本）
It’s about a 20-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.
Business hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Please note that hours may vary depending on the store.
One of the largest shopping malls in Nagano Prefecture, attracting many visitors from outside Matsumoto City as well.
It might feel a bit strange to visit a shopping mall while you’re in Matsumoto… but still, it’s a popular spot.
If I were to introduce just one shop in the AEON Mall, it would be WABI×SABI.
I frequently use their Mt. Fuji towel handkerchiefs and have purchased the same one several times.
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For instructions on how to purchase smoothly through the link above, please refer to this article about “Mount Fuji.”
35 Yayoi Kusama Museum（草間彌生美術館）
This museum is filled with artworks by the world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, who was born in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture.
One of the distinctive features of her works is the use of polka dot patterns, and the yellow pumpkin is probably her most famous piece.
The yellow pumpkin is on display in Naoshima Town, Kagawa District, Kagawa Prefecture.
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Yayoi Kusama has also collaborated with Louis Vuitton.
LV × YK Zippy Wallet
↑ ↑ ↑
For instructions on how to purchase smoothly through the link above, please refer to this article about “Mount Fuji.”
40 Takasago Street（Genchi Well）（高砂通り（源智の井戸））
Takasago Street – The Town of Water and Dolls
It is a historic street lined with shops specializing in traditional festival dolls.
You’ll find many stores selling hina dolls for the Girls’ Festival and gogatsu dolls for the Boys’ Festival.
At the eastern end of Takasago Street stands “Genchi no Ido” (Genchi Well).
Genchi Well has been in use since ancient times and is designated as a Special Historic Site by Matsumoto City.
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This is Genchi no Ido (Genchi Well).
41 Matsumoto City Museum（松本市立博物館）
The museum features exhibitions introducing Matsumoto through eight different themes.
Regarding the mountains, which are an essential part of Matsumoto’s identity, there is an exhibition under the theme “Mountains by Our Side.”
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
Izakayas and Bars
From here, I’ll introduce some izakaya and drinking spots around Matsumoto Station.
But before that, let me introduce some of the most famous local sake brands from Shinshu.
Local Sake of Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture)
Here are some local sake brands that are often heard of by those living in Matsumoto City.
These are local sake brands that are often heard of while living in Matsumoto City.
Since we’re at it, here’s a look at their *Daiginjo* — premium-quality sake varieties.
Nagano Prefecture has long been known as “Shinshu,” even before it officially came to be called Nagano. Matsumoto City is one of the municipalities within Nagano Prefecture. The name “Shinshu” is widely used and warmly embraced. You can see this, for example, in the name of the national university located in Nagano Prefecture: Shinshu University, commonly abbreviated as “Shindai.”
Now, let me introduce the local sake of Shinshu.
※For a smooth purchasing process via the links below, please refer to this article about “Mount Fuji.”
Daishinshu
Masumi
Daisekkei
Shinshu Local Sake Set
There is also a local sake set available.
These are the sake brands I often hear mentioned around here.
In addition, the following sake brands are also well-known local varieties from the Shinshu region.
・夜明け前 Yoakemae (*Before Dawn*)
・明鏡止水 Meikyoshisui (*Clear Mirror, Still Water*)
・信濃鶴 Shinano-Tsuru (*Crane of Shinano*)
・中乗さん Nakanorisan
・七笑 Nanawarai (*Seven Smiles*)
・神渡 Miwatari (*Crossing of the Gods*)
・渓流 Keiryu (*Mountain Stream*)
・善哉 Yoikana, and many others.
Now then, let’s move on to the introduction of izakaya and drinking spots around Matsumoto Station.
7 Usagiya (Restaurant)（卯屋（うさぎや））
This popular restaurant offers local sake, mountain delicacies, and game meat.
You can enjoy dishes such as horse sashimi, venison, and occasionally bear meat.
Uya has been selected as one of the “100 Best Izakaya in Eastern Japan 2024”, a list of must-visit izakaya chosen by gourmet experts.
In the izakaya category, Uya is the only restaurant in Nagano Prefecture to receive this recognition.
Business hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Closed on Sundays and national holidays (as of 2025).
10 Fūrin Kazan（大衆酒場 風林火山）
This is one of the most popular izakaya around Matsumoto Station.
ChatGPT:
This restaurant serves Shinshu’s local sake along with regional specialties such as sanzokuyaki (fried chicken) and basashi (horse sashimi).
It offers generous portions and a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Business hours are as follows (as of 2025):
Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday: 5:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Saturday: 4:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sunday & National Holidays: 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (as of 2025).
36 Torishin – Yakitori（鳥心）
A yakitori restaurant that has been featured on national television.
It’s a lively place where you can enjoy the best grilled chicken skewers.
It’s always crowded.
Business hours are from 5:30 p.m. to midnight on Mondays through Saturdays, national holidays, and the days before holidays (as of 2025).
Closed on Sundays and on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month (as of 2025).
43 Shizuka（しづか）
About a 3-minute walk from Matsumoto Castle.
This izakaya is famous for its oden (Japanese hot pot), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and mountain vegetables.
You can also try local delicacies such as inago (grasshoppers), zazamushi (aquatic insects), and hachinoko (bee larvae).
Business hours are from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Closed on Sundays, national holidays, and the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Saturdays (as of 2025).
45 Baniku Bar Shin-Miyoshi（新三よし）
Founded in 1899 (Meiji 32).
Horse meat culture is deeply rooted in Matsumoto, and basashi (horse sashimi) is a local specialty of Shinshu.
Shin-Miyoshi is an izakaya specializing in horse meat that has supported Matsumoto’s horse meat culture for generations.
Business hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lunch and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for dinner (as of 2025).
Closed irregularly (open year-round) (as of 2025).
49 Kappo & Seasonal Cuisine Kikuzō（きく蔵）
Enjoy seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, and mountain delicacies.
This is an izakaya where you can savor delicious Japanese cuisine.
You can also try local sake from Shinshu.
I introduced my wife to my parents at this very restaurant.
Business hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Closed on Sundays (as of 2025).
11 Karaage Center（からあげセンター）
You can enjoy specialty fried chicken that has continuously won the Gold Award at the National Karaage Grand Prix.
The menu also includes Sanzokuyaki, a famous local dish from Matsumoto.
There are two locations: one inside the Matsumoto Station building “MIDORI Matsumoto” on the 4th floor, and another right outside the castle-side exit of the station, to the right at the bottom of the stairs.
The latter location operates as a standing-style bar.
This is the Karaage Center Ekimae Branch, located immediately to the right after going down the stairs at the Castle Exit of Matsumoto Station.
Inside MIDORI Matsumoto.
Business hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Closed irregularly (as of 2025).
Karaage Center Ekimae Branch
Business hours are from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Closed irregularly (as of 2025).
37 Mikaruen – Charcoal-Grilled Yakiniku（炭火焼肉 味楽苑）
A yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant with autographs from celebrities, including Namie Amuro.
It’s expensive, but the food is delicious.
Business hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (as of 2025).
13 Matsumoto Tsunagu Yokocho（松本つなぐ横丁）
It is one of the largest bar alleys in Nagano Prefecture.
With 12 food stalls lined up, it’s the perfect place for a bar-hopping experience.
Business hours are as follows (as of 2025):
Weekdays: 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sundays: 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
National Holidays: 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
On the last day of consecutive holidays, hours are 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays (as of 2025).
12 Hana no Uramachi Yume Yatai & Hashigo Yokocho（華のうら町夢屋台・はしご横丁）
A drinking district lined with small, closely packed bars and pubs.
My beer is reflected in the photo.
Business hours vary by location.
6 Matsumoto Brewery Taproom Honmachi (Shinmai Media Garden)（松本ブルワリー タップルーム本町店）
This bar is located on the 3rd floor of the Shinmai Media Garden.
You can enjoy craft beer even during the daytime.
From the terrace seats, you can drink while overlooking Isemachi Street.
“Shinmai” refers to the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun, the local newspaper. The Shinmai Media Garden is a multi-purpose complex that includes the Matsumoto headquarters of the newspaper.
The complex also houses A&F (Outdoor & Lifestyle goods) and The North Face.
Note: Matsumoto Brewery Taproom has also opened a new location in front of Matsumoto Station (the station-front branch mainly offers standing service).
Photo taken from the front of the Shinmai Media Garden.
Business hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Closed on Wednesdays (as of 2025).
8 Old Rock (Cafe & Bar)（オールドロック）
It’s an Irish pub.
My favorite dish there is the fish and chips.
Business hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
On Sundays and national holidays, the hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Closed on Wednesdays (as of 2025).
9 Campo di Girasole（カンポ・ディ・ジラソーレ）
An Italian restaurant located on the 4th floor of MIDORI Matsumoto station building.
I often stop by for a drink while waiting for the train.
My favorite is the Hoegaarden White.
There are several other dining options on the 4th floor of MIDORI Matsumoto besides Girasole.
Business hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
There are no regular closing days (as of 2025).
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
The Bar Town of Matsumoto
Matsumoto is sometimes referred to as a **town of bars**.
14 MAIN BAR COAT（メインバーコート）
A well-known authentic bar in Matsumoto.
I love this bar the most for its atmosphere, service, and drinks.
Business hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (as of 2025).
Closed on Sundays and Mondays (open if Sunday or Monday falls on the day before a national holiday) (as of 2025).
15 Old Pal（オールドパル）
I go here when the Main Bar Court is too crowded to get in.
It’s a place where you can fully enjoy the bar experience.
Business hours are from 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekdays (Monday–Thursday), and from 7:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (as of 2025).
Closed on Sundays (open on Sunday and closed on Monday if Monday is a national holiday) (as of 2025).
16 Mahorobi（摩幌美 （マホロビ））
It’s a whiskey bar.
I’ve heard that it’s a renowned spot across Japan among whiskey enthusiasts.
Scheduled business days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (Thursdays and national holidays vary) (as of 2025).
Business hours are from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Temporary closures may occur due to circumstances.
17 SHOT・BAR BACCHUS（バッカス）
A bar where you can enjoy cocktails and whiskey at affordable prices.
The standard price is 550 yen per drink.
Business hours are from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, and until 12:00 a.m. on Sundays (as of 2025).
Open year-round with no holidays (as of 2025).
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
Ramen Shops
From here, we’ll introduce ramen shops around Matsumoto Station.
18 Tonkotsu-ya ZUN – Tonkotsu Ramen Specialty Shop（豚骨らあめん専門店 とんこつ家ZUN（ズン））
A sister restaurant of the popular Matsumoto ramen shop “Zunpachi”.
I enjoy not only their tonkotsu-style ramen but also their super spicy ramen.
Business hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (irregular holidays) (as of 2025).
19 Noroshi（Ramen Shop）（狼煙（のろし））
The ramen is reminiscent of Hakata-style tonkotsu but has its own unique originality.
Business hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (as of 2025).
20 Ramen Fuji（ラーメン藤）
The garlic ramen is incredibly flavorful and addictive.
The gyoza is also packed with garlic.
Be careful—the garlic smell lingers until the next day.
The signboard says “Ramen Fuji”, but many people refer to it as “Fuji Ramen.”
Business hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday (as of 2025).
21 Mensho Sakura（麺匠 佐蔵（さくら））
This restaurant specializes in Shinshu miso ramen made with Anyoji miso.
It’s a very popular spot that always has a line of customers.
Business hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Closed on Tuesdays (as of 2025).
22 Ramen Ooboshi（おおぼし 松本駅ビル店）
The signature dish is “Barikote,” a pork back-fat tonkotsu soy sauce ramen.
It is located just to the right after you go down the stairs at the Castle Exit of Matsumoto Station.
Business hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
Soba Restaurants
Among the Matsumoto residents I know—including myself—**very few people visit soba restaurants**, so I will introduce only **two places**.
23 Kurekino Soba Restaurant（榑木野（くれきの））
A soba restaurant I am personally familiar with.
It is located in a corner of the Matsumoto Station building, making it very convenient to access.
It is located just to the right after you go down the stairs at the Castle Exit of Matsumoto Station.
The business hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
The regular holidays vary (as of 2025).
24 Sobasho – Matsumoto Castle Branch（そば庄 松本城店）
A soba restaurant located next to Matsumoto Castle.
Currently closed for an extended period due to land and building maintenance work around Matsumoto Castle.
48 Shinshu Soba Iidayaken（イイダヤ軒）
Fast, cheap, and delicious — a traditional station soba.
Founded in 1920 (Taisho 9), it is a long-established shop.
It is located just past the traffic light to the left after exiting the Castle Gate.
On weekdays and Saturdays, the business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. On Sundays and public holidays, they are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
The store closes at 3:00 p.m. on December 31.
The regular holiday is January 1.
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
Outdoor Gear Shops
From here, I will introduce the mountaineering gear shops around Matsumoto Station.
25 Kojitsu Sanso – Alpico Plaza Matsumoto Station Front Store（好日山荘）
It was located in Matsumoto PARCO. ※After PARCO closed, it moved to Alpico Plaza.
A store that sells hiking and outdoor gear.
Perfect for purchasing additional hiking gear or replacing items you forgot.
The business hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
The Alpico Plaza multi-story parking garage serves as the dedicated parking lot.
26 Bunrin – Shinshu Matsumoto Mountain & Ski Shop（信州松本 山とスキーの専門店 ブンリン）
They offer equipment for hiking, climbing, and backcountry skiing.
The business hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (as of 2025).
The regular holidays are every Tuesday and Wednesday (as of 2025).
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
Accommodation
By clicking the “楽天トラベルで探す（Search on Rakuten Travel）” link below, you can change the language from the “Language” menu to your preferred one.
After that, if you register on Rakuten Travel (free of charge), you can book hotels within Japan through Rakuten Travel.
Rakuten Travel is a highly popular hotel booking site in Japan, with a high usage rate among domestic travelers.
27 Richmond Hotel Matsumoto（リッチモンドホテル 松本）
This is the hotel I stay at when I need to stay near Matsumoto Station.
The rooms are spacious and clean, offering great value for the price.
“Rakuten Travel page for Richmond Hotel Matsumoto,” etc. It is a hotel booking site.
Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu（ホテル花月）
This long-established hotel was founded in 1887 (Meiji 20).
Inside the hotel, you will find pieces of Matsumoto Mingei (folk craft) furniture, allowing you to experience the charm of Japanese folk art.
The café “Yatojū Onkan” is open to non-guests as well.
The business hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (as of 2025).
Rakuten Travel page for Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu,” etc. It is a hotel booking site.
If you prefer a hotel with a hot spring, there is also Dormy Inn.
“Rakuten Travel page for Natural Hot Spring Azumino-yu Onyado Nono Matsumoto (Dormy Inn),” etc. It is a hotel booking site.
39 Hotel Buena Vista（ホテルブエナビスタ）
It is the only full-scale city hotel in Matsumoto.
Many Matsumoto residents hold their wedding receptions here, and it also serves as a venue for national conferences and events.
Compared to top hotels in major cities, it might feel a bit different… but it has its charm.
“Rakuten Travel page for Hotel Buena Vista,” etc. It is a hotel booking site.
Hot Springs
Here are some hot springs located around Matsumoto Station.
44 Asama Onsen（浅間温泉）
This hot spring is known as the “inner retreat” of the castle town of Matsumoto.
It is a famous spring that has been flowing for 1,300 years.
It is about a 15-minute bus ride from Matsumoto Station (from Bus Stop No. 23, located to the right after exiting the Castle-side exit).
As a day-use hot spring facility, Hot Plaza Asama is available.
The business hours are from 10:00 a.m. to midnight (as of 2025).
Among the many inns in Asama Onsen, the following is highly rated:
Matsumoto Asama Onsen Hotel Tamanoyu（松本 浅間温泉 ホテル玉之湯）
“Rakuten Travel page for Matsumoto Asama Onsen Hotel Tamanoyu,” etc. It is a hotel booking site.
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
Souvenir Shops
Here, we introduce **souvenir shops around Matsumoto Station**.
28 NewDays Matsumoto Meihinkan（松本銘品館）
Located just outside the ticket gates, this shop serves as both a convenience store and a souvenir store.
Opening hours: 6:30–20:30
Inside NewDays, you will also find Azumido Matsumoto, a specialty store offering Shinshu souvenirs, oyaki, and pickles.
Oyaki is a traditional local dish of Shinshu, made by kneading wheat or buckwheat flour into dough, filling it with various ingredients, and then grilling or steaming it.
Common fillings include Nozawana (pickled greens) and sweet red bean paste.
Azumido also has a store on Rakuten Ichiba.
↑ ↑ ↑
For instructions on how to purchase smoothly through the link above, please refer to this article about “Mount Fuji.”
29 Matsumoto Souvenir Shop（松本駅ビル「MIDORI松本」）
On the 1st floor, there are “Matsumoto Souvenir Shop MIDORI Matsumoto” and “Shinshu Alps Market”, and on the 4th floor, there is “Shinshu Local Products Hall Furuta”.
By the way, the classic Matsumoto souvenir is “Raicho no Sato”.
Among locals in Matsumoto City, Masamura’s “Tenshu Ishigaki Sable” is highly popular.
A classic souvenir from Shinshu!
Shinshu Specialty Confection: Raicho no Sato（信州銘菓 雷鳥の里）
↑ ↑ ↑
For instructions on how to purchase smoothly through the link above, please refer to this article about “Mount Fuji.”
A confection by the long-established Western-style confectionery shop Masamura, inspired by the main keep stone walls of the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle.
Tenshu Ishigaki Sable（天守石垣サブレ）
↑ ↑ ↑
For instructions on how to purchase smoothly through the link above, please refer to this article about “Mount Fuji.”
Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
Others
30 Mountain Postcards & Souvenirs（山のポストカードなど）
Sometimes, you might wonder what the name of a mountain is when looking at it, but there are postcards and clear files featuring actual photos of the Northern Alps and other mountains with their names printed on them.
They are sold at the bookstore on the 3rd floor of MIDORI Matsumoto (Kaizo-sha Bookstore).
※Kaizo-sha Bookstore is marked as “30” on the Google Map at the beginning.
31 View of the Northern Alps（北アルプスの眺め）
From the station concourse (Alps Exit side), you can enjoy a view of the Northern Alps.
There are illustrations in the concourse showing the names of the visible mountains.
You can see Mount Norikura, Mount Jonen, Mount Tsubakuro, and mountains in the Hakuba area such as Mount Jiigatake, Mount Kashimayari, and Mount Goryu.
You can also catch a brief glimpse of Mount Yari.
50 Joyama Park（城山公園）
About a 35-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.
This park is located on a hill, and from its observation deck you can enjoy views of the Northern Alps, including Mount Jōnen.
It is also known as a night view spot.
Matsumoto City Hall Main Building Observation Room（松本市役所展望室）
Free of charge.
Take the elevator or stairs up to the 5th floor, then climb the stairs in front of the elevator to reach the observation room.
You can enjoy a view of Matsumoto Castle.
Admission hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (as of 2025).
Admission is not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays.
32 Masaki Amusei – Jewelry Workshop（マサキ アムセイ）
※The store has relocated to a location farther from Matsumoto Station.
They offer everything from bridal jewelry to fashion jewelry.
It’s a shop and workshop run by friendly artisans.
Our family had custom-made wedding rings engraved with the Northern Alps made here.
33 Coin Lockers（コインロッカー）
After exiting the ticket gates, there are coin lockers in the waiting room straight ahead on the right, midway down the stairs at the Castle Exit, and to the left after exiting the Castle Exit.
Less obvious locations include in front of the McDonald’s near the station (north side) and on the 1st floor of the Alps Exit.
The lockers in front of McDonald’s have only a few large lockers suitable for big backpacks used for long-distance hiking.
34 Statue of Priest Banryu（播隆上人（ばんりゅうしょうにん））
A monk who first climbed Mount Yari.
A bronze statue of him has been erected immediately to the left after exiting the Castle Exit of Matsumoto Station.
Next to the statue is the spring water well “Fukashi no Yusui”.
There are several spring water spots around Matsumoto Station.
It is located just to the left after you go down the stairs at the Castle Exit of Matsumoto Station.
46 Ueda Katsuobushi Shop (Ueda Katsuobushiten) 植田鰹節店
This long-established shop sells products used for making dashi, such as katsuobushi (dried bonito), niboshi (dried sardines), shiitake mushrooms, and kombu (kelp).
Founded in May 1915 (Taisho 4).
It offers a taste with over 100 years of tradition.
The business hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays) as of 2025.
Matsumoto Bon Bon Festival（松本ぼんぼん）
Every year, on the first Saturday of August, the Matsumoto Bon Bon festival is held.
Matsumoto Bon Bon is a Bon Odori-style event that closes the main roads around Matsumoto Station and is one of the largest summer festivals in Nagano Prefecture.
Since it takes place in the central area stretching from the east side of Matsumoto Station to Matsumoto Castle, the city becomes extremely crowded.
August is also the hiking season, so many visitors come to Matsumoto City. If you prefer to avoid crowds, it’s best not to stay near Matsumoto Station on the first Saturday of August. For festival lovers, however, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the festival atmosphere with a beer in hand after a hike.
Summary: Introducing the Area Around Matsumoto Station from a Local Hiker’s Perspective
Here, **“Matsumoto’s Mountain Man,” a hiker living in Matsumoto City**, has introduced **tourist spots and more around Matsumoto City**.
Tourism
Izakayas and Bars
The Bar Town of Matsumoto
Ramen Shops
Soba Restaurants
Outdoor Gear Shops
My Regular Hotels
Souvenir Shops
Others
For your reference.
Tourism Model Around Matsumoto Station
From the tourist spots introduced so far, **“Matsumoto’s Mountain Man”** has personally selected his favorite spots.
*※This model assumes you finish hiking on Day 1, do sightseeing in Matsumoto on Day 2, and return home on Day 3.*
*※If you return on Day 2, you may need to skip the section from Uya to Kuremukino as appropriate.*
*※Selections are based on the personal preferences of Matsumoto’s Mountain Man, so please take that into account.*
Tourism Around Matsumoto Station – Day 1
Arrive at Matsumoto Station in the evening after finishing your hike.
Dinner at **MIDORI Karaage Center**.
If you still have energy, have a drink at **Bacchus (BAR)**.
Check in at **Richmond Hotel**.
*※If you prefer a hot spring, there is also Dormy Inn.*
Tourism Around Matsumoto Station – Day 2
Breakfast at **Iidaya’s standing soba**.
*※Soba is also recommended for lunch afterward.*
Meet at Matsumoto Station at 10:00 AM.
*※Enjoy views of the Northern Alps.*
Explore **Matsumoto Castle** & climb the main keep.
*※Enjoy views of the Northern Alps.*
Visit **Yohashira Shrine**.
Lunch soba at Kobayashi Main Store (adjacent to Yohashira Shrine)※It is number 52 on the map.
Stroll along **Nawate Street → Nakamachi Street**.
Appreciate art at the **Yayoi Kusama Museum**.
*※Located along Nakamachi Street, about 1 km from Chitose Bridge.*
Have a daytime drink at **Matsumoto Brewery Taproom Honmachi** & stop by **A&F** and **The North Face**.
*※All are in the Shinmai Media Garden.*
*※About 900 m from the museum.*
Enjoy **mountain delicacies (Shinshu ingredients) and a drink at Uya**.
Have a drink at **Main Bar Court**.
Finish with **Fuji Ramen**.
*※Garlic ramen and gyoza.*
Stay overnight at **Richmond Hotel** (*check-out at 11:00 AM the next day*).
Tourism Around Matsumoto Station – Day 3
Late breakfast at **Kurekino**.
Shopping for **souvenirs at Matsumoto Station (MIDORI)**.
Return home by train.
We hope that visitors who come to Matsumoto for hiking can **enjoy the area around Matsumoto Station even a little**!
See you next time in the **next Mountain Talk**.
When it comes to Japan, there’s Mount Fuji – we’ve highlighted Mount Fuji goods here.
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