Sights in Matsumoto
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Matsumoto-Jō Castle
Even if you spend only a couple of hours in Matsumoto, visit Matsumoto-Jō Castle, Japan's oldest wooden castle and one of four castles designated National Treasures - the others are Hikone, Himeji and Inuyama.
The magnificent three-turreted donjon was built c 1595, in contrasting black-and-white, leading to the nickname Karasu-jō (Crow Castle). Steep steps lead up six storeys, with impressive views from each level. Lower floors display guns, bombs and gadgets with which to storm castles, and a delightful tsukimi yagura (moon-viewing pavilion). It has a tranquil moat full of carp, with the occasional swan gliding beneath the red bridges. The basics are explained over lou…
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Matsumoto City Museum of Art
This sleek museum has a good collection of Japanese artists, many of whom hail from Matsumoto or depict scenes of the surrounding countryside. Highlights include the striking avant-garde works of Kusama Yayoi (look for the 'Infinity Mirrored Room').
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Japan Ukiyo-e Museum
Housing more than 100,000 wood-block prints, paintings, screens and old books, this renowned museum exhibits a minuscule fraction of its collection. There's an explanatory leaflet in English.
The museum is approximately 3km from Matsumoto Station, 15 minutes' walk from Ōniwa Station on the Matsumoto Dentetsu line (¥170, six minutes), or about ¥2000 by taxi.
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Utsukushi-ga-hara-Kōgen Bijutsukan
Utsukushi-ga-hara-Kōgen Bijutsukan is in the same vein (with the same owner) as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a large sculpture garden (some 450 pieces) with fine views of the surrounding mountains.
Most Japanese visitors reach the museum by car. Buses (80 minutes) run several times daily in midsummer with spotty-to-nonexistent service the rest of the season; check before you go. Taxis to the museum start at a cool around ¥110 (yes, one way).
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Matsumoto City Museum/ Japan Folklore Museum
The castle grounds (and your admission ticket) also include the Matsumoto City Museum/Japan Folklore Museum, with small displays relating to the region's history and folklore.
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Asama Onsen
Hot-spring resort Asama Onsen northeast of town isn't rustic, but its history is said to reach back to the 10th century and include writers and poets. The waters are also said to be good for gastrointestinal and skin troubles, and women's disorders.
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Hot Plaza Asama
Among dozens of baths and inns (and the youth hostel) at Asama Onsen, Hot Plaza Asama has many pools in a traditional building. Buses from Matsumoto Station take about 20 minutes.
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Utsukushi-ga-hara Kōgen
Not to be confused with Utsukushi-ga-hara Onsen, this alpine plateau (2000m) is a popular warm-weather excursion from Matsumoto, reached via an ooh-and-ahh drive on twisty mountain roads called Azalea Line and Venus Line.
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Utsukushi-ga-hara Bijutsukan
In the same vein (with the same owner) as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, it's a large sculpture garden with some 350 pieces, mostly by Japanese sculptors. The surrounding mountains provide an inspiring backdrop in clear weather.
Nearby are pleasant walks and the opportunity to see cows in pasture (a constant source of fascination in Japan). Furusato-kan (ふる里館), the shop at the hilltop farm, sells ice cream made from local kokemomo (lingonberries).
Buses (¥1300, 80 minutes) run several times daily in midsummer, with spotty-to-nonexistent service the rest of the season; check before you go. Taxis are expensive, so renting a car may make sense.
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Nakamachi
The narrow streets of this former merchant district make a fine setting for a stroll, as most of its storehouses have been transformed into cafes, galleries and craft shops specialising in wood, glass, fabric, ceramics and antiques. Nakamachi Kura-Chic-Kan is just one option, showcasing locally produced arts and crafts, with a relaxing coffee house next door.
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Matsumoto Timepiece Museum
Home to Japan's largest pendulum clock (on the building's exterior) and over 300 other timepieces, incuding fascinating medieval Japanese creations, this museum shows Japan's love of monozukuri, the art of creating things.
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Matsumoto-jō
Even if you spend only a couple of hours in Matsumoto, be sure to visit Matsumoto-jō, Japan's oldest wooden castle and one of four castles designated National Treasures – the others are Hikone, Himeji and Inuyama.
The magnificent three-turreted donjon was built c 1595, in contrasting black and white, leading to the nickname Karasu-jō (Crow Castle). Steep steps lead up six storeys, with impressive views from each level. Lower floors display guns, bombs and gadgets with which to storm castles, and a delightful tsukimi yagura (moon-viewing pavilion). It has a tranquil moat full of carp, with the occasional swan gliding beneath the red bridges. The basics are explained ove…
reviewed
