Matsumoto and Nagano: What to do in these tranquil gems of Japan?
- Destination Explorer
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
Looking for an authentic and peaceful travel experience in Japan? Discover what to do in Matsumoto and Nagano, two charming cities in the Japanese Alps known for their impressive castles, traditional ryokans, and relaxing onsen. Here, you won't find crowded streets, but serene temples, hot springs, and mountain landscapes that will soothe your senses. These less touristy destinations offer a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local hospitality.
What to do in Matsumoto and Nagano: highlights for an authentic Japanese stay
This blog post takes you to the highlights of both cities, with tips on what to do in Matsumoto and Nagano during a multi-day tour of Japan. Whether you're coming for the impressive Matsumoto Castle, the tranquility of a traditional onsen, or the magical encounter with snow monkeys in Nagano, you'll find plenty of inspiration for a unique trip full of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Matsumoto: Castles, Onsen, and an Authentic Ryokan Experience
Visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto is best known for the impressive Matsumoto Castle , one of Japan's oldest and best-preserved castles. The black woodwork and surrounding moats make it uniquely photogenic; it's sometimes called "Crow Castle" because of its black color. Although the castle can also be visited from the inside, we chose to admire it from the outside and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding gardens.
Stroll through Nawate-dori and visit Yohashira Shrine
After the castle, we walked along Nawate-dori , also known as "Frog Street," a charming street full of small shops, local delicacies, and a playful atmosphere. At the end of the street, you'll discover the serene Yohashira Shrine , a Shinto temple that exudes tranquility and is perfect for a short visit or a moment of reflection. What also struck me in Japan were the beautiful lids covering the sewers, which we also found in Matsumoto with the typical motifs of that region.
Stay at Hoshino Resorts Kai Matsumoto
Our overnight stay at Hoshino Resorts Kai Matsumoto was undoubtedly a highlight of the trip. This traditional ryokan in Matsumoto offers spacious rooms with tatami mats, low tables, and futon bedding that is laid out for you each evening. After checking in, we enjoyed a warm welcome with tea and a Japanese snack in our room.
The hotel's public onsen (Japanese hot spring) was a breath of fresh air. After a thorough cleansing (required before entering the baths), you immerse yourself in warm mineral water, both indoors and outdoors. The experience is not only relaxing but is also said to contribute to improved immunity and health. There are separate areas for men and women, and the onsen is nude. After the bath, we enjoyed a traditional massage in our room—in Japan, this is done over your clothes.
Kaiseki dinner: culinary refinement
In the evening, we enjoyed an exclusive kaiseki dinner , a traditional Japanese meal consisting of several courses. We sampled, among other things, refined sashimi, local vegetable dishes, and perfectly paired Japanese wines. The service was discreet and extremely hospitable. Breakfast the next morning was also an authentic experience, with dishes like steamed chicken with mushrooms, served on a magnolia leaf with local miso.
Nagano: snow monkeys, temples and local delicacies
Zenko-ji Temple: spiritual center of Nagano
After breakfast, we headed to Nagano , known as the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics. The city boasts a rich cultural offering and simultaneously exudes the tranquility of the mountains. Our first stop was the imposing Zenko-ji Temple , one of Japan's oldest and most important temples. The gardens and smaller temple buildings make it a place where you can wander for hours.
Chuo-dori: Taste local sake and plum wine
After visiting the temples, we strolled along Chuo-dori , Nagano's main street. This charming shopping street offers countless small boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants. We visited a local sake brewery , where we tasted several types of Japanese rice wine and plum wine. Naturally, we took a bottle of each home with us.
Overnight at Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu
We stayed at the comfortable Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu , within walking distance of the station. The hotel's biggest plus? The natural hot spring on the roof , where you can peacefully enjoy the warm water and mountain views.
Day trip to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
A visit to Nagano isn't complete without a trip to the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. During the winter months (November to early April), Japanese macaques migrate to the mountains in search of warmth, and bathe in the natural hot springs.
From Nagano, take a bus to the edge of the park, followed by a 40-minute walk through the forest. Admission costs 800 yen (about 6 euros). Once you arrive at the hot spring, you'll see the monkeys enjoying their favorite pastime: bathing. The baby monkeys, in particular, create a touching sight.
Tip: Don't visit this park in summer. It's often too hot then, and the monkeys avoid the hot springs.
On the way back we stopped at Enza Café , where we enjoyed a hot chocolate and a delicious apple turnover — a local product, as Nagano is known for its fruit cultivation, especially apples.
Dining in style: The Fujiya Gohonjin
We concluded our visit to Nagano with dinner at The Fujiya Gohonjin , a beautifully renovated historic hotel that now houses a refined Italian restaurant. Once a residence for the Japanese nobility, today it's a unique venue with a magnificent courtyard and excellent cuisine.
Why Matsumoto and Nagano belong on your itinerary?
If you want to experience traditional Japan, away from the tourist crowds, Matsumoto and Nagano are excellent choices. The combination of culture, nature, wellness, and gastronomy makes this region a versatile destination. Be sure to add these places to your Japan itinerary for an authentic experience full of tranquility, tradition, and beauty.
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