Where To Stay in Matsumoto: Best Hotels Pick

by Emily | posted in: Chubu Japan | 0

Last updated on May 16th, 2026

This quick and easy accommodation guide to Matsumoto’s best hotels will help you decide where to stay in Matsumoto.

Matsumoto (松本) is one of the most underrated cities in Japan. This historical city offers incredible landmarks, well-preserved history, and breathtaking scenery. The city sits on the border of the Japanese Alps, making it a great stopover place to discover stunning attractions. Whether you are heading to Nagano and the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, Kamikochi, or even Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

To help you decide where to stay in Matsumoto we’ve rounded up some of the best areas and hotels to choose for your best stay. Fortunately, Matsumoto has a wide range of options for travelers. From budget hostels, and business hotels, to high-range luxury hotels, for sure there are ones that suit your budget.

Here are some of the very best accommodations the city has to offer – the best places and hotels to stay in Matsumoto.

Quick Guide: Where To Stay in Matsumoto

To make the most of your trip, check out below quick accommodation guide to find out where to stay in Matsumoto.

Stay near Matsumoto Station for the first-time visitor. This is also a great place to stay if you’re only staying in Matsumoto for a night for a quick stopover.

Best hotels near with Matsumoto Station:

Mid-Range: Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto and Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae
Mid-Budget Hotel/Hostel: Ace Inn Matsumoto and Hotel M Matsumoto

Staying at Matsumoto Central for easy access to Matsumoto Castle, and some other city attractions. It is about 7 to 15 minutes walking distance from the station.

Best hotels at Matsumoto Central:

High-Range: Buena Vista and Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu
Mid-Range: Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring and Super Hotel Matsumoto Tennenonsen
Mid-Budget: Hotel Matsumoto Yorozuya

Let’s check out in detailed on where to stay in Matsumoto guide below!

Near Matsumoto Station

Matsumoto Station is the best place to stay in Matsumoto for first-time visitors. This area isn’t exactly the most atmospheric place to stay, but it is well-connected with bus and train, making it a convenient base. Staying nearby Matsumoto station will save you time and energy if you need to get an early start or you’re arriving late in the evening.

Accommodations near Matsumoto station are mostly mid-range business and other Western-style hotels. There are also a couple of high-end options and budget hostels to suit different budget ranges.

Premier Hotel Cabin

Mid-Range: Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto is situated in an extremely convenient location. Just a stone’s throw from the train and bus station, you can reach the place to rest your head upon getting out of the station. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Besides, there are wonderful views of the mountains, especially on a clear sky.

The staffs here are friendly and accommodating. It also offers free luggage storage for guests which is a great plus. Strongly recommended for travelers who are looking for a convenient and quality stay in Matsumoto.

Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae

Mid-Range: Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae is an excellent place to stay in Matsumoto. It is perfectly located and very close to Matsumoto station, just a few minute’s walks, and easy to find. There is within walking distance of the castle and plenty of restaurants nearby.

The property offers modern touch and is brand new. The rooms are super clean and the staff is always very helpful. Overall a great value to stay in the city.

Ace Inn

Mid-Budget: Ace Inn Matsumoto is incredibly well located. It is very near to the Matsumoto station with barely a 1-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Train Station. Several convenience store, and many restaurant nearby. Walking distance to Matsumoto castle, Iwate street, and some other attractions in the city.

Besides, the rooms are very clean, and the bed is comfortable. The amenities are very convenient. Ace Inn offers simple free breakfast with fresh bread and traditional onigiri for guests.

Hotel M Matsumoto

Mid-Budget: Hotel M Matsumoto is the best hotel for those visiting Matsumoto on a budget. It features both capsule units and private rooms. Clean bathrooms and free toiletries. A public bath is available for men and women with different operating hours for guests to enjoy the Japanese bath.

The location is excellent with just a minute’s walk from Matsumoto Bus Terminal and a 3-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station. It is walkable to many of the main attractions in the city and there was good access to many places to eat. Free bicycle usage on a first come first serve which is another great plus.

Overall, it’s a great and comfortable place to stay in Matsumoto at a budget price. Check room availability at Hotel M Matsumoto.

Matsumoto Central

Another cool place to stay is the Matsumoto central area. In the central area, this is where you’ll find Matsumoto Castle, Iwate street, and other city attractions. Many restaurants and shops are situated in this area, so it’s a good choice if you want lots of variety come mealtime.

Most hotels and guesthouses are within a 7 to 15 minutes walk of the station.

Buena Vista

High-Range: Buena Vista – This elegant four-star hotel is located in the center of the city. It is situated around 8 to 10 minutes from the station and the hotel is offering a free shuttle bus from/to the station which is a great plus.

Besides, Buena Vista is close to well-known city tourist attractions and is within walking distance of great restaurants, bars, and shops. The buffet breakfast option is available with lots of food and it is delicious. All guests are also free to enjoy the public bath.

Good value, clean and comfortable. All of this combined makes this our pick for where to stay in Matsumoto. Check for the best rate from Buena Vista.

Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring

High-Range: For a more local experience, Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring is a good option that combines traditional Japanese style with modern interior design and facilities.

The property is a brand-new hotel with modern Japanese touch with tatami flooring. Rooms and public areas are well designed for a chic and comfortable ambiance. The great onsite onsen located at the top floor is the highlight, where guests can enjoy the view of the city while soaking in the public bath. Free coffee and drinks in the afternoon and noodles at night.

The location is superb with about a 7-minute walk from the bus and train stations. All in all a great place to stay in Matsumoto.

Super Hotel Matsumoto Tennenonsen

Mid-Range: Super Hotel Matsumoto Tennenonsen is situated about 6-minute walk away from JR Matsumoto Station. This popular chain super hotel is popular among locals and tourists for its best-in-class service at a reasonable price tag. Included in the room rate is a buffet breakfast with tons of delicious dishes including some great Japanese and Western options.

The property boasts a natural hot spring bath on the ground floor which is a great plus after a long day of walking around. Make sure to reserve early to secure your stay in Super Hotel Matsumoto Tennenonsen.

Hotel Matsumoto Yorozuya

Mid-Budget: Another mid-budget business hotel that is worth recommending to travelers when looking for where to stay in Matsumoto. The Hotel Matsumoto Yorozuya is situated a 6-minute walk from Matsumoto Station and free bike rentals are available for guests to explore the city.

The hotel is cozy, the beds are comfy, and the price is reasonable. A daily Japanese buffet is served in its dining room. Besides, the property also provides luggage and laundry services.

Hotel Kagetsu

High-Rannge: Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu offers an alternative experience of Japanese. It is slightly far away from town, with about 15 minutes walk from train station.

Established in 1887, Hotel Kagetsu is Matsumoto’s oldest hotel. The building exterior, lobby, restaurants, and shops have gone through renovation work in April 2016, but still, feature its original and classic furnishings. The rooms are clean and the bed is comfortable.

Free-use bicycles and a public bath also offer to guests staying here. Besides, it is also worth paying a little extra to get breakfast (Japanese and Western) as it offers a wide variety of choices and is super tasty. Check for room availaibity at Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu.

Final Tips for where to stay in Matsumoto

Where to stay in Matsumoto for a first-time visitor?

Stay near Matsumoto Station for the first-time visitor. This is also a great place to stay if you’re only staying in Matsumoto for a night for a quick stopover.

Where to stay in Matsumoto close to the city’s attractions?

Staying at Matsumoto Central for easy access to Matsumoto Castle, and some other city attractions. It is about 7 to 15 minutes walking distance from the station.

Where to stay in Matsumoto on a budget?

Hotel M Matsumoto is the best hotel for those visiting Matsumoto on a budget and solo traveler. It features both capsule units and private rooms at cheap price.

Where to stay near Matsumoto station?

Our favorite picks are the Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto and Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae. Both are perfectly located and very near to Matsumoto station.Matsumoto station.

Overview: Best Places to stay in Matsumoto

All in all, Matsumoto is a must-visit destination in the central region and has a variety of accommodation options. For convenient, stay near Matsumoto station which is connected by bus and train. I would recommend Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto and Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae to save your traveling time and energy. Typical business hotel style in Japan and very comfortable and clean.

A little bit of upgrade and stay at central Matsumoto, Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring and Buena Vista offer luxurious and professional service at a reasonable price. A good value quality pick for where to stay in Matsumoto.

Lastly, This Where to Stay in Matsumoto guide is part of our travel blog in Chubu Japan. If you are interested, continue to read about my travel adventure to some of the beautiful places in the Chubu region. Happy travel and enjoy your trip.

Complete read in Chubu travel blog:

8-Days Chubu Itinerary: Complete Central Japan Travel Guide

Related Read:

Related Travel Stories in Chubu region:

Things To Do in Matsumoto Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: Chubu Japan | 0

Last updated on May 16th, 2026

Visiting Matsumoto is a unique experience, with the premier castle, rich culture, and a range of historical buildings. It makes a great stop on your trip to the Chubu region. Use this Matsumoto travel guide blog to plan your Matsumoto itinerary!

Situated in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto (松本) is a beautiful historic city to visit in Chubu region. It’s full of culture, history, and exciting attractions. The city is home to Matsumoto castle and nearby with Japan’s Alp which famous for its stunning scenery. Plus, it’s location in the Chubu region makes it a great jumping off point to fascinating destinations between Kanto and Kansai region.

If you’re visiting Matsumoto for the first time, then this quick and easy Matsumoto travel guide will tell you all you need to know to plan your Matsumoto itinerary. We will share all the best things to do in this Matsumoto travel blog and you’ll discover a lovely little town to keep you entertained for a day or two.

Matsumoto Travel Guide

Located on the North Japan Alps, Matsumoto is the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture. While Matsumoto is well-known for its castle, the city is also an excellent base for the traveler to explore regional attractions such as Kamikochi, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Japanese Alps, and also the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park.

How To Get To Matsumoto

Matsumoto is easy to access by Japanese transportation from several major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and beyond. There are several routes and transportation options to get to Matsumoto.

From Alpine Route to Matsumoto: Assuming you are following my Chubu itinerary, you would take the train from Shinano-Omachi to Matsumoto after completing the Alpine Route. The train ride takes about 1 hour.

From Tokyo to Matsumoto: JR train (Hokuriku or Joetsu Shinkansen) runs between Matsumoto and Tokyo. The train journey takes 2h 36m and costs ¥7000 – ¥12000.

From Nagoya to Matsumoto: Travelers can take a bus or train to Matsumoto. The Shinano Train runs between Nagoya and Matsumoto for approximately 126 minutes. While traveling by bus takes about 3 hours 30 minutes.

From Nagano to Matsumoto – Travelers can take a bus or train to Matsumoto. The journey takes about 1 hour.

Pro Tips: We recommended checking the schedule via Hyperdia for exact train and bus times for traveling around Japan.

Getting Around at Matsumoto

Once you are in Matsumoto, you can be wandering around the city with below transportation options:

By Foot: Walking is the best way to discover the city as central Matsumoto is quite compact. Almost all the attractions in the city can be reached on foot from Matsumoto station.

By Bike: Bike is a common and convenient transport when visiting Matsumoto. Some hostels and hotels in Matsumoto have paid/free bicycles available for rental. Besides, you may also rent a bike from M Wing Community Center.

By Town Sneaker Bus: Take the easy bus ride from Matsumoto Station to the Matsumoto Castle. The polka dot bus leave from the station every 30 minutes with fare costs ¥200 for each ride.

Where To Stay

When looking for best place to stay on your Matsumoto itinerary, we recommend staying in hotels near Matsumoto station or at Matsumoto central. There are plenty of accommodations with all types of budgets for your selection. Listed below is the best pick for your best stay in Matsumoto.

For convenient, stay near Matsumoto station which is connected by bus and train. I would recommend Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto and Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae to save your traveling time and energy. Typical business hotel style in Japan and very comfortable and clean.

A little bit of upgrade and stay at Matsumoto Central, Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu and Buena Vista offer luxurious and professional service at a reasonable price. A good value quality pick for where to stay in Matsumoto.

For more accommodation option, please read on Where To Stay in Matsumoto: Best Hotels Pick.

Things To Do in Matsumoto itinerary

Below are all the best things to do in the Matsumoto itinerary during your visit.

Visit Matsumoto Castle (1 to 2 hours)
Stroll along the Matsumoto Castle Park (1 to 2 hours)
Pray at Yohashira Shrine (15 to 30 minutes)
Nawate Street (30 minutes to 1 hour)
Nakamachi-dori (30 minutes to 1 hour)

Matsumoto Travel Guide Tips: Matsumoto is easy enough to explore on your own but if you’d like to know more about the history of the city, then you can book a guided tour.

Matsumoto Castle

Not surprisingly, the most popular attraction in Matsumoto city is Matsumoto Castle (松本城 / Matsumotojō). Originally known as Fukashi Castle, Matsumoto Castle was built in 1594, during the Sengoku period. Now, it is a registered National Treasure and one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles.

Note that Matsumoto Castle is also rated as one of the Top Three Japan Premier Castle, along with Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle.

Matsumoto Castle, nicknamed “crow castle” is one of the most celebrated fortresses in Japan. The castle is huge and built on a wide flat land surrounded by the glamorous Japan North Alps as the backdrop. The black wood exterior makes a nice contrast with the surrounding.

A small entrance fee is required to enter the Castle.

Visitors need to take off the shoe at the entrance of the castle to protect the oldest wooden structure. A plastic bag will be given to keep your shoes and you will need to carry them along your shoes with you.

The free guided tour is available if you help to know more about the history of the castle at different periods of time. Do check out the guide office before entering the castle.

Wooden Structure inside the Castle

Inside, there is also signage for visitors to learn a lot about the castle.

On each floor, there are also interesting exhibits about the castle’s history as well as a commentary played in Japanese and English. It’s an interesting history with a good explanation of the facts and the functions of each level as we walk along. A great piece of architecture and find yourself stepping back in time a few hundred years back.

Wooden Structure of Matsumoto Castle — Wooden Structure inside of the castle

The wooden stairs within the castle could be very steep, depending on which level you are at. Be sure to hold on to the railings for support. It is quite steep when we climbed up and reached the top level. But make the effort, it’s well worth it once you reach the top level.

View from Matsumoto Castle at the top floor

A great 360-degree view of Matsumoto city and the surrounding mountains is truly magnificent! Overall, Matsumoto Castle is a good place to visit and definitely worth a trip there.

Matsumoto Castle
Address: Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873
Getting there: 15 minutes walk from Matsumoto Castle.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 until 16:30.
Entrance Fee: Free for the Castle Ground and required ¥600 to enter the Castle.

Matsumoto Castle Park

Once you’ve completed your tour of the castle, you can walk around the castle grounds.

Surrounded by a moat with ducks, swans, and fish, you can just stroll around the spacious castle grounds. The castle perfectly sits next to the waters and one can see the reflections in the water on the clear sky. The mountains backdrop with snow-capped peaks made the whole castle surrounding peaceful and scenic to visit.

Matsumoto Travel Guide - Matsumoto Castle with Red Bridge — Matsumoto Castle with Red Bridge

Our visit is during November with the autumn foliage. Birds twitter and fish swirling in the moat. My favorite photo spot is by the red bridge which offers some great photo opportunities. It is truly beautiful beyond words.

Pro Tips: Matsumoto Castle is especially beautiful during early April’s cherry blossom season. It is also rated as one of the best spots for hanami or cherry blossom viewing in spring in the Chubu Region.

Yohashira Shrine

On the way from Matsumoto Castle to the central town, we stopped by a local shrine for a brief stop. The Yohashira Shrine is a small shinto shrine located near nawate street and nakamachi street. The shine is lovely in a pleasant and restful setting. It was delightful to watch locals come and pray.

Yohashira Shrine is so perfect for capturing autumn colors. During our visit, all the maple leaves were changing color and the shrine was a technicolor riot of beauty. It was wonderful to come to this peaceful and beautiful shrine.

Yohashira Shrine
Address: 3 Chome-3-20 Ote, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0874.
Getting there: The shrine is located just right beside Nawate Street.
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours.
Entrance Fee: Free!

Nawate Street

Nawate Street is a narrow pedestrian-only street of preserved old wooden buildings. It is also known as frog street (Kaeru machi) with frog-themed along the narrow street. Locals believe in Kaeru (the Japanese word for “frog”) to invoke and summoned a safe return home.

Today, many wooden buildings have been converted into souvenir shops where you can find some beautiful souvenirs to take back home. There are also many snack shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can get local snacks such as Taiyaki and rice crackers (senbei). Enjoy your stroll and grab some Japanese snacks here.

Nawate-dori (縄手通り)
Address: 4-3 Ote, Matsumoto 390-0874.
Getting there: 10 minutes walk from Matsumoto Station.

Nakamachi-dori

The last stop on the Matsumoto itinerary is Nakamachi Street (中町通り). It is known for its traditional storehouses with buildings resembling old warehouses. Here, you can find many cafes, restaurants, and handicraft shops.

A good street to walk and explore with a lot to see. It gives a glimpse of life back in the Edo period.

Nakamachi-dori (縄手通り)
Address: 3 Chuo, Matsumoto 390-0811
Getting there: 10 minutes walk from Matsumoto Station.

Day Trip from Matsumoto

There are also many nearby attractions that can be planned with a day trip from Matsumoto.

Kamikochi (上高地, Kamikōchi) – Matsumoto is also famous for its proximity to the Kamikochi. This is Japan’s best keep secret and is preserved in its natural state. It is known by many mountaineers as a famous scenic spot in Japan. There are direct buses running from Matsumoto to Kamikochi to mesmerize the beauty of the valley.

Note that Matsumoto and Takayama are great stopovers on your way to Kamikochi. It is open for visitors between about mid-April to mid-November. We visited Kamikochi from Takayama during our Chubu trip and highly recommended it. You may continue to read about our Trip to Kamikochi.

Jigokudani Monkey Park – The famous scene where the snow monkey is sunbathing in the onsen at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Monkey Park when the weather is cool. You can observe the snow monkeys at a close distance when visiting here. A friendly reminder is a traveling journey takes about 3 hours for one way. The best time to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park is during winter (December to March).

Final Tips on Matsumoto Travel Guide

Is Matsumoto worth visiting?

Matsumoto is one of the charming and historic cities in central Japan. It may not be as popular as some of Japan’s other tourist destinations, but Matsumoto is definitely worth visiting especially if you’re interested in the Japanese Castle.

How many days to Matsumoto?

A short half to full 1-day Matsumoto itinerary can be planned to visit Japan’s Top Premier Castle and some of the attractions in the city. Additional 1 to 2 days in Matsumoto if you are planning a day trip to some attraction from Matsumoto such as Kamikochi and Jigokudani Monkey Park.

How to get to Matsumoto from Tokyo?

The best way to get to Matsumoto from Tokyo is take the Hokuriku or Joetsu Shinkansen which takes 2h 36m and costs ¥7000 – ¥12000.

Overview: Planning on Matsumoto itinerary

All in all, I hope you’ve found my Matsumoto itinerary helpful!

In our opinion, a short half to full 1-day Matsumoto itinerary can be planned to visit Japan’s Top Premier Castle and some of the attractions in the city. And you might need to consider adding for additional 1 to 2 days if you are planning a day trip to some attraction from Matsumoto.

In short, the historical Matsumoto is a magnificent place with a very beautiful castle and a remarkable mountain view. I totally recommend Matsumoto to everyone. Enjoy your trip to Matsumoto!