Matsumoto Itinerary: Castle Views, Kamikochi Hikes & Soba Delights

Just got back from Matsumoto and wanted to share my 3-day itinerary! Everything here is what I actually did, so hopefully it helps if you’re planning a trip.

Day 1 – Matsumoto City 🏙️

09:00–11:00: Matsumoto Castle 🏯 (¥700) – the black castle is stunning, and the moat makes it really photogenic.

11:30–12:30: Nakamachi Street 🛍️ – cute shops and traditional buildings. Perfect for a short stroll.

12:30–13:30: Lunch at Kobayashi Soba 🍜 (¥1,000) – the soba noodles here are authentic and fresh.

14:00–15:00: Nawate Street 🏘️ – small shops and some local snacks. A nice slow walk before dinner.

15:30–17:00: Dinner at Izakaya Tsunagu 🍶 (¥2,000) – cozy place, lots of small plates to try.

Day 2 – Kamikochi Adventure 🌲🏔️

07:00–08:40: Bus to Kamikochi 🚌 (¥4,550 round trip). The views on the way up are already amazing.

09:00–12:00: Hike along the Kamikochi Valley 🚶♀️ – rivers, mountains, and fresh air. Super refreshing.

12:30–13:30: Lunch at Kappabashi Restaurant 🍲 (¥1,500) – local mountain dishes, really good.

14:00–16:00: Taisho Pond 📸 – one of the most scenic spots I’ve seen. Perfect for photos.

16:30–18:10: Return bus to Matsumoto 🚌.

19:00–20:30: Dinner at Matsumoto Tsunagu Yokocho 🍱 (¥2,500) – lively atmosphere and tasty local dishes.

Day 3 – Culture & Relaxation 🏞️🛀

08:30–09:30: Daio Wasabi Farm 🌿 (¥500) – fun to walk around and see wasabi being grown.

10:00–12:00: Narai-juku 🏘️ – a really well-preserved old post town. So much history and charm.

12:30–13:30: Lunch at Narai Soba 🍜 (¥1,200) – traditional soba in a historic town setting.

14:00–16:00: Matsumoto City Museum of Archaeology 🏺 (¥200) – interesting local artifacts.

16:30–17:30: Asama Onsen ♨️ (¥1,000) – perfect way to relax after a lot of walking.

18:00–19:30: Dinner at Soba Restaurant Uomura 🍜 (¥1,800) – end the trip with fresh soba.

🏨 Accommodation 🛏️

Super Hotel Matsumoto – close to the castle, modern and convenient

💡 Tips ✨

Bring comfy shoes 👟; there’s a lot of walking.

Kamikochi weather 🌤️ changes fast, check before going.

Respect temples ⛩️ and historic sites – dress modestly.