Where to Stay in Matsumoto & Kamikochi: Choosing the Right Area

The area around Matsumoto Station, served by the JR Shinonoi and Oito lines and the Alpico Kamikochi Line, with a highway bus terminal in front of the station and many business hotels. Limited express trains arrive here from Shinjuku and Nagoya, and it is the starting point for trips to Kamikochi, Azumino and Hakuba.

Best for

• ✓First trips to Matsumoto
• ✓A night before or after heading to Kamikochi or Hakuba
• ✓Travelers getting around by train and bus

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Matsumoto Station; Matsumoto Station (Alpico Kamikochi Line)

The area south of the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle, with Nakamachi-dori lined with traditional storehouse-style buildings and Nawate-dori with its shops along the river. The castle and the town's best walking spots are within walking distance, and in the evening you can dine at restaurants in the old castle town.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to walk around Matsumoto Castle and the castle town
• ✓Anyone who wants to eat out in town at night

Nearest stations

🚉 Walk from JR Matsumoto Station; Matsumoto city buses

A hot spring area northeast of central Matsumoto, with ryokan and hotels lining its sloping streets. It can be reached by bus from the city center, making it easy to combine a visit to Matsumoto Castle with a hot spring stay.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to relax at a hot spring ryokan
• ✓Families combining city sightseeing with hot springs

Keep in mind

There is no train station, so you travel by bus or taxi from Matsumoto Station.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus from Matsumoto Station (no train station)

A hot spring area east of central Matsumoto, at the foot of the Utsukushigahara Plateau, with long-established ryokan scattered around. Although close to the city, it has a quiet atmosphere.

Best for

• ✓Those who want a quiet hot spring stay
• ✓Anyone driving up to the Utsukushigahara Plateau

Keep in mind

There are few restaurants or shops, so choose it expecting to eat at your ryokan.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus from Matsumoto Station (no train station)

A scenic mountain area on the upper Azusa River at the foot of the Hotaka Range, with hotels and mountain huts around Kappa Bridge and elsewhere. Staying overnight lets you walk to Taisho Pond and Myojin Pond in the mornings and evenings, when there are few day-trippers.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to quietly take in the mountain scenery
• ✓Anyone looking for a base for hiking or climbing

Keep in mind

Private cars are not allowed, so you must travel by bus or taxi, and since the area closes for the winter, you need to look for accommodations during the open season.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus from Shin-Shimashima Station (Alpico Kamikochi Line) or JR Matsumoto Station (Kamikochi Bus Terminal)

A highland plateau spreading out on the east side of Mt. Norikura, dotted with pensions and hot spring inns. It makes a base for highland walks and waterfall visits in summer, and for skiing in winter.

Best for

• ✓Families who want to spend time in nature
• ✓Those who want to enjoy highland walks or skiing

Keep in mind

It is far from the city, so you will mainly get around by bus or car.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus from Shin-Shimashima Station (Alpico Kamikochi Line)