Matsumoto skyline

Matsumoto (松本市) – Things to Do, Hotels & Travel Info

まつもとし

Prefecture - Nagano Ken / 長野県

Matsumoto Overview

Matsumoto is a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto is designated as a core city since 1 April 2021. As of 1 March 2019, the city had a population of 239,466 in 105,207 households and a population density of 240 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 978.47 square kilometres (377.79 sq mi).

KANJI:

Matsumoto Key Statistics

population iconPopulation

243571

area iconArea

978770000 km²

parks museums cafés iconParks / Museums / Cafés

76 / 10 / 22

Practical Essentials for Matsumoto

Meet-ups & Expat Community

Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.

Find Events ↗

EV Charging Map

all available CHAdeMO and CCS fast-charging points Matsumoto.

View Chargers ↗

Bike-Share & Cycling

Rent a bike by the hour and cruise the riverside paths.

Bike Rentals ↗

Transit & Timetables

Travellers can check live routes & timetables.

Emergency Phones

Police: 110  ·  Fire/Ambulance: 119

Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.

Safety Tips ↗

About the City (Wikipedia)

Matsumoto history, administration, demographics and more.

Visit ↗

Getting Around Matsumoto

station

Matsumoto Main Station & Rail Lines

北松本 (Kita-Matsumoto)

train

Train Travel to Matsumoto

Matsumoto is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.

car

Driving to Matsumoto

Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.

Real-Time Air Quality in Matsumoto

38

Good

Fresh skies above Matsumoto, – great day for outdoor plans.

Source: World Air Quality Index

Cover Your Trip to Matsumoto

Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.

Get Instant Quote ↗

What to Eat in Matsumoto

  • Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Matsumoto downtown.
  • Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Matsumoto.
  • Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Matsumoto Station.
  • Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Matsumoto.
  • Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Matsumoto.

Hungry for more?

Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.

Book Food Tours ↗

Things to Do in Matsumoto

  • Visit one of Matsumoto’s 76 parks for jogging or cherry-blossom viewing.
  • Tour Matsumoto City Museum and 10 smaller galleries nearby.
  • Grab coffee at any of the 22 indie cafés around Kita-Matsumoto Station.
  • Walk the main food-street after dark and try local dishes unique to Matsumoto.

Book Tours Now

Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.

View Tours ↗

Income & Living Costs in Matsumoto

¥4,300,000*est

Median household income / year

86*est /100

Price level vs Tokyo

Moving money internationally?

Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.

See Wise fees ↗

Best Hotels in Matsumoto

Hotel icon

ホテルマツモトよろづや

Book Now
Hotel icon

Unnamed Hotel

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Hotel icon

Unnamed Hotel

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Hotel icon

松本 ホテル 花月

Book Now
Hotel icon

Marumo

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Hotel icon

Tsuki no Shizuka

Book Now

Plan & Book Your Trip

Hotels

Find your perfect stay and save.

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Flights

Compare airfares to Matsumoto.

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FAQ about Matsumoto

When was Matsumoto founded?

Matsumoto was founded on April 1, 1889.

How old is Matsumoto?

Matsumoto is roughly 137 years old.

What is the population of Matsumoto?

The latest estimate puts the population at about 243,571.

What is the land area of Matsumoto?

Matsumoto covers roughly 978770000 km².

What is the main railway station in Matsumoto?

The primary hub is 北松本 (Kita-Matsumoto).

How many parks, museums and cafés are in Matsumoto?

The city has roughly 76 parks, 10 museums and 22 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.

Is Matsumoto expensive to live?

Matsumoto is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.

Do I need travel insurance for visiting Matsumoto?

Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗

How can I send money internationally while in Japan?

Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.

Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Matsumoto?

From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Matsumoto has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗

What tours are available in Matsumoto?

Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗

Where can I access official city services in Matsumoto?

All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗

Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Matsumoto?

Matsumoto hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗

Where can I charge my EV in Matsumoto?

CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗

Can I rent a bike in Matsumoto?

Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗

How can I check public-transport routes in Matsumoto?

Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗

Where is Matsumoto?

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

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