• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-408537519570
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "japan/matsumoto",
  "destination": "Matsumoto",
  "title": "matsumoto",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matsumoto",
  "region": "Matsumoto-&-the-Northern-Japan-Alps",
  "country": "Japan",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Matsumoto

The vibrant city of Matsumoto (松本) sits in a fertile valley, with the magnificent northern Japan Alps, in all their splendour, to the west. Formerly known as Fukashi, Nagano Prefecture's second-largest city has been here since the 8th century. In the 14th and 15th centuries it was the castle town of the Ogasawara clan and it continued to prosper through the Edo period to the present.

Book
Experience Japan Travel Guide
Book

Experience Japan

Shop $26.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Holafly advertisement
Trusted Partner

Stay connected in Matsumoto

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Take your Japan trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to Japan

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

start planning learn more
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-109292518939
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "japan/matsumoto",
  "destination": "Matsumoto",
  "title": "matsumoto",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matsumoto",
  "region": "Matsumoto-&-the-Northern-Japan-Alps",
  "country": "Japan",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Matsumoto

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-903122732583
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "japan/matsumoto",
  "destination": "Matsumoto",
  "title": "matsumoto",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matsumoto",
  "region": "Matsumoto-&-the-Northern-Japan-Alps",
  "country": "Japan",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}