How to get to Matsumoto

Planning how to get to Matsumoto opens a path to the "gateway" of the Japanese Alps. This picturesque city in the central part of Honshu island attracts tourists with its famous castle and a unique atmosphere that combines history and modernity. Thanks to the developed transport system of Japan, getting here is quick and comfortable: by plane, high-speed train, or car.

The fastest way to reach the region is to take a flight to the local Matsumoto Airport (MMJ). This air hub handles domestic flights and is located quite close to the centre, making arrival as convenient as possible for tourists.

Alternatively, you can consider flying to neighbouring prefectures, for example, via the airport in the city of Toyama. Although this will require additional time for transfer, such a route can be convenient if direct tickets are unavailable, allowing you to reach Matsumoto by ground transport.

The railway is one of the most popular and reliable ways to travel to Matsumoto. The city is served by the major Matsumoto Station, which is an important transport hub for JR lines, receiving trains from various corners of the country.

Tourists often choose direct express trains coming from major cities. Travelling by train across Japan guarantees a high level of comfort and punctuality, allowing you to enjoy views of the mountains and countryside on the way to your destination.

Bus services are an excellent cost-effective alternative for a trip to Matsumoto. Comfortable intercity liners ("highway buses") connect the city with key metropolises of the country, offering comfortable seats and luggage space.

Although the travel time may be longer compared to the train, buses often depart from major terminals and deliver passengers right to the city centre. It is recommended to check the schedule in advance and book tickets, especially during the tourist season.

Travelling by car will give you complete freedom of movement and the opportunity to see picturesque landscapes on the way to Matsumoto. The route from the direction of the city of Toyota passes through mountainous terrain; although this journey will take several hours, the high-quality roads will make it pleasant.

If you are departing from the city of Toyama, you will have to cover a distance of about 132 kilometres, which will take approximately 3.2 hours. Using a rental car or taxi allows you to make stops in beautiful places, turning the transfer into a small adventure.

To ensure your trip to Matsumoto goes perfectly, it is worth considering a few local features. Here is a list of practical tips that will help you feel confident.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The city is surrounded by mountains, so the weather can be changeable. It is recommended to bring multi-layered clothing to easily warm up in the evening, and comfortable footwear, as many attractions require walking.
2. Transport in the City. The centre is quite compact and pleasant to explore on foot. For longer trips, you can rent a bicycle — this is a very popular way of getting around among locals.
3. Finances. In Japan, cash is still preferred. Although cards are accepted in many places, in small shops and temples you will need cash Yen. It is better to exchange currency at the airport or banks.
4. Connectivity and Navigation. Free Wi-Fi is not available everywhere. For comfortable navigation using maps, it is strongly recommended to rent a pocket router or buy a tourist SIM card.
5. Etiquette Rules. Be polite and maintain silence in public transport. Do not forget to remove your shoes when entering traditional restaurants, fitting rooms, and certain areas of temples, similar to the custom in mosques and majlises.
6. Trash. There are almost no trash cans on the streets. It is customary to carry all trash with you to the hotel or the nearest convenience store (konbini), where there are sorting bins.
7. What to Avoid. It is not customary to eat while walking. If you bought street food, it is better to eat it near the place of purchase rather than walking down the street with it.
8. Visiting the Castle. The famous Matsumoto Castle has very steep stairs inside. Ladies are recommended to wear trousers for a comfortable and modest ascent to the upper floors.

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid awkward situations and fully immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of this amazing Japanese city.