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AsiaJapanNagano

Matsumoto

Nagano, Japan · Asia

About Matsumoto

Matsumoto is worth a stop: 20 minutes from Azumino, 25km from Venus Line.

Matsumoto is a city located in Nagano, Japan. With a population of 241,145, it is an important destination in Asia.

On a road trip, Matsumoto sits in Japan, where you drive on the left. It's in the Asia/Tokyo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Matsumoto to your route.

About Matsumoto

Matsumoto Bus Terminal (松本バスターミナル, Matsumoto Basu Tāminaru) is a bus terminal to the east of Matsumoto Station in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan, managed by Alpico Kōtsū.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Matsumoto

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Matsumoto?

Matsumoto offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Matsumoto?

Plan your road trip to Matsumoto with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Matsumoto as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Matsumoto located?

Matsumoto is located in Nagano, Japan, Asia. The coordinates are 36.2333 latitude, 137.9667 longitude.

What is the population of Matsumoto?

Matsumoto has a population of approximately 241,145 people, making it a city in Japan.

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Quick Information

Population
241,145
Continent
Asia
Country
Japan
Region
Nagano
Timezone
Asia/Tokyo
Coordinates
36.2333, 137.9667

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in Japan

Police
110
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Driving side
left

Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.

Full driving guide for Japan

Tags

AsiaJapanNaganoCity

Worth the detour from Matsumoto

7 notable places within an hour's drive.

landmark

Bessho Onsen

A thousand-year-old spa at the foot of the Nagano hills, ringed by ancient temples including a rare octagonal three-storey pagoda. Three small public baths still serve the village for a few coins.

21 km · about 25 min drive

famous road

Venus Line

A 76 km free touring road across Nagano's Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara highlands, rolling over open alpine meadows at up to 1,959 m. One of Japan's best-loved drives for bikers and grand tourers.

25 km · about 30 min drive

national park

Kamikōchi

A high alpine valley beneath the Hotaka range, with the Azusa River running clear beneath Kappa Bridge. Private vehicles are banned; drivers leave cars at Sawando or Hirayu and take the bus in.

30 km · about 35 min drive

landmark

Shirahone Onsen

A hot-spring hamlet high in the Norikura foothills where the sulphurous water turns milky white on contact with air. It sits on the mountain road between Matsumoto and Kamikochi.

32 km · about 35 min drive

photogenic

Mishaka Pond

A small irrigation reservoir whose acidic, iron-rich water holds a still green surface mirroring the birch and larch on its bank. It became famous as the subject of a Higashiyama Kaii painting.

37 km · about 40 min drive

mountain pass

Norikura Skyline

A toll mountain road climbing to 2,702 m at Tatamidaira, the highest paved road in Japan. Private cars are barred, so drivers park at Hirayu and transfer to the shuttle bus for the final ascent.

39 km · about 45 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

A spectacular mountain traversal through the Japanese Alps using cable cars, buses, and ropeways past towering snow walls and dams.

50 km · about 60 min drive

Driving roads near Matsumoto

  • 25 kmVenus LineA 76 km free touring road across Nagano's Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara highlands, rolling over open alpine meadows at up to 1,959 m. One of Japan's best-loved drives for bikers and grand tourers.
  • 39 kmNorikura SkylineA toll mountain road climbing to 2,702 m at Tatamidaira, the highest paved road in Japan. Private cars are barred, so drivers park at Hirayu and transfer to the shuttle bus for the final ascent.
  • 50 kmTateyama Kurobe Alpine RouteA spectacular mountain traversal through the Japanese Alps using cable cars, buses, and ropeways past towering snow walls and dams.
  • 61 kmUsui PassHistoric pass on the old Nakasendo route between Gunma and Karuizawa, packed with 180-plus corners and the brick Megane-bashi viaduct. Another Initial D battleground beloved by drivers and rail historians alike.
  • 70 kmShibu PassAt 2,172 m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on Route 292 between Nagano and Gunma. In spring the road is cut through snow walls several metres high.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Matsumoto.

Azumino

🇯🇵 Japan

9 km awayPop. 94,222

Toyoshina

🇯🇵 Japan

9 km awayPop. 27,834

Kamitakeda

🇯🇵 Japan

10 km awayPop. 8,400

Hotaka

🇯🇵 Japan

14 km awayPop. 33,195

Shiojiri

🇯🇵 Japan

15 km awayPop. 67,241

Hario

🇯🇵 Japan

17 km awayPop. 4,279

Kamiikusaka

🇯🇵 Japan

21 km awayPop. 1,639

Aoki

🇯🇵 Japan

21 km awayPop. 4,121

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence