How to go from Nagano to Matsumoto ?

Published on : 27/04/2017
by : Japan Experience

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Access to one of the best preserved castles in Japan

The Limited Express Shinano runs from Nagano to Matsumoto before continuing on to Nagoya. In Matsumoto you can explore one of the best preserved castles in Japan.

Limited Express Shinano between Nagano and Nagoya

The Limited Express (Wide View) Shinano runs from Nagano, on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, to Matsumoto before continuing on to Nagoya. The Wide View refers to the large windows in the carriages allowing you to really experience the mountains through which you pass.

There are also local trains running on the JR Shinonoi Line,which stop at 12 stations as opposed to the 3 or 4 of the Limited Express and so take up to half an hour longer.The first local train leaves Matsumoto at 06:18 getting into Nagano at 07:28 and the last local train leaves Nagano at 22:55 and gets into Matsumoto at 00:12.

0 KM - Nagano station

9 KM - 0h09 - Shinonoi station

The train will now leave the route that is shared with shinkansen bullet trains heading south to Tokyo. There are two relatively long tunnels as you pass through the mountains to reach the adjacent valley.

48 KM - 0H37 - Akashina station

When you come out of the second, longer tunnel, you may have a short stop in Akashina. This is the first town in the valley in which Matsumoto is located. From the right side of the carriage you will be able to see the towns and villages on the other side of the river.

63 KM - 0H49 - Matsumoto station

Discover Matsumoto

What to see ?

Matsumoto Castle

Nicknamed ‘crow castle’ due to its blackexterior, and one of the best preserved castles in Japan with a lot of authentic wooden features, rather than a reconstruction. Rather than being in a commanding position on a hill, this castle is built on a plain and as such is slightly different to most o fthe other castles in Japan. There is a very interesting display of weaponary inside, but be aware there are a lot of low beams and steep stairs.

Japan Ukiyoe Museum

A 10-minute taxi ride to the east of Matsumoto Station is one of the world’s largest private art collections. The wooden print blocks here are some of those used to make the most striking images of Japan, but unfortunately, compared to the size of the collection, only a small portion is on display at one time.

Where to Stay ?

Hotel Buena Vista Matsumoto ホテルブエナビスタ

Located in the heart of Matsumoto, this is known as one of the best hotels in the city. The hotel is a 7-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station, or you can get a free shuttle bus ride.

1-2-1 Honjo, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano, 390-0814

Tel : 02-6337-0111/ www.buena-vista.co.jp/en/

Fukashiso Ryokan 民芸旅館深志荘

A cosy Japanese inndecorated with a sunken hearth, a traveler’s guardian deity, andtraditional Japanese art for guest to appreciate.

2-11-21, Namiyanagi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-0825

Tel : 02-6328-6500 / www.fukashiso.com

Where to eat ?

Shizuka しづか

Matsumoto’s most highly rated restaurant,serving traditional Japanese food like oden, for lunch and dinner.From exit 1 of Matsumoto Castle, walk south and take the firstleft. Shizuka will be on your right.

Open daily, 12 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays.

Tel : 02-6332-0547 / www.shiduka.co.jp

Kobayashi Soba こばやし

Homemade soba topped withlocally grown wasabi. From exit 1 of Matsumoto Castle, walksouth and turn right at the end of the street. Turn left at the trafficlight, then left again at the next one. Kobayashi is on the right.

Open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tel : 02-6332-1298 / www.kobayashi-soba.co.jp