If you want to get away from the hustle of the city, visit Matsumoto for stunning views of the snow capped mountains! We loved exploring the little town that had our favorite ramen in all of Japan!
Just a 30 minute train ride away is Japan's largest wasabi farm! This is one of the few places you can try real wasabi (not the horse radish you are used to!) Tour the farm at your leisure and even try wasabi ice cream!
Daio Wasabi Farm
Climb inside this beautiful 16th century castle, AKA the “Black Crow”. You can learn all about the samurai who lived there and see gorgeous views of the gardens outside!
Matsumoto-jō Castle
Just a 15 walk from the Matsumoto Station you can see the monkeys soaking in the hot springs! This is only available in winter months.
Nakamichi Street Snow Monkey Resort 🐵
This is a fun area to wander around. There are a variety of shops, restaurants, and a restored sake brewery.
Nakamachi Kurassic-kan
This was our favorite shopping area! All the mom and pop shops had frog themed gifts and souvenirs. There was also a lot of cute cafes and traditional Japanese desserts!
Frog Street in Matsumoto
Matsumoto is known for its raw horse meat, so if you are adventurous enough to try it you can get it here! They have lots of other options though, including noodles, sushi, and grilled fish.
KURA Restaurant
This is a Italian and Japanese fusion restaurant. They are known for their crispy pizzas, which we definitely recommend trying in Japan! Japanese pizza is so light and flavorful like real Italian pizza should be!
EZOBARU BANG! BANG!
This restaurant offers hot pot and delicious sake. They also serve every part of the chicken so nothing goes to waste!
AGAREYA Restaurant
This French bistro serves amazing food at a great price. Enjoy the outdoor seating on a nice day too!
Au Crier Du Vin
This cute cafe is tucked away on the second floor of a salon. They have delicious crepes and coffee!
salon as salon
This bakery has the best freshly baked sweet and savory goods, perfect for a snack or on the go meal!
PANTRY MARUNAKA
This sweet shop was absolutely stunning! They won the National Confectionery Award for their crafted sweets they have been perfecting since 1933.
OKINADO KURANOMISE
If you are craving pork cutlet, this place will hit the spot! They also offer beef and shrimp cutlet.
KATSUGEN
This was the best ramen we had in Japan! I definitely recommend their #1 ramen special when ordering. Make sure to get there at least 15 minutes before they open, as it is very popular and they have very limited seating!
Mensho Sakura
You can choose from a wide range of veggies and meats to cook on your own charcoal grill!