Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi One Day Course

The beautiful black keep of Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure, and Kamikochi at the foot of the Northern Alps. This course packs the charm of a castle town and stunning mountain scenery into a single day. Dress for easy movement.

Course Route

8:30 Start at Matsumoto Castle Enter the keep as the gates open. In the clear morning air, photograph the black castle reflected in the moat. 9:30 Stroll the castle town Walk Nawate Street and Nakamachi Street to enjoy the warehouse style townscape and cafes. 11:00 Travel to Kamikochi Take a train and bus from Matsumoto. Private cars are restricted, so public transport or bus is the standard way in. 13:00 Explore Kamikochi Walk along the Azusa River from Kappabashi Bridge toward Taisho Pond and Myojin Pond. The clear streams and the Hotaka peaks are superb. 16:00 Head back Take the bus down the mountain and return toward Matsumoto.

Highlights

Matsumoto Castle has one of the oldest surviving five tier, six story keeps in Japan. Its jet black exterior earns it the nickname Crow Castle. Kamikochi is a mountain scenic area at about 1500 meters, where the Hotaka peaks beyond Kappabashi Bridge and the crystal clear Azusa River are the main draws.

Access and Tips

Matsumoto Castle is about a twenty minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station. Kamikochi has a year round private car restriction, so enter by shuttle bus or taxi from Sawando or Hirayu. The open season runs roughly from mid April to mid November. Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring rain gear and warm clothing.

A Quick Tip

To cover both in one day, see the castle briefly in the early morning and save plenty of time for Kamikochi in the afternoon. Kamikochi closes in winter, so check the opening information before you go.