Matsumoto

Featuring over 10,000 pieces of ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock prints), it is the largest private museum of its kind in the world. Though the building housing the museum is imposing, a rather small selection of the pieces is shown at any…

next to Ukiyo-e Museum

Some old Japanese buildings, including the home of a samurai who became a social reformer, plus exhibits on female silk workers and other things - all in Japanese.

On the street on the south side of the river

Small collection of interesting timepieces from Japan and abroad.

About 20 minutes' drive SSE from Matsumoto Station. Signs are lacking; GPS navigation is helpful.· Free

These tiered waterfalls are located in a large scenic park. The falls themselves can be seen in ten minutes, though there are several kilometers of trails for more adventurous souls.

Take the bus on the Utsukushigahara line for 15 minutes and get off that the Folkcraft Museum bus stop

This is a very small museum filled with a variety of arts and crafts that the museum's own pamphlet describes as not being of much value either artistically or monetarily.

a good 45 min walk from the center

Local and authentic onsen, but the rating is ordinary.

Centrally located inexpensive and highly rated sentō.

7th floor

If you long for European tastes, this is the place you have to aim for. An Italian Japanese restaurant, but the food is really good and inexpensive — a great change for a while. Pizza, pasta, focaccia, tiramisu,. the list goes on.

next to east exit of station (turn right)

Japanese fried chicken with a soft batter. Standing room only. Staff speak some English, but the menu is in Japanese.

Nakamachi-dori

There are a few sake bars around here but the owner of this one knows some English and put up English signs outside (typical customers are Japanese though).

Okonomiyaki and grilled vegetables/seafood. The set menu (from 2 persons) is a great way to get a bit of everything.

opposite PARCO mall

8-seat restaurant serving excellent miso ramen. Vending machine has pictures. Busy for lunch but not for dinner.

Katsu, fried shrimps, fried oyster in a nice traditional style building. Free pickles.

Chuo 3-3-10

A beautiful Japanese style hotel, situated in an old house that was re-built after the big Matsumoto 1889 fire. The hotel is situated along the south bank of the river, opposite the east end of the Nawate-dōri shopping street.

Take #2 bus from train station, get off at minami asama (it's around the corner)

Very nice, traditional Ryokan with very helpful staff and plenty of amenities. Free bicycle rental (10 min to train station). Free pickup from train station during certain hours (just call when you get there).

5 minutes walk

Simple rooms with an acceptable standard, and not far from Matsumoto Station. Their breakfast is GUSTO at the hotel's first floor, but still good.

turn left from east exit of station and go about 100 m north

Convenient hotel with small rooms, good staff, onsen baths, and good breakfast

On the top of a mountain, with a very nice view.

10 min walk south from the station, on the southern bank of the river

A spacious and new ryokan, which is still somewhat under renovation. Despite the construction, the place is comfortable and the owners are cheerful.