Day One Japan

Nagano (長野県)

Walk from Matsumoto’s black castle keep to the riverside shops of Nawate and the old warehouses of Nakamachi.

Open the full walk in Google Maps
The dark keep and moat at Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle · 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · Resized and framed for this page

Getting to Matsumoto Castle

From Shinjuku Station (新宿駅)

Take the JR limited express Azusa (あずさ) on the Chūō Main Line to Matsumoto Station (松本駅). Use the castle-side exit (お城口, east side) for the walk into town.

Matsumoto Station (松本駅)

At Shinjuku, look for Azusa (あずさ) and Matsumoto (松本) on the departure board. Official transport information

Matsumoto Station’s east exit building on the castle side
663highland · CC BY 2.5 · Resized
Public transport in Google Maps JR East’s Azusa train guide

Three stops in order

  1. 1. Matsumoto Castle (松本城)

    Walk to the moat for a view of the black keep. The stairs inside are steep. If you prefer to skip the climb, leave time for the outside views.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Matsumoto Castle visitor information

  2. 2. Nawate Street (縄手通り)

    Walk back south to the Metoba River and follow the pedestrian shopping street with its frog decorations and small stalls.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Matsumoto’s official Nawate guide

  3. 3. Nakamachi Street (中町通り)

    Cross the river to the old merchant street for white-walled storehouses, craft shops and cafés. It is an easy final stop before walking back to Matsumoto Station.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Nakamachi merchants’ official guide

Check the castle’s admission and any timed ticket arrangements before you set out.

Transport and visitor information checked .