Getting There
By Train -- The JR Chuo Honsen Line runs directly to Matsumoto from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station. Its Limited Express Azusa, departing every hour or less, reaches Matsumoto in about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours and costs ¥6,200 ($59) one-way for an unreserved seat. There's also a direct JR train from Nagoya, the Limited Express Shinano, which takes about 2 hours and costs ¥5,360 ($51).
By Bus -- From Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, buses depart for Matsumoto approximately every hour, taking about 3 1/4 hours and costing ¥3,400 ($32). From Nagoya, the ride is 2 1/2 hours and ¥3,460 ($33); from Osaka, the ride is 5 1/2 hours and ¥5,710 ($54); from Takayama, the ride is 2 1/4 hours and ¥3,100 ($29).
Visitor Information
Before you depart from Tokyo, pick up a sheet called "Nagano" at the Tourist Information Center. It provides information on buses and trains to Matsumoto, as well as information on sights in and around Matsumoto. It also recommends 2- to 4-hour hiking trips from Kamikochi, the Japan Alps' most popular destination for serious hikers; the small village is a little more than 2 hours from Matsumoto via train and then bus.
In Matsumoto, you'll find the Matsumoto Tourist Information window (tel. 0263/32-2814; www.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp; open daily 9:30am-6pm Apr-Oct, to 5:30pm Nov-Mar) by taking the main (east) exit out of Matsumoto Station and turning right. It has a good English-language map of the city, and its excellent English-speaking staff will also help with accommodations and can provide information on nearby skiing destinations.
Getting Around
You can walk to Matsumoto Castle, about 1.5km (1 mile) northeast of the station, in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, the Town Sneaker Bus departs from in front of Matsumoto Station every 30 minutes and makes a circular trip to all city sights; it costs ¥100 (95¢) each time you get off. To visit the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, however, you'll have to go by train or taxi. Alternatively, free bicycles are available daily 8:30am to 5pm at various locations throughout town, including the Matsumoto City Museum next to Matsumoto Castle and the Kaichi Gakko Primary School. They're convenient for visiting sights not accessible by Sneaker Bus; ask the Matsumoto Tourist Information staff for details. Otherwise, you can rent a bike from JR Eki Rent-A-Car (tel. 0263/32-4690) beside the station for ¥1,500 ($14) per day from 8am to 6pm.
