Planning a Trip

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 ($52/£26) 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 ($45/£22).

By Bus -- From Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, buses depart for Matsumoto approximately every hour, taking about 3 1/4 hours and costing ¥3,400 ($28/£14). From Nagoya, the ride is 2 1/2 hours and ¥3,460 ($29/£15); from Osaka, the ride is 5 1/2 hours and ¥5,710 ($58/£29); from Takayama, the ride is 2 1/4 hours and ¥3,100 ($26/£13).

Visitor Information

Before you depart from Tokyo, pick up a sheet called "Nagano" at the Tourist Information Center, or download it from JNTO's website at www.jnto.go.jp, under "Browse by Destinations." 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 with the trip from Matsumoto via train and then bus.

In Matsumoto, you'll find Matsumoto Tourist Information (tel. 0263/32-2814; www.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp; daily 9:30am-6pm Apr-Oct, to 5:30pm Nov-Mar) just across from the main wicket of Matsumoto Station. 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 (85¢/45p) each time you get off or ¥300 ($2.50/£1.25) for an all-day pass (half-price for children). To visit the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, however, you'll have to go by local 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.