Hotels in Matsumoto

Because Matsumoto is popular primarily with hikers used to roughing it along nature trails, accommodations are geared mainly toward convenience. Directions are from Matsumoto Station.

Inexpensive -- In addition to the more atmospheric choices, there's the Toyoko Inn Matsumoto Ekimae Honmachi, at 2-1-23 Chuo (tel. 0263/36-1045), a 6-minute walk west of Matsumoto Station (take the small side street to the right of McDonald's; it's straight ahead). Charging ¥5,460 to ¥6,090 for a single and ¥8,190 for a double, it offers the budget chain's usual freebies, including computers with free Internet access in the lobby, complimentary breakfast, and free Internet access in the rooms.

A Double or a Twin? -- For the sake of convenience, the price for two people in a room is listed as a "double" in this guide. Japanese hotels, however, differentiate between rooms with a double bed or two twin beds, usually with different prices. Although most hotels charge more for a twin room, sometimes the opposite is true; if you're looking for a bargain, therefore, be sure to inquire about prices for both. Note, too, that hotels usually have more twin rooms than doubles, for the simple reason that Japanese couples, used to their own futon, traditionally prefer twin beds.