Where to Stay in Matsumoto, Japan: From Guesthouses to Luxury Ryokan
Matsumoto is the perfect under-the-radar city in Nagano for an overnight stay. We spent ten days here, and I can’t speak highly enough of how charming and distinctive this city is.
With boutique hotels offering views of the Japanese Alps, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) featuring onsen baths for soaking, and samurai-era streets to explore between day trips, Matsumoto hits the sweet spot for travelers seeking an offbeat, authentic experience of Japan.
It’s a city where history, culture, and mountains meet; where artists linger and are born; where steaming hot springs beckon to rest your weary feet after hiking or skiing in the nearby Japanese Alps.
Choosing Matsumoto as your base in Nagano will add a unique touch to your Japan itinerary.
And depending on where you choose to stay—which part of town, and which style of accommodation (shared house vs. luxury ryokan)—will also greatly shape your experience!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Matsumoto—from castle-view hotels and traditional ryokan to budget-friendly guesthouses—so you can find what works for you while making the most of your itinerary.
The Best Places to Stay in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
For first-time visitors, the best area and accommodation options will center around Downtown Matsumoto, near the Matsumoto Castle area.
This way, you can easily get around on foot; walk to restaurants and bars, museums, and visit Nawate “Frog” Street and Nakamachi-dori! 🐸
However, depending on your itinerary (i.e., do you plan to do many day trips?), you may consider options near the Matsumoto Station.
There are also additional places to stay and visit in the greater Matsumoto City area worth exploring.
If you rent a car in Japan, you can more easily access more remote ryokans and beautiful places to visit.
Go glamping in the Utsukushigahara Highlands (located east side of Matsumoto) or one stay and relax in one of the ancient onsen towns, like Asama Onsen (15–20 minutes from Matsumoto center).
There are quite a few accommodation options to choose from, so read more below to get details and overviews of each (plus, my personal hotel picks and where we decided to stay for ten days as digital nomads!).
Matsumoto Castle Area (Historic & Central Stay)
While Matsumoto is Nagano’s second-largest city, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. You can definitely navigate around the town center on foot or by bicycle (which is what we did!).
As the cultural heart of the city, you’ll be within easy walking distance to Matsumoto Castle, Nakamachi and Nawate Streets, and the top museums.
Plus, it’s where all the best restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are located!
Some of the best hotels and ryokan options in the town center and around Matusmoto Castle are:
Hotel Kagetsu
Hotel Kagetsu is Matsumoto’s oldest hotel, established in 1887. It is perhaps best known for its traditional Matsumoto Mingei 民芸(traditional Japanese arts or “folk art”), where folk craft furniture and Nagano terroir come together. It’s located just a 5-minute walk from Matsumoto Castle.
Nunoya Ryokan
Nunoya Ryokan is a cozy, family-run inn with tatami rooms, futon bedding, and the classic warm Japanese hospitality. It’s located in a historic, renovated storehouse on Nakamachi Dori, just a short walk from Matsumoto Castle and the town center.
Nawate Guesthouse
Nawate Guesthouse is situated just above the charming Storyhouse Café on Nawate-dori shopping street. It features budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, and is conveniently located right by the Metoba River. My top pick for backpackers and solo travelers wanting a central, social stay!
Again, I’d highly recommend getting accommodation somewhere central, especially if you have a short stay (1-3 nights).
The only caveat is that you’ll be paying a higher price per night for the extra convenience. Compared to the cost of daily transport, though, I’d say it’s fair!
Near Matsumoto Station (Convenient & Budget-Friendly)
If you’re traveling a bit faster and plan to use Matsumoto as a base to explore the Kamikochi Valley, hike Mt. Norikura (which is stunning!), or take a day trip to Nagano and Obuse (“Chestnut Town”), then you may want to consider staying closer to Matsumoto Station.
Around the station, you’ll find more budget-friendly guesthouses and a wide range of business hotels, plus lots of “fast food” soba and ramen shops, and other bars!
The downside is you won’t be surrounded by loads of cultural and historical points of interest, although they’re not too far away.
Tabino Hotel
Tabino Hotel is a good hotel choice located right near Matsumoto Station, making it ideal for day trips to Kamikōchi and Nagano. Guests enjoy the hearty breakfast and the relaxing “milky white” onsen located on-site—perfect after a full day of hiking or sightseeing!
Dormy Inn
Another option for proximity to Matsumoto Station is the Dormy Inn, a comfy business hotel steps from the station, best rated for its clean rooms and rooftop onsen. And they serve free hot ramen until 11 pm (how cool!).
Our accommodation in Matsumoto was directly south of the JR Station, on the edge of town in a shared residential house called Popotel Three, owned by very friendly Japanese locals.
Winter in Matsumoto
Cozy coliving!
Our private room
We had our own private double bedroom, but shared everything else: the bathroom, kitchen, washing machines, living room area, bicycles, and even a bench press and dumbbells for workouts.
As we work remotely, the house was perfect for “integrated living,” with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable, non-hotel-like stay.
We could cook (though we mostly ate out), bicycle to all the attractions in town, or get in a few hours of work in our room or downstairs.
The house was spotless, and the heat was plenty for cold winters. If you are looking for a unique stay like this, I couldn’t recommend Popotel Three enough!
It really made our Matsumoto experience feel more local and memorable.
PS. If you want something closer to the Matsumoto Castle area, but still want a social, budget-friendly option, check out the Couch Potato Hostel.
Asama Onsen (Relaxing Ryokan & Hot Springs)
Matsumoto is crowned the “Onsen Kingdom,” and for good reason. With surrounding volcanic mountains, mineral-rich hot springs are in abundance here!
Asama Onsen is one of Matsumoto’s historic onsen districts, and is located just 15 minutes by bus/taxi from Matsumoto center.
If you’re looking for a traditional ryokan experience with kaiseki meals and baths, that’s a little bit off the beaten path, but historically significant, dating back 1,300 years, then come here!
Top-rated places to stay in Asama Onsen:
📚 Matsumoto Jujo (funky/luxury hotel with a gorgeous library)
♨️ Onsen Hotel Omoto (adult-only hotel with beautiful open-air baths)
Budget Hostels & Guesthouses in Matsumoto
Matsumoto is definitely attracting a youthful, artistic community. As such, it won’t be long before there are more backpacker-friendly stays here.
For now, however, there are just a few good options for solo travelers or those who want a social atmosphere while saving a few thousand yen.
I still stand by my recommendation for Popotel Three, although it won’t be as budget-conscious as some of the other guesthouses and hostels in town.
For penny-pinching (but still with good quality), check out:
- Buna Cabin Matsumoto (central, mixed hostel)
- Asama Onsen FAN! (outside of town)
- Couch Potato Hostel (near the castle)
Final Tips on Choosing Where to Stay in Matsumoto
I’d recommend a slower stay in Matsumoto if you want to make the most of both the outdoors + cultural activities here (read my guide -> for even more things to do in Matsumoto).
For city-focused activities, spend at least two nights here. If you’re planning to add Alps day trips, plan at least 3-5 nights around Matsumoto.
Booking Tip: The Matsumoto Castle area fills up quickly during the peak cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, so be sure to book ahead.
Similarly, onsen towns are becoming more popular among tourists seeking more offbeat Japan experiences, so definitely book in advance, especially if your travel dates fall over a weekend.
If you have any questions at all about accommodation or staying in Matsumoto, I’m here to help! Drop them in the comments below.
