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Planning Guides
Reasons To Visit Japan
Scenery, culture and cuisine beyond measure
In years gone by, reaching Matsumoto required a perilous journey through mountainous terrain, which was as challenging as it was awe-inspiring. Now, this beauty spot in the heart of the Japanese Alps is readily accessible by train! Once a strategic stronghold in the Edo period, Matsumoto is brimming with history and fine architecture. The city's crown jewel, Matsumoto Castle — its striking black and white figure has earned it the nickname, Crow Castle — is one of Japan's original and most beautiful castles, providing a glimpse into the Age of the Samurai. Matsumoto buzzes with artistic energy, best seen in its museums and galleries, including the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Gastronomes can savour local specialties like soba noodles and even learn to make them from scratch. Venture beyond the city to breathe in the fresh Alpine air, explore serene walking trails, and visit quaint towns nestled in the mountains.
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Crowned by its striking black-timbered castle, this gateway to the Japanese Alps balances ancient and artistic in perfect measure. Thread between traditional merchants' houses along Nakamachi Street, where craft shops and wasabi-flavoured ice cream compete for attention, or master the art of soba noodle making in its spiritual home. The surrounding peaks beckon with world-class hiking in Kamikochi Valley, while closer to home, the former Kaichi School offers a fascinating glimpse into Meiji-era architecture. Whether you're soaking in an ancient onsen or admiring rare woodblock prints at the Ukiyo-e Museum, this alpine city delivers Japan at its most authentic.
Matsumoto combines fascinating history, an edgy arts scene and splendid scenery, and wraps it all up in a neat bow.
Just a short drive from the city, the Utsukushigahara Highlands promise some of the most spectacular views of the Japanese Alps, along with intriguing open-air art installations.
If you prefer milder weather, consider visiting Matsumoto in the spring or autumn, as the winters are notoriously icy.
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Why travel with Timbuktu?
We've been crafting one-of-a-kind journeys since 2014 — over 2,500 trips across 40+ countries, each one built from scratch around your interests and dreams.
Our team only recommends places they've slept in, eaten in, and happily keep going back to. Condé Nast Traveler named 11 of them Top Travel Specialists in 2026, and Travel+Leisure made three A-List Advisors.
Travel+Leisure's readers voted us the World's No.1 Tour Operator in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 — the travel industry's biggest readers' award, judged by people who actually travel.
$50 from every booking goes to female empowerment, tech education, and conservation projects across the countries we love. We have donated $78,000 so far – and it's going up!
Your travel specialist is with you the whole way, dreaming up the trip, building the itinerary, checking you in, and answering the 2am question from the other side of the world..
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11 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists 2026
No. 1 & No. 2 Tour Operator in Travel + Leisure's Best Awards 2024 & 2025
Best Booking Platform in Women's Health Travel Awards 2025
Travel Specialist voted as Latin America A-List Travel Advisor 2025
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