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Escape to Matsumoto Castle and the Japanese Alps from Osaka

Overnight excursion from Osaka to a castle town at the base of the Japanese Alps with a stay at a traditional inn, followed by trekking in an alpine paradise.

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Overnight excursion from Osaka to a castle town at the base of the Japanese Alps with a stay at a traditional inn, followed by trekking in an alpine paradise.

Escape to Matsumoto Castle and the Japanese Alps

Trip Highlights

  • See Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s only original wooden castles
  • Stay at a traditional ryokan in Asama Onsen and soak in an onsen bath
  • Visit Kamikochi – the gem of the Japanese Alps (mid-April till mid-November)
  • Continue on to Hida-Takayama, the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa

Itinerary

Day 1: Matsumoto

Explore this classic castle town and its colorful shopping streets, then experience a relaxing ryokan stay.

10:00 Depart Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya on Tokaido Shinkansen
*Budget option: 8:00 Expressway bus straight from Osaka (Hankyu 3 Bangai) to Matsumoto (350 min.)
 50 min.
11:00 Depart Nagoya Station to Matsumoto on JR Limited Express “Shinano” bound for Nagano
 125 min.
A scenic ride up the Kiso Valley along an emerald-green river surrounded by lush cedar and cypress forests. The highlight is the graceful Nezame-no-toko rock formation between Kuramoto and Agematsu stations—sit on the left side of the train for the best view.
13:05 Arrive at Matsumoto Station
 Walk (15 min.) or Local Bus (8 min.)
13:30 Arrive at Matsumoto Castle

 

Visitors to both Osaka and Matsumoto castles may notice many differences between the two.

Osaka Castle
  • Osaka Castle’s keep is concrete and was built in 1928, while Matsumoto’s original wood construction is said to be the oldest in Japan, dating back to around 1600.
  • Osaka Castle also has decadent features such as the “Golden Tea Room,” while Matsumoto Castle has a simple, austere interior.
  • You can ride an elevator to the top of Osaka Castle for a view of the surrounding skyscrapers. To reach the top of Matsumoto Castle, you have to climb steep stairs that were designed as an obstacle to intruders. But you would be rewarded with a panoramic view of the castle grounds and the Japanese Alps in the distance.

 

Near the castle are shopping streets such as Nawate-dori (aka “Frog Street”) and Nakamachi-dori, reminiscent of Matsumoto’s castle town days.

 Local bus to Asama Onsen (25 min.)
16:00 Asama Onsen

 

Asama Onsen’s natural mineral water hot springs have been around for over 1,300 years, rejuvenating the feudal lords of Matsumoto Castle as well as many poets and artists over the years.
 Ryokan in Asama Onsen

Day 2: Kamikochi

9:30 Depart Asama Onsen to Matsumoto Station on local bus
 30 min.
10:10 Depart Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima on Kamikochi Line
 30 min.
10:50 Depart Shin-Shimashima Station to Taisho-ike Bus Stop on Alpico Bus
 55 min.
11:46 Taisho Pond

 

Formed in 1915 by a volcanic eruption of nearby Mt. Yakedake, Taisho Pond and its semi-submerged tree stumps are testament to the violent power of nature. With mountains reflecting in its surface, the pond is one of Kamikochi’s most popular sights.
 Hike (60 min.)
12:50 Kappa Bridge

 

This iconic suspension bridge over the turquoise-blue Azusa River is the symbol of Kamikochi. It perfectly frames the majestic Hotaka Range in the distance, which are snowcapped in spring and early summer.
Lunch

Option: Hike to Myojin Pond (round trip 120 min.)

Take a leisurely stroll along the Azusa River and loop around to sacred Myojin Pond where you will find venerable Hotaka Shrine.

14:00 Depart Kamikochi Bus Terminal to Hirayu Onsen on Nohi Bus
 25 min.
14:40 Depart Hirayu Onsen to Takayama on Nohi Bus
 50 min.
15:30 Takayama Bus Center

 

Hida-Takayama is popular for its well-preserved townscape and is a convenient starting point to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go as well as the cultural center of Kanazawa. Takayama, the thatched roof homes of Shirakawa-go, and Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa are rated as 3-Stars by the Michelin Green Guide to Japan along with Matsumoto Castle, giving this route the nickname “Three-Star Road”.

Map

 

For further reference, Osaka’s official tourism website features a 4-day / 3-night itinerary for seeing more of Matsumoto and vicinity.

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