Shin-Shimashima新島々
Matsumoto guide
A castle town facing the Northern Alps. The National Treasure castle, streets of old storehouses, spring-water wells and museums are all walkable. Also the gateway to Kamikochi and Azumino.
Things to see 9 classics
"Classics" and "Hidden gems" are this site's editorial picks, not a measured popularity ranking.
By interest
By how you get there
- 1
Matsumoto Castle
A black-walled keep, a National Treasure that has stood for over 400 years. The stairs inside are very steep. Beautiful across the moat.
Many overseas visitors
191,748 foreign visitors in 2024, the highest number and share since records began in 2009 Source: Matsumoto City, Mayor's press conference of 8 January 2025
- History & buildings
- Views
about 60 minPaid entryFine on a rainy dayPartly step-free
Walk · About 20 min from Matsumoto ・ 14km from here
- 2
Nakamachi Street
A street of old storehouses with black-and-white lattice plaster walls, now home to craft shops and cafes.
- History & buildings
- Shopping & strolling
about 45 minFree
Walk · About 12 min from Matsumoto ・ 14km from here
- 3
Nawate Street and Yohashira Shrine
A car-free lane of tiny shops along the river, with frogs as its mascot. A shrine stands right beside it.
- Shopping & strolling
- Food & markets
- Temples, shrines & churches
about 30 minFree
Walk · About 12 min from Matsumoto ・ 14km from here
- 4
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Always shows works by Yayoi Kusama, who was born in Matsumoto. Her giant flower sculpture stands in front of the building.
- Museums
about 60 minPaid entryFine on a rainy dayWheelchair & stroller friendly
Walk · About 15 min from Matsumoto ・ 15km from here
- 5
Former Kaichi School
A school built in the 1870s in a mix of Western and Japanese styles; a National Treasure. About 10 minutes on foot north of the castle.
- History & buildings
- Museums
about 45 minPaid entryFine on a rainy day
Bus · About 25 min from Matsumoto ・ Town Sneaker bus to Former Kaichi School ・ 14km from here
- 6
Kamikochi (Kappa Bridge)
A mountain valley for walks along the clear Azusa River below the Hotaka peaks. Private cars are banned. Closed in winter, with no buses.
- Nature
- Views
- Activities
about 3 hrFree
Bus · About 110 min from Matsumoto ・ Kamikochi Line to Shin-Shimashima, then bus to Kamikochi Bus Terminal ・ 18km from here
“Classics” and “Hidden gems” are our editors' picks, not a measured popularity ranking. Travel times are estimates. Please check prices, opening hours and operating days with the official sources before you go.
Photo and data credits
Matsumoto Castle keep with the red Uzumi Bridge over the moat 663highland (CC BY 2.5) / The black keep of Matsumoto Castle Syced (CC0) / Storehouse-style buildings along Nakamachi Street 663highland (CC BY 2.5) / Small shops and a pine tree along Nawate Street Willi Weasel (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Front of the Matsumoto City Museum of Art with a Yayoi Kusama flower sculpture 663highland (CC BY 2.5) / The Former Kaichi School building with its octagonal tower Wiiii (CC BY-SA 3.0) / Kappa Bridge over the Azusa River with the Hotaka peaks behind 663highland (CC BY 2.5). Cropped and resized.
Facilities & features
- Elevators available (the route may be longer)
- Typical transfer time: about 5 min
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