If you’re looking to escape the bustling streets of Tokyo for a day and immerse yourself in Japan’s natural beauty, historic treasures, and spiritual serenity, a trip to Matsumoto is just the answer. With a journey combining the speed of the shinkansen and the charm of the scenic Resort View Furusato train, this day trip offers an unforgettable mix of experiences. Let’s map out your perfect day!
Getting There
Begin your adventure bright and early by boarding a shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano. The Hokuriku Shinkansen offers a comfortable ride, whisking you to Nagano in approximately 1.5 hours. Make sure to reserve your seat in advance for a smooth and stress-free journey.
From Nagano, transfer to the Resort View Furusato, a special scenic train that runs through Nagano Prefecture. This train features large windows, making it ideal for soaking in the picturesque landscapes of the Japanese Alps. Pass through lush valleys, charming villages, and rugged mountains as you enjoy commentary (in Japanese) about the areas you’re passing. Note that all seats on the train are reserved seats.
The view from Resort Furusato.
On the Resort View Furusato
The Resort View Furusato train operates between Nagano Station and Minami-Otari Station, traveling along the Shinonoi and Oito Lines. Introduced in 2010 to coincide with the Shinshu Destination Campaign (with Shinshu being an old name for Nagano), the train is designed to showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural charm. With stunning scenery and delightful stops along the route, the Resort View Furusato truly lives up to its name.
The train departs from Nagano Station, home to Nagano Prefecture’s beloved mascot, Arukuma, a cheerful green bear wearing an apple on his head, a nod to Nagano’s famous apple production. You’ll likely spot his friendly face all around the region. Inside the Resort View Furusato train, you’ll even find a giant plushie of Arukuma—perfect for snapping a memorable photo to mark your journey!
Obasute Station: Panoramic Views and Legendary Tales
Around 10:10, the Resort View Furusato train makes a stop at Obasute Station, a small station perched high above the Zenkoji Plains, offering spectacular panoramic views. The area is also famous for its rice terraces, visible from the station platform. The station’s name, “Obasute”, has an intriguing and somber origin—it translates to “throw away old ladies”. This name comes from a local legend in which the elderly were abandoned on mountains. However, the tale is not meant to promote such acts but rather to inspire filial piety and reflect on the deep bond between families.
Obasute Station is unique in more ways than one. Its elevated location requires trains to perform a switchback maneuver, where the train zigzags up steep slopes to reach the station. This rare railway feature can only be seen in a handful of places in Japan, making Obasute a special stop for train enthusiasts.
The view from the platform is so magnificent that Obasute Station is considered one of Japan’s Three Great Train Views. Luckily, the Resort View Furusato halts here for about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the scenery and snap photos of this unforgettable vista.
The giant fox statues were surprising!
Bumping into Foxes in Matsumoto
The stop after Obasute is Matsumoto. Making our way outside the station, we walked through shopping streets to reach Kasamori Inari Daimyojin. The shrine shares its grounds with a modest temple complex, Jorinji, and is easily identified by its distinctive red torii.
It is said that the shrine protects people from smallpox and safeguards the community from infectious diseases. Within the grounds, you’ll find two large papier-mâché Inari fox statues, which are truly impressive.
One of the highlights of the temple-shrine complex is its historic wooden gate, built during the early Edo period between 1688 and 1704, making it the oldest gate in Matsumoto. The gate’s unique architecture features four sturdy supporting pillars with a double-beam structure and a traditional-style roof. The eaves, crafted from strong, dark wood, are adorned with intricate carvings, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship.
Frogs everywhere!
Worship the Frog Deity on Nawate-dori: Matsumoto’s Retro Shopping Street
Nawate-dori is a lively, pedestrian-only shopping street brimming with old-fashioned charm. Built along a narrow riverbank, this historic street also serves as a pathway to Yohashira Shrine, which dates back to 1879. Looking down from the Metoba River, you’ll be greeted by a row of quaint Showa-era buildings, transporting you to a bygone era. In fact, Nawate-dori is filled with retro toy stores, traditional hardware shops, and delicious street food stalls, all preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of Matsumoto’s past.
As you stroll along Nawate-dori, you’ll quickly notice a theme—frogs are everywhere. Long ago, Kajika frogs thrived in this area. However, devastating river floods wiped out their habitat, and the street’s popularity declined. In 1940, the community came together and enshrined Kaeru Daimyojin, the Frog Deity, as a symbol of hope and renewal. Their goal was to restore clean water and revitalize Nawate-dori. Since 2001, festival-style stalls and small shops have once again breathed life into the street.
Today, the frog represents rebirth, return, and transformation, making it a cherished symbol of Nawate-dori.
Yohashira Shrine: The Shrine of Fulfilled Wishes
Located at the north end of Nawate-dori, Yohashira Shrine is widely known as the home of the “God Who Grants Wishes.” Visitors come here hoping to have their dreams and desires fulfilled.
Within the shrine grounds stands a sacred pine tree, believed to help those seeking love and romantic connections. The towering Shinto torii gate at the entrance makes a striking impression, inviting visitors to step into this spiritual sanctuary. You’ll also find small vendors selling food to feed the pigeons that often gather near the shrine.
There are a lot of intriguing shops to explore in Matsumoto.
Castle-Town Shopping Street: Nakamachi-dori
Nakamachi-dori is a historic shopping street located across the Toba River. Lined with distinctive old storehouses, it eventually earned the nickname “Warehouse Street”, as it was once a bustling hub of wholesale trade. However, many of its original buildings were lost in the great fire of 1888 during the Meiji period.
In response, merchants began rebuilding their shops using the durable clay-walled storehouse style, ensuring their businesses could withstand future disasters. One of the most distinctive features of Nakamachi-dori is the namako walls, made of thick clay plaster with white lattice patterns, designed to be fire-resistant and now a symbol of the street’s enduring history.
Nakamachi Kurashikkukan: The Landmark of Nakamachi-dori
Located in the heart of Nakamachi-dori, Nakamachi Kurashikkukan is one of the most recognizable buildings on the street.
This structure originally housed a sake brewery that included a main house, a warehouse, and a detached building. Even after renovations, the original ceiling beams and atrium parlors have been carefully preserved, showcasing traditional construction techniques.
Inside, visitors can admire the wooden beams designed by past artisans to withstand earthquakes, a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. The building is free to explore and is also used for conferences, exhibitions, and local events.
In front of the facility, a traditional rowboat pump well still provides fresh water, kept at a cool 15 degrees Celsius year-round. This soft water is perfect for making coffee or tea, and the nearby coffee shop makes use of this well water for its brews.
You can get two stamps after purchasing your ticket (700 yen) to Matsumoto Castle.
Matsumoto Castle
Our next stop was Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most stunning original castles and a National Treasure.
Spend time exploring the castle grounds, where the dramatic wooden structure is surrounded by a serene moat and landscaped gardens. Inside, if ypou climb steep wooden stairs to reach the top floor, where you’ll find a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. The castle also houses exhibits on samurai armor and weaponry, providing insight into Japan’s feudal past.
A dedicated article to Matsumoto Castle is available at this link!
Hello, Fujisan! – from the Azusa limited express train, which is a continuation of Tokyo’s Chuo Line.
The Return Journey: Azusa Train and a Surprise View of Mount Fuji
After a long day of walking and exploring, I decided to take a more direct route back to Tokyo on the Azusa Limited Express. While not as scenic as the Resort View Furusato, the train was nearly empty, providing a quiet and comfortable ride – perfect for resting after a full day of sightseeing.
The best surprise of the return trip was a clear view of Mount Fuji from the train window. Catching a glimpse of Japan’s most famous mountain felt like a rewarding way to end the journey, adding one final highlight to an already unforgettable day.
Final Thoughts
Matsumoto makes for an excellent day trip from Tokyo, combining history, scenic landscapes, and hidden gems. Whether you take the scenic Resort View Furusato or the more convenient Azusa train, the journey itself is part of the adventure. From the legendary views at Obasute Station to the mystical charm of Kasamori Inari Daimyojin and the grandeur of Matsumoto Castle, this trip offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and relaxation.
Would you take the slow scenic route or the faster direct train? Let me know in the comments!
