Traveling to Matsumoto City by Train

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Matsumoto travel info.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Matsumoto Airport.

Travelers coming from Nagoya should take the JR Limited Express Shinano for a very scenic mountain journey. This trip takes approximately two hours and offers stunning views of the Kiso Valley along the way. Tickets for this route cost around 6,000 yen and can be purchased at any major station. Make sure to check the Japan National Tourism Organization website for the latest winter schedules. Booking your seats in advance is highly recommended during the busy festival weekends in late January.

Upon arrival at Matsumoto Station, you will find plenty of English signage to guide your next steps. The station serves as the primary hub for all local transportation heading toward the historic castle grounds. You can find tourist information desks inside the station to help with maps and festival event schedules. These helpful staff members can provide updates on the Matsumoto Castle winter illumination show times 2026. The station area also features lockers for storing heavy luggage while you explore the ice sculptures.

Walking to the Castle from the Station

Walking from Matsumoto Station to the castle is a simple and enjoyable way to see the city. The total distance is about 1.1 kilometers and takes roughly fifteen to twenty minutes at a steady pace. Most visitors prefer this option because it allows them to explore local shops and cafes along the way. You should exit the station through the East Exit to begin your walk toward the festival grounds. Follow the main street called Ekimae-dori which leads you directly toward the historic downtown district.

As you walk, you will pass through charming areas like Nawate Street, which is famous for its frog theme. This pedestrian path offers many traditional snacks and unique souvenirs that are perfect for a quick winter break. The route is mostly flat, making it an easy walk for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. However, you must be careful of icy patches on the sidewalks during the cold January mornings and evenings. Wearing shoes with good grip will help you stay safe while navigating the city streets in 2026.

The castle will become visible as you approach the end of the main road near the inner moat. You can follow the crowd of fellow festival-goers who are also heading toward the main entrance gates. This walk provides excellent photo opportunities of the city's traditional architecture against the backdrop of the snowy mountains. If you need a rest, there are several public benches and heated convenience stores along this popular route. Walking is often faster than taking a bus during the peak hours of the ice sculpture event.

Using Local Buses for the Festival

The Town Sneaker bus is a convenient circular bus system that serves the major tourist sites in Matsumoto. You should look for the North Course bus, which stops directly at the Matsumoto Castle bus stop. These buses are easily recognizable by their bright colors and compact size designed for narrow city streets. The fare is a flat rate of 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children per ride. You can pay with cash or use popular Japanese IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenience.

Buses depart from the Matsumoto Station Castle Exit bus terminal every thirty minutes throughout the busy festival day. This is a great option if you want to avoid the cold wind while traveling to the castle. The ride takes about ten minutes depending on the local traffic conditions near the busy city center area. You can find detailed ticket prices for Matsumoto Castle winter events at the bus terminal information booth. Using the bus is especially helpful for families traveling with small children or elderly family members.

During the festival, additional buses may be added to handle the increased number of visitors to the castle. You should check the official Visit Matsumoto website for any special winter transportation announcements. The last bus usually departs the castle area around 6:00 PM, so plan your return trip carefully. If you miss the bus, taxis are readily available near the main castle entrance for a quick ride. Taxis to the station generally cost between 1,000 and 1,500 yen depending on the time of day.

Driving and Parking Near the Castle

Driving to Matsumoto is possible via the Chuo Expressway from Tokyo or the Nagano Expressway from other regions. You should exit at the Matsumoto Interchange and follow the signs toward the city center and the castle. The drive from the interchange to the castle grounds takes about fifteen to twenty minutes in normal traffic. However, you must be prepared for winter driving conditions, including potential snow and ice on the mountain roads. Ensure your rental car is equipped with winter tires or snow chains before starting your journey to Nagano.

Parking near the castle can be challenging during the popular ice sculpture festival dates in January and February. There are several public parking lots located within a five-minute walk of the main castle entrance gates. The Matsumoto City Castle Parking Lot is the closest option, but it fills up very quickly every morning. You can expect to pay around 300 yen per hour for parking in these central city locations. It is often better to park near the station and use the bus or walk to the festival.

If the main lots are full, look for private coin parking lots located on the smaller side streets nearby. These lots often have different rates, so check the signs carefully before you leave your vehicle for the day. Traffic congestion is common around the castle during the weekend when the ice sculptures are on full display. We recommend arriving before 9:00 AM to secure a parking spot and avoid the heaviest traffic in 2026. Always follow the directions of the traffic marshals who are stationed around the castle during the event.

How to get to Matsumoto Castle festival Tips

The best tip for how to get to Matsumoto Castle festival is to arrive early in the morning. The ice sculptures are most beautiful when the sun first hits them against the dark castle walls. You will also avoid the largest crowds by arriving before the tour buses start appearing at 10:00 AM. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in a local hotel to ensure they have plenty of time. This also allows you to see the Ame-ichi candy festival Matsumoto 2026 if your dates overlap.

Dressing in warm layers is essential because temperatures in Matsumoto often drop well below freezing during the winter nights. You should wear thermal underwear, a heavy coat, gloves, and a warm hat to stay comfortable while outdoors. Heat packs, known as kairo in Japan, are very useful and can be bought at any convenience store. These small packs provide hours of warmth for your hands or feet while you view the ice art. Good winter boots are also necessary to keep your feet warm and dry on the snowy ground.

You should also check the official Matsumoto Castle website for any last-minute changes to the festival schedule. Weather conditions can sometimes affect the display of the ice sculptures or the timing of the illumination shows. If you have extra time, consider visiting the nearby museums to warm up between outdoor festival activities. The city is very walkable, so keep a digital map on your phone to find the best routes. Planning your transportation in advance will ensure you have a wonderful and stress-free winter vacation experience.