Warm Up with Traditional Toji Soba

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

For official information, visit Matsumoto travel info.

The broth usually contains seasonal mushrooms, wild greens, and thin slices of pork. This method keeps the buckwheat noodles firm while warming them thoroughly. You can find the best restaurants for hot soba in the historic Nagushino district. A standard set usually costs between 1,500 and 2,200 yen.

Most local restaurants serve this seasonal specialty from November through late March. It is a favorite among locals who want to escape the winter chill. The communal pot style is perfect for families or groups of friends. Be sure to drink the remaining broth at the end of your meal.

Many shops also offer a side of tempura with your noodles. The crispy vegetables provide a great texture contrast to the soft soba. Visit the official tourism site for updated opening hours in 2026. Always check for holiday closures during the New Year period.

Savor Premium Shinshu Beef Dishes

Shinshu beef is a luxury item you must experience during your visit. The cattle are raised on local apples, which creates a unique flavor. This diet results in incredibly tender meat with beautiful marbling. It is widely considered some of the best beef in the Nagano region.

You can enjoy this delicacy as a thick steak or in sukiyaki. Sukiyaki is a hot pot dish with sweet soy sauce and vegetables. It is particularly popular during the snowy months of January and February. You can find several places to eat Shinshu beef near the city center.

A full dinner set often includes rice, miso soup, and local pickles. Expect to pay between 5,000 and 10,000 yen for a high-quality meal. Lunch sets are often more affordable if you are on a budget. The rich fat of the beef melts at a low temperature.

Many high-end restaurants require a reservation at least one day in advance. This ensures they have the freshest cuts available for your dinner. The meat pairs perfectly with the bold red wines of the region. Ask your server for a local wine recommendation to enhance the meal.

Try Local Oyaki Dumplings and Snacks

Oyaki are thick dumplings made from fermented buckwheat or wheat dough. They are stuffed with savory fillings like pickled mustard leaves or pumpkin. These snacks are perfect for eating while walking through the snowy streets. You can find them at many stalls for about 250 yen.

The dumplings are usually steamed and then grilled for a crispy exterior. This cooking method creates a satisfying chewiness that locals love. Nozawana, a type of local pickled green, is the most popular filling. It offers a salty and slightly spicy kick that warms the palate.

You can find these delicious buns at stalls near the famous Matsumoto Castle. They are a staple of the Matsumoto winter food and dining guide. Many shops also sell frozen versions to take home as souvenirs. Always eat them while they are steaming hot for the best taste.

Some modern shops now offer sweet fillings like custard or red bean. These are popular with younger travelers and children visiting the city. Look for the small wooden huts with steam rising from the roof. These are the most authentic places to buy your daily snack.

Enjoy Hot Sake and Oden

Winter is the perfect time to explore the local Izakaya scene. Many pubs serve hot oden, which is a variety of simmered ingredients. You will find boiled eggs, daikon radish, and fish cakes in the pot. The light dashi broth is deeply flavorful and very soothing.

Pair your hot meal with a glass of warm, locally brewed sake. Matsumoto has a long history of sake production due to its clean water. You can visit the best sake breweries in Matsumoto for tastings. Warm sake, or "atsukan," is the traditional way to drink in winter.

Most Izakayas are located in the narrow alleys near the main station. These cozy spots often have limited seating for a more intimate feel. You can chat with the locals while enjoying your warm drinks. The atmosphere is always welcoming and lively even on the coldest nights.

Oden is usually priced per piece, making it a very flexible meal. You can order a few items or a large shared platter. Most pieces cost between 100 and 300 yen each. Don't forget to try the spicy mustard served on the side.

Indulge in Sweet Winter Treats

Roasted sweet potatoes are a classic winter street food across Japan. In Matsumoto, vendors sell them from small trucks with wood-burning ovens. The smell of caramelizing sugar fills the air on crisp winter afternoons. They are naturally sweet and very filling for a quick snack.

You should also try "Zenzai," a warm sweet red bean soup. It usually contains chewy mochi rice cakes that have been lightly toasted. This dessert is common in traditional cafes along the historic Nakamachi Street. It provides a wonderful energy boost during a long day of sightseeing.

Many cafes offer seasonal menus featuring local chestnuts and apples in 2026. You can find hot apple pies made with fruit from nearby orchards. These treats celebrate the agricultural bounty of the Nagano prefecture. Enjoy your dessert with a cup of hot green tea or coffee.

Seasonal mochi varieties are also available at local confectionery shops. Look for "Ichigo Daifuku," which is a strawberry wrapped in bean paste. These are often available starting in late winter as spring approaches. They are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.