Not long ago, I finally wrote an article about a common question I receive from readers. Namely, about which of two nearby cities in the Japanese Alps makes for the best base, let alone the best place to explore on its own merits.
In writing that article (as I do whenever I publish “comparison” pieces), I made compelling cases for both of the cities named. At the end, I provided readers with enough information to make the decision on their own, according to their own travel needs and preferences.
Today, I’m back to do the same with another pair. Namely, is Takayama or Matsumoto a better base for exploring the Japanese Alps?
Why You Should Visit Both of These Cities (Even if You Don’t Sleep There)
As was the case with the city I referenced in the intro to this piece (Nagano), comparing Takayama vs Matsumoto is something of a crapshoot: Both of these places are imminently worth visiting. Although I’ll lay out some of the best attractions and experiences in each below, you can easily spend an entire day in the city center of either city and not feel bored (although you may wish you’d slept there).
The reality is that while these two cities are similar, they represent different facets of the Japanese Alps—one can’t replace the other directly. It could be that you visit one on your next trip to Japan, and the other on a future trip. This was how I first came to know them: I stayed in Matsumoto the first time I visited Japan (in April 2014) and visited Takayama for the first time in November 2015.
Ways to Compare Takayama with Matsumoto
Getting there and around
Matsumoto is much easier to access from Tokyo than Takayama is—regular Azusa Limited Express trains depart Shinjuku Station, taking about 90 minutes en route. Takayama, by contrast, is mostly easily accessible from Nagoya, via the Hida Limited Express. Alpico buses, which travel several times per day, connect the two cities over the Japanese Alps.
Things to do
Comparing Takayama and Matsumoto on this front, the contrast is stark. Within Matsumoto’s city center, the only major thing to do is visit Matsumoto Castle. Conversely, in Takayama, you have the Sanmachi Suji Old Street and Old Temple Trail, each of which is replete with treasures.
TIP: Another amazing thing to do in Takayama? Come in either April or October for the twice-annual Takayama Matsuri, one of Japan’s most enjoyable festivals.
Hotels and restaurants
I’d given Takayama a slight edge over Matsumoto for hotels—at least in their city centers. Boutique hotels like Hotel Wood and the ryokan Oyado Koto no Yume are superior to Matsumoto hotels such as Tabino Hotel Lit. On the food front, Takayama’s Hida beef “sushi” are more unique and distinctive than anything in Matsumoto.
Day trips
To me, whether you choose Matsumoto or Takayama, this is where both cities really shine. From Matsumoto, hike along the Nakasendo Way or the Senjojiki Cirque in the Chuo Alps, or see snow monkeys in Jigokudani; from Takayama, Gassho farmhouse villages like Shirakawa-go are the top day trip. Both cities are close to gorgeous Kamikochi.
Crowds
With the exception of the castle area, Matsumoto isn’t especially crowded; it’s more of a base than a destination in and of itself. Most of Takayama’s old town is pretty busy, which makes sense. In addition to all the people who stay here, lots come on day trips from Nagoya, Toyama, Kanazawa and even Matsumoto.
Other Places to Visit in the Japanese Alps
The Japanese Alps are one of the most diverse and interesting places in Japan. Beyond Matsumoto and Takayama and the various day trips you can take from them, there’s virtually no limit to the exploring that you can do here. For example, the castle town of Gujo-hachiman is increasingly popular, and maybe soon be on the level of major cities in the Alps (assuming they can build more hotels there).
Not surprisingly, the Japanese Alps are also amazing for hot spring lovers. From onsen hotels in the cities to towns like Hirayu Onsen (which is halfway between the two) and Gero (which is south of Takayama), you’re never far from a bubbling pool of mineral-rich water when you travel in the Japanese Alps.
Other FAQ About Matsumoto and Takayama
Which is better, Takayama or Matsumoto?
Matsumoto makes a convenient base for sightseeing in the Japanese Alps and is home to Matsumoto Castle, which is one of Japan’s most important castles. On the other hand, Takayama’s old town is arguably more impressive as a self-contained destination than Matsumoto is as a whole.
What to see between Matsumoto and Takayama?
On your way between Matsumoto and Takayama, I recommend stopping in the town of Hirayu Onsen. Soak in a hot spring at one of the day spas here, or continue by bus into the Kamikochi Valley. Either way, this part of the Japanese Alps is absolutely fascinating.
Is it worth going to Matsumoto Castle?
Matsumoto Castle is one of just 12 remaining original castles in Japan—it’s absolutely worth visiting. It’s unique for its black exterior, which has led to it being nicknamed “crow castle” by Japanese people. I especially love seeing it amid spring’s sakura and the colors of autumn!
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose Takayama or Matsumoto, exploring the Japanese Alps is an absolute pleasure. This is true both in terms of the majestic scenery, as well as the sheer variety of destinations within day trip distance of major cities. While the specific options for exploration will differ, depending upon whether you select Matsumoto or Takayama (or Nagano, for that matter) as your base, this is a part of Japan I think you’ll come back to again and again. Need help integrating the Alps into your next trip to Japan, or perhaps even deciding whether they should be part of it at all? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today, and leverage my decade-plus of experience and expertise.
