Crisp mountain air, beautiful wooden architecture, and alpine rivers and lakes so crystal clear they’re an almost otherworldly shade of blue characterize the mountain villages of Matsumoto and Takayama. Add a castle or two, charming little streets, and some regional delicacies and it’s more than worth the trip to the Japanese Alps.
Matsumoto and Takayama Japan Highlights
The historic castle in Matsumoto surrounded by a moat is perhaps the perfect photo opportunity, and the whole city is charming and easily walkable. Same goes for Takayama — the quaint wooden architecture and little cafes, shops and restaurants are fun to explore.
Takayama also has a market on Sundays to check out, and the sake breweries are great for tastings (or just to get a quick bite for non-drinkers). Avid hikers can head into the mountains and everyone can enjoy a dip on an onsen or thermal bath.
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Matsumoto and Takayama Logistics
The scenic train rides through the mountains are perhaps one of the most visually stunning train rides you can take anywhere. Once you get to the towns themselves, everything is fairly easy to walk to and the main tourist areas are fairly condensed.
What to Pack for The Japanese Alps
It’s chilly in the fall and winter (I was here in December) but warm and downright pleasant in the summer. Bring layers and some comfortable walking boots.
What to Eat in Matsumoto and Takayama
If you eat beef, locally produced Hida beef is not to be missed. Otherwise, warming miso soup (and locally produced sake), all kinds of sugary delicacies, and other sweet treats will help fuel all those walks through the hilly city and countryside.
Soba noodles are another regional specialty and if you’re curious, you can even learn to prepare them yourself!
If you’re staying at a ryokan (more on that in the next section), you’ll likely have the option to dine in your room with a kaiseki meal, or a multi-course spread featuring seasonal regional delicacies. This is served in your room so you can relax and enjoy dinner and then perhaps a dip in the thermal onsen mineral baths.
Where to Stay in Matsumoto and Takayama
Staying in a classic ryokan or Japanese inn (ideally with an onsen bath) is a must. The level of hospitality, comfort, and old school Japanese elegance is an experience in and of itself; plenty of ryokans also offer full or half board and serve traditional kaiseki meals.
Many ryokans offer public and/or private onsen baths, which are hot spring mineral waters known for their healing properties and relaxing nature.
Note that most ryokans are shoes-off inside, but they will give you slippers and a yukata or robe to wear around the property.
We recommend Ryokan Tanabe in Takayama but there are plenty of great options!
Bonus: Koya-San Mountain
If you’re including Osaka on your Japan vacation (and you should), consider spending a night at Koya-san, a stunning sacred mountain with multiple Buddhist temples that you can stay at overnight, dining on the same vegan meals as the monks, learning to meditate, and participating in traditional ceremonies.
Have you been to Japan? If so, what were your personal highlights? Are you considering a trip to the Japanese Alps or elsewhere in Japan in 2025 or at some point in the future? Let us know in the comments or on our Growing Younger Facebook page!
– Jacqueline Zenn
You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s Japan travel adventures. See A Traveler’s Guide to Tokyo: The Perfect Blend of Chaos and Tradition and Trendspotting Fashion and Beauty in Japan: How To Get The Look and Discover the Timeless Grace and Charisma of Kyoto: A Traveler’s Guide and Japan’s Best Kept Secret: Why You Need to Visit Kyoto-by-the-Sea.
Photos: Jacqueline Zenn for Fountain Of 30
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