The history of Matsumoto City is long and fascinating, and there is no better place to get a feeling for it than at the Matsumoto City Museum. Recently opened in Autumn 2023, it is clean and modern and provides English explanations for many of its exhibits.

For travelers interested in visiting any of Matsumoto's historical attractions, such as Matsumoto Castle or the Former Kaichi School, first consider stopping by the City Museum in order to get some background on the places you will see afterwards. You will find it much more rewarding!

Where is the Matsumoto City Museum?

The Matsumoto City Museum is conveniently located in downtown Matsumoto, and can be reached easily even from the train station. For visitors coming by train, leave the station from the West Exit and follow the signs which lead towards Matsumoto Castle. The museum will be on the left side (if you are heading there from the station) of the Daimyocho Road, only a few minutes walk away from Matsumoto Castle. Several local buses also connect the station to the area - the closest bus stop will be the Daimyocho Bus Stop. Either by bus or on foot, expect between 10-15 minutes to reach the museum from the station.

What will you find in the Museum?

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Inside the museum, you will find a large number of artifacts and educational exhibits which showcase all eras of the cities history, including Samurai armor, art, and a massive diorama of the castle and city as it was in the feudal era. While some exhibits lack an English explanation, most do have at least a short description in English, making it possible to enjoy even if you do not speak Japanese.

The museum itself is 3 stories tall and includes both a permanent exhibit area and a special exhibit room with rotating exhibits. While the permanent exhibits cover the history of Matsumoto up until the modern day, the special exhibits have a broader range of themes and are changed every few months.

Visiting the Matsumoto City Museum

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When visiting the Matsumoto City Museum, visitors will be asked to decide between purchasing a ticket for the permanent exhibit, the special exhibit, or the combo ticket which includes both. The permanent exhibit ticket costs 500 JPY for adults, but the special exhibit cost varies. The museum is open from the hours of 09:00 - 17:00, but the 1st floor alone (the lobby, shop, and cafe area) will be open in part until 21:00. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so make sure to plan your visit for a different day of the week, and avoid the New Year Period (Dec. 29th - Jan, 3rd) when all floors will be completely closed.

If you want to get the most out of your visit, also consider joining our tour of Matsumoto which includes a visit to the museum with your knowledgeable guide! Armed with the fascinating story of Matsumoto, the rest of the tour will bring you around to the cities best historic sites and allow you to see in person what you learned in the museum. To finish off the day, you get to whisk and drink your own Matcha at a local tea shop!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q: Is the Matsumoto City Museum free to enter?

A: No, it costs 500 JPY per person for an entry ticket for the permanent exhibit.

Q: How much time will I need to see the whole museum?

A: It is best to have at least 1 hour of time to fully enjoy the museum. If you intend to visit both the permanent and special exhibits, 1.5 hours will be needed to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace.

Q: Is the museum accessible on foot?

A: Yes! It is only a 10 minute walk from Matsumoto Station, and only a 5 minute walk or less from Matsumoto Castle.

Q: Are English explanations provided at the Matsumoto City Museum?

A: Some exhibits do have English explanations provided. However, a minority of exhibits lack English signage.