I’ve written concerning the Japanese Alps extensively on this website—the place I stand on the area as a vacation spot gained’t be a secret to you in the event you’ve clicked round in any respect.
Nevertheless, there are points to be litigated aside from merely whether or not or not it is best to go to this a part of Japan. And never simply what number of days to remain, whether or not or to not hire a automotive, how a lot to hike or climb or what time of 12 months to go, although these are all after all necessary questions.
Right now, I need to carry up one which’s much more basic: Whether or not Matsumoto or Nagano makes the perfect base for exploring the Japan Alps. The reply won’t be as apparent because it appears!
Why Vacationers Get Caught Between Matsumoto and Nagano
A part of the confusion RE: Nagano vs Matsumoto? The truth that Matsumoto is technically in Nagano—effectively, Nagano prefecture. This leads some vacationers to consider that the 2 are one in the identical and select Matsumoto not on advantage, however by default. (In fact, as you’ll see, I’d argue that it does win on advantage in lots of instances, however I don’t need to get too far forward of myself. Keep tuned!).
On the flipside, some vacationers resolve to remain in Nagano Metropolis for doubtful causes. Some assume that Matsumoto is far additional off the Shinkansen line than it truly is, or that Nagano has extra worthwhile sights as a result of it’s a bigger metropolis. The widespread thread right here? A bit of straightforward analysis is all it takes to make a extra knowledgeable determination. Even when that “analysis” is solely studying the remainder of this text!
Nagano
Methods to Evaluate Matsumoto with Nagano
Getting there and round
Every of those cities is linked on to Tokyo: The Hokuriku Shinkansen travels straight from Tokyo and Ueno Stations to Nagano, whereas the Azusa Restricted Specific goes to Matsumoto from Shinjuku. As soon as there, each cities are fairly walkable, although Matsumoto is each smaller and flatter, which makes it a lighter carry on this regard.
Issues to do
Likewise, each Nagano and Matsumoto are stuffed with sights, with one in every place standing out above the others. In Matsumoto, it’s Matsumoto Fort, which is one among simply 12 remaining “unique” castles in Japan. In Nagano, in the meantime, it’s Zenko-ji, the traditional (and completely large) temple round which the town was initially constructed.
Lodges and eating places
Matsumoto wasn’t highly regarded earlier than the pandemic, and has seen the development of a number of new and glorious accommodations, together with Tabino Lodge Lit and the Iroha Grand Lodge; Nagano’s accommodations are usually older and fewer exceptional. Conversely, I’d give Nagano the sting on meals: Ensure that to attempt soba noodles topped with domestically grown wasabi.
Day journeys
Whether or not in Nagano or Matsumoto, you’ve got loads of wonderful spots inside day-trip distance—I’ll broaden extra on these in a few paragraphs. From Nagano, Togakushi Shrine and the Jigokudani Monkey Park are high choices; from Matsumoto, you possibly can hike within the Kamikochi Valley or alongside the Nakasendo Method.
Onward excursions
Likewise, it’s straightforward to journey onward from each of those cities. From Matsumoto, I normally like to go westward over the Alps to Takayama, one other smaller cities that makes a fantastic mountain hub. From Nagano, the Hokuriku Shinkansen continues onward to locations starting from standard Kanazawa to offbeat Toyama, Fukui and Kaga Onsen.
Matsumoto
Different Locations to Go to in Nagano Prefecture
Nagano is a big and various prefecture, which is house to a few of my favourite locations in Japan. Listed here are only a few of them:
- The traditional Nakasendo Method combines nature and heritage simply 1-2 hours from Matsumoto, relying upon which of the villages you cease in.
- Searching for pure nature as an alternative? Go to the Kamikochi Valley from Matsumoto, or the “snow monkeys” of Jigokudani from Nagano.
- Extra intense climbing can be obtainable, whether or not you’re in Matsumoto and go to the Senjojiki Cirque, or go to Hakuba from Nagano.
- Togakushi Shrine and its towering cedars make for a fully spectacular day journey from Nagano, significantly in the event you go in winter.
Different FAQ About Matsumoto vs Nagano
Ought to I keep in Matsumoto or Nagano Metropolis?
Though Nagano is clearly extra handy, being straight on the Shinkansen line, Matsumoto is a superb place to base your self. The town heart is smaller and extra compact; no place on the extent of Matsumoto Fort exists inside Nagano Metropolis.
How do I get to Matsumoto from Nagano?
Matsumoto is just round an hour from Nagano, through the JR Shinonoi Line. Your journey time might be barely longer on an area prepare, whereas the Shinano Restricted Specific can get you there faster and with a extra snug reserved seat, albeit it at a better value.
Is Matsumoto or Nagano a greater place to go to?
As a standalone vacation spot, I’d say that Matsumoto is metropolis the place you get barely extra bang to your buck than in Nagano. When factoring in day journeys, in addition to the benefit of getting there from Tokyo, nonetheless, I’d say that it’s actually a draw as to which metropolis is “higher.”
The Backside Line
Do you have to keep in Matsumoto or Nagano throughout your journey to the Japanese Alps? There isn’t a “mistaken” reply, per se. On one hand, Matsumoto is a metropolis that’s smaller and simpler to discover, and is nearer to a greater variety of non-ski sights than Nagano. However, Nagano Metropolis is straight alongside the Shinkansen line, and can be a hub for bus and prepare routes to most of the high ski resorts in Japan. In the end, your determination will rely as a lot on the targets of your journey and your journey model because it does on the cities themselves. Want customized assist hammering out the small print of your journey to Japan? Think about commissioning a customized Japan itinerary!