The cultural city of Nagano is full of attractions, such as Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena, and is loved for its hot springs and temples.
Matsumoto is known for its castle and hot springs, and entices visitors with popular attractions including Matsumoto Castle and Matsumoto Scale Museum.
The cultural city of Yamanouchi is full of attractions, such as Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort and Ichinose Family Ski Area, and is loved for its hot springs and mountain views.
The cultural city of Nozawaonsen entices visitors with popular attractions including Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort and Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park, and is loved for skiing.
Skiers and snowboarders might want to test out the slopes at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area, a skiing spot located 2 mi (3.2 km) from central Hokujo. If you master the slopes, Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park and Hakuba Iwatake Ski Resort are both nearby.
Ski the fall line at Shiga Kogen Ski Area located 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from central Yamanouchi. If you master the slopes, Maruike Ski Area and Hasuike Ski Area are both nearby.
Skiers and snowboarders might want to test out the slopes at Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort, a top skiing spot in the heart of Nozawaonsen. If you master the slopes, Togari Onsen Ski Resort is also located nearby.
"Richmond Hotel Matsumoto was a wonderful surprise.
As a budget-friendly business hotel, we weren’t expecting much—but it turned out to be far nicer than anticipated. The room was spotlessly clean, with a comfortable queen bed and a divan-style sofa that made for a perfect little reading nook.
The breakfast buffet was simple but satisfying, with enough variety to suit even a finicky Western palate.
Its location is excellent—convenient to the train station, restaurants, and shopping—making it an easy base for exploring. Matsumoto itself is a lovely city that feels a bit under the radar for international travellers, yet it offers so much charm. It’s also an ideal staging point for trips into the Japanese Alps or the Kiso Valley.
All in all, a great option if you’re looking for something budget-friendly without feeling bare bones."
"Room was very small and the bed was placed at the corner that one side doesn’t have bedside table or any space, it was hard to get out of the bed.
The breakfast was great and at the higher floor with a view. Wished it was open for dinner or drinks as well. "
"Absolutely terrible I highly recommend not staying. Everything broken and old, destroyed furniture and walls, mold growing out of the vents, terrible water pressure, beds with broken springs, over crowded, no nearby restaurant options, terrible quality, extremely overpriced. "
"Amenity choices are wide. The frontdesk staff is super polite and efficient. The location and parking area is closed to main train station which is very convenient. The parking fee is ¥800 which is even lower than some smaller city. Good deal!"
"Had a really good stay here! The pictures online do no justice. Great location - amazing Mountain View’s from the room and dining spaces (better than in Hakuba), Very clean, amazing staff, good food! No regrets. They actually exceeded my expectations here! Would definitely return"
