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Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) is a small regional airport located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This airport is a vital access point for tourists wishing to explore the beauty of the Japanese Alps, as well as the surrounding nature, historical sites, and traditional culture. Whether you're visiting for outdoor adventures, historical exploration, or a peaceful getaway, Matsumoto Airport is the perfect starting point. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the airport’s offerings, the region’s attractions, and everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Matsumoto Airport is located in the city of Matsumoto, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, in central Japan. The airport is situated at the base of the Northern Japan Alps, a scenic mountain range that draws visitors from all over the world. This makes the airport an ideal entry point for travelers looking to experience both the rich cultural heritage of Nagano and the outdoor activities offered by the surrounding mountains.
The airport itself is small but efficient, offering both domestic and limited international flights. It’s a hub for those traveling to and from the mountains, nearby ski resorts, and beautiful historic towns like Takayama and Kamigamo.
Matsumoto Airport - MMJ is well-connected to various parts of Japan. The airport mainly handles domestic flights, with regular flights to and from major hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Flights from Tokyo to Matsumoto take roughly 1 hour, making it a convenient way to access the Japanese Alps for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
The airport is located about 6 kilometers from Matsumoto Station, a major railway hub in the city. From here, travelers can easily connect to local train lines, buses, and taxis, making it simple to reach nearby destinations within the Nagano Prefecture and the greater Chubu region.
There are also buses that run regularly between the airport and Matsumoto Station, allowing visitors to transfer to different parts of the region, including the historic town of Takayama and the popular hot spring town of Kamigamo.
While Matsumoto Airport is primarily domestic, it does offer limited international flights, mainly to nearby regional airports in Asia. The airport is also connected to major international hubs like Narita International Airport (Tokyo) and Kansai International Airport (Osaka) via domestic flights, making it relatively easy to transfer to Matsumoto from other parts of Japan or overseas.
Matsumoto Airport is perfectly located for visitors to explore the stunning Nagano Prefecture and the surrounding areas. Whether you're into nature, history, or Japanese culture, the region offers a wide variety of attractions. Below are some of the top places to explore around Matsumoto Airport.
Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, is one of Japan’s most beautiful and historically significant castles. It’s located in Matsumoto City, about 20 minutes by car from the airport. The castle dates back to the 16th century and is one of the few original castles left in Japan, with a stunning five-story structure that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Visitors can tour the castle’s interior, which houses historical exhibits, and enjoy the surrounding park, which is particularly lovely during the cherry blossom season.
Matsumoto Airport is located at the foot of the Japanese Alps, making it the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering are just a few of the activities you can enjoy in the region. The Northern Alps, in particular, offer some of the best hiking trails in Japan, with routes suited to both beginners and experienced climbers.
For skiing, resorts like Hakuba Valley and Norikura are just a short drive from Matsumoto, making the city a popular destination for winter sports. In the warmer months, visitors can explore the lush green mountains, enjoy scenic views, or visit the famous Kamigamo Hot Springs for a relaxing soak after a day of outdoor adventure.
Kamikochi is a stunning alpine valley in the Northern Alps, about 1.5 hours from Matsumoto Airport by bus or car. Famous for its pristine rivers, crystal-clear lakes, and towering mountains, Kamikochi is a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, and visitors can explore several walking trails that lead through lush forests and alongside peaceful rivers.
Kamikochi is only accessible in the warmer months, from spring to autumn, due to heavy snowfall in winter. However, it remains one of Nagano’s top attractions and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
For those visiting in the winter, the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is a must-see destination. It is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, offering over 50 kilometers of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The resort is about 2 hours away from Matsumoto Airport by bus, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving at the airport.
Nagano Prefecture is famous for its hot springs, or “onsen,” and there are many traditional baths to experience around Matsumoto. Kamigamo Onsen, located about 40 minutes from the airport, is known for its relaxing baths and scenic mountain views. Other popular onsen towns near Matsumoto include Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen, where visitors can unwind in the soothing mineral-rich waters.
Matsumoto is also well-connected to other popular cities like Takayama and Kamigamo, making it an ideal stopover for those traveling through the central part of Japan.
Matsumoto is known for its unique regional cuisine, influenced by its mountain location. Whether you’re craving hearty dishes to fuel your outdoor adventures or something light to enjoy after a day of sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of options around the airport and throughout Matsumoto City.
Nagano Prefecture is famous for its soba noodles, and Matsumoto is no exception. The region’s soba is made from buckwheat grown in the high-altitude fields of the Japanese Alps. Many local restaurants serve soba with a variety of toppings, such as tempura or fresh vegetables. This is a must-try dish while in the area.
Gohei-mochi is a skewered rice cake glazed with a sweet or savory sauce and grilled to perfection. This local delicacy is often served as a snack or appetizer at restaurants around Matsumoto.
Grilled meat skewers, or yakitori, are another popular dish in Matsumoto. Many local eateries and izakayas offer a variety of grilled meats and vegetables, served alongside rice or sake.
Matsumoto also has its own regional sweets, including sweet rice cakes and fruit-based desserts, which make perfect souvenirs. You’ll find plenty of shops selling these treats in Matsumoto City and around the airport.
Matsumoto Airport is well connected to the surrounding areas by both public transport and private options. While the airport itself is small, there are a few key ways to get around Matsumoto City and nearby attractions.
Matsumoto Airport has a direct bus service to Matsumoto Station, making it easy to connect to trains and other transport options. Buses also run to major tourist destinations like Kamigamo and the Japanese Alps.
Taxis are available at the airport and are a convenient option for getting to nearby locations. However, if you’re planning to explore the region extensively, renting a car is a good idea. Rental services are available at the airport, and driving in Matsumoto and Nagano is relatively straightforward.
Matsumoto Station is a major hub for trains in the region. From the station, visitors can take trains to other parts of Nagano Prefecture, as well as cities further afield like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
The best time to visit Matsumoto is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November). During these months, the weather is mild, and the region’s natural beauty is at its peak. Spring brings the cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant foliage in the Japanese Alps.
For winter sports enthusiasts, the ski season runs from December to February, offering ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Summer, particularly June to August, is also a great time for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
The average time to visit Matsumoto and the surrounding areas depends on your interests. For most travelers, a 2-3 day stay is sufficient to explore
