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The enchanting Matsumoto, situated in the Nagano Prefecture and at the foot of the Japanese Alps, is a place that extends an invitation to explore the allure of the countryside. The city is overflowing with local Japanese culture and traditions, allowing you to behold paths ancestors have walked in, but still provides room to enjoy the beauty of the modern. Every season in Matsumoto has its charms, from the cherry blossoms in spring to the snow wonderland in winter. Come with us as we provide the highlights of each season to help you decide the best time to visit Matsumoto. Explore our collection of Matsumoto Holidays from walking to cycling.
Photo credit: Skyearth
Spring (April - May)
Spring is such a lovely time in Matsumoto. Around this time of the year, the city is decorated with gorgeous cherry blossoms, painting it pink and white. The weather is also perfect—not too cold or hot, making it ideal for outdoor adventures such as hiking the Nakasendo trail and touring the Matsumoto castle.
Summer (May - September)
Summer in Japan is typically sweltering in many areas. However, mountainous regions like Matsumoto have cooler temperatures because of their geography. This season welcomes you with a relaxing summer breeze and stunning scenery featuring lush and brilliant landscapes.
During summer in Matsumoto, a one-month rainy season lasts from mid-June to July. This period is characterised by frequent showers almost immediately followed by blue skies, which help to reduce the hotness and humidity of the summer season.
There are so many beauties to witness and activities to indulge in during the summer season in Matsumoto. You can visit the countryside and see the rice paddies filled with water (during the rainy period), catch sight of stunning hydrangeas, tour the Matsumoto City Art Museum, savour cold soba noodles, and enjoy cultural activities like the Taiko Drum Festival in July.
Photo credit: Iplada M
Autumn (October - November)
In autumn, catch the city at its prettiest as leaves begin to adopt new colours, including orange, red, and yellow. There are several ways to savour the season's beauty, such as taking walks, visiting autumn-leaf viewing spots like the Norikura Kogen and the Alps Park, and even stargazing because autumn promises clear night skies. The best time for viewing autumn leaves is between late September and November. Also, pack extra layers of clothes as the weather in the mountains is fickle and may change dramatically. This season is also one to enjoy Matsumoto's rich food culture as you relish autumn-inspired cuisines and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Photo credit: Sora Yamagake
Winter (December - March)
Winter in Matsumoto is so beautiful—it transforms the city into a snow wonderland, decorating the roads, houses, and mountains with gorgeous snow. This season lasts for a while. However, it doesn't snow every day, and you can still have sunny days during this period. Enjoy seasonal activities, including dipping in the local hot spring (onsen), snowshoeing, and skiing. You can also witness the famous Ice Sculpture Festival, where sculptors from various parts of the world come to carve blocks of ice into remarkable frozen art.
The Perfect Time for the Japanese Countryside
Ultimately, the best time to visit Matsumoto is dependent on what you want from the city and how you choose to enjoy its wonders. If witnessing the effervescent display of the cherry blossoms in soothing weather is on your bucket list, then visiting in spring is a no-brainer. Conversely, if you prefer snowshoeing in winter or the kaleidoscopic show of colours in autumn, we’ve provided all the information you need to help you decide easily.
Discover Matsumoto Holidays Here
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