Middle-aged American couple, first visit to Japan, last 2 weeks of November. We’re planning to spend a few days in Tokyo, followed by a few days in Kyoto (with a day-trip to Nara.) We have time for 2 more destinations, staying 2 nights at each. For the second, we’ve already decided on Hakone, before returning to Tokyo for our flight home.
For the first, we’re debating between Kanazawa and Matsumoto. Kanazawa is a bit more travel time, but looks fascinating. Any recommendations? Thanks!
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Kanazawa, simply because it’s easily accessible from both Tokyo and Kyoto, so you could sandwich it in easily.
I don’t know if there are enough things in Matsumoto for 2 night, tbh.
Definitely Kanazawa, a lot more things to do there
FYI: there is stuff to do in Matsumoto. Despite what everyone thinks.
1. The castle and surrounding area. Matsumoto castle is one of 3 castles that are national treasures, alongside Himeji and Inuyama, it’s also one of the last remaining intact keeps in Japan. The immediate area is full of old shops modeled after the castle, and there’s also a shopping street along the river that is frog themed.
1b. Going the giant hill behind the castle for the kick-ass view of the Alps.
2. Asama onsen – a short bus ride from the station, plenty of day spas.
3. Utsukushigahara – the only plateau in Japan, and the remains of a volcana, may or may not have the cows still up there. There’s aiso vineyards and a winery on the way.
4. Mother fuckin’ apples. Even if you don’t pick them, getting the locaclly made apple juice is worth it.
5. Kaichi elementary school – The first western style elementary school in Japan, now a museum.
6. Agatanomori park – there’s aiso some old western style buildings here, also a lake full of turtles.
7. Shinshuu soba – these are the best soba noodles, I miss them. There’s also Oyaki – buns filled with whatever you can imagine.
8. Kamikochi – this is the area west of Matsumoto city. It’s famous for hiking, but as it’ll be past autumn foliage season, I’m not sure how nice it’d be.
Honestly, people talk about wanting to go off the beaten path, and if you really want to see a place that foreign tourists don’t often visit, Matsumoto is a good place to go.
Kanazawa. 2 days there is perfect. There isn’t as much to see at Matsumoto so you may get a bit bored.