About a three hour train ride from Tokyo is Matsumoto—a quaint city that makes for a great day trip. Here’s just a few fun things to do in Matsumoto.

Matsumoto Castle

The 400-year-old castle and garden are kept in pristine condition. As you walk up to the castle grounds, you can’t help but stare in awe at the massive castle and mountain backdrop. Walk across the koi-filled moat and through the wide brick gate to enter the castle garden.

Take a free English-friendly tour or explore the grounds on your own.  Walk along the castle’s wooden floors and narrow staircases to view old artifacts and learn about traditional Japanese-castle architecture. Peer through the narrow windows for an aerial view of Matsumoto city.

Please keep in mind that Matsumoto Castle was built way before handicap accessibility was a thing. For this reason, there are many narrow stairs you must climb to access the numerous floor levels. Also, in true Japanese form, visitors are required to take their shoes off upon entering the castle.

Ukiyo-e Museum

This moderately sized but fascinating museum features woodblock prints (otherwise known as ukiyo-e). You know the famous artwork, “The Great Wave of Kanagawa?” Yeah, that’s ukiyo-e. Watch a video on the painstaking process of the unique Japanese artform. An English translation is available per request. On your way out, be sure to visit the souvenir shop.

Japanese Court & Open-Air Architectural Museum

Behind the Ukiyo-e Museum is the Japanese Court and Open-Air Architectural Museum. The old court and jail are ironically beautiful and peaceful with a stream running through a gorgeous, gated Japanese building. Behind the large court house lies a quaint open courtyard surrounded by other smaller buildings, including the jail cells.

Nawate Dori

Nawate Dori is a line of shops that follow along a picturesque river. Many of the stores sell cute trinkets, and there are plenty of restaurants within Nawate Dori as well.