Matsumae - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Matsumae

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Matsumae, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Matsumae and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Matsumae, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Matsumae for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Matsumae

Matsumae is a town located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is known for its rich history as the site of a castle built in 1606 by the Matsumae clan, which ruled over the southern parts of Hokkaido for over 200 years. Today, the town attracts visitors with its beautiful cherry blossom tree-lined streets, traditional Japanese architecture, and nearby natural attractions such as Lake Kussharo and Mount Io. It is also home to the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually in late April to early May, which celebrates the area's stunning cherry blossom season.

What to visit in Matsumae

Matsumae is a historic town in Hokkaido, Japan. It is famous for its castle, traditional architecture, and natural beauty. Here are some of its most popular tourist attractions along with some information about them: 1. Matsumae Castle: This castle is the only remaining castle in Hokkaido and is a registered cultural property of Japan. It was originally built in 1606 and is a beautiful example of Edo period Japanese architecture.
2. Matsumae Historical Museum: This museum contains exhibits showcasing the town's history, including various artifacts and documents related to the Matsumae clan.
3. Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival: This festival takes place every year in late April and early May when the cherry blossoms trees are in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms and traditional Japanese festivities.
4. Fukuyama Conger Eel Festival: This festival takes place in early August and celebrates the local delicacy of conger eel. Visitors can enjoy a variety of eel dishes along with traditional Japanese entertainment.
5. Matsumae Walking Tour: This is an excellent way to explore the town and its historic architecture. Visitors can take a guided walking tour of the town's traditional buildings and streets, including the Matsumae Samurai District.
6. Matsumae Hot Springs: The town has several hot springs located in beautiful natural settings. Visitors can relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs.
7. Matsumae Bay: This spectacular bay offers breathtaking views of the sea and mountainous scenery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports or simply relax and enjoy the view.
Overall, Matsumae offers a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Hokkaido.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Matsumae

The best time to visit Matsumae in Japan is during the autumn season, which ranges from September to November. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the foliage turns into spectacular colors of red, orange, and yellow, making for a picturesque backdrop. Additionally, you can attend the Matsumae Chrysanthemum Festival that takes place in late October to early November. However, it's also worth noting that Matsumae is a beautiful destination in the summer, where you can enjoy hiking, nature walks, and swimming in the nearby lakes and rivers to cool off from the heat.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Matsumae

To get to Matsumae, you can take a flight to Hakodate airport and then take a train or bus to Matsumae. Here are the steps: 1. Book a flight to Hakodate airport.
2. From Hakodate airport, take a bus or taxi to Hakodate station.
3. Take a train from Hakodate station to Kikonai station.
4. From Kikonai station, take a Matsumae bus (bound for Matsumae) to Matsumae bus stop.
The total travel time is approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the timing and mode of transportation you choose. It is recommended to check the schedules and buy tickets ahead of time to ensure a smooth trip.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Matsumae, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Matsumae

Matsumae is a town located in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its unique cuisine, influenced by its historical ties to the Ainu people and the Matsumae clan. Here are some typical foods of Matsumae with a short description for each of them: 1. Kelp soup (konbu-jiru): A soup made with a clear broth and thick pieces of kelp boiled until tender with other ingredients like vegetables or pork. 2. Salmon roe on sushi rice (ikura-don): A popular dish that consists of a bowl of vinegared sushi rice topped with fresh salmon roe and garnished with shiso leaves. 3. Hotate-daki: A popular seafood dish made by cooking scallops in their own shell over coals until the meat is tender and flavorful. 4. Hoshigaki: A traditional dried persimmon snack that is hand-picked and then hung up for weeks to dry, resulting in a sweet and chewy texture. 5. Shishamo: A small fish that is often grilled or fried and eaten whole, often flavored with salt or soy sauce. 6. Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake made with cabbage, seafood, and various toppings like mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, and seaweed. 7. Kaisendon: A type of seafood rice bowl that highlights local fish, often topped with salmon, tuna, and uni (sea urchin). 8. Ika-meshi: A rice dish cooked with squid, often served in its own ink and flavored with various seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and sake. 9. Hiyashi-chuka: A refreshing dish that usually consists of cold noodles with a variety of toppings like ham, cucumber, egg, and chicken, served with a tangy sauce. 10. Yamakawa Soba: A type of buckwheat noodle dish known for its unique texture and flavor, often served with dipping sauce or in a soup broth with vegetables and meat.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Matsumae an expensive destination for tourists?

Overall, Matsumae may be considered relatively expensive for tourists compared to other destinations in Japan, particularly due to its remote location and limited tourist infrastructure. Accommodation and transportation costs can be quite high during peak travel seasons, and food and activities can also add up quickly. However, it may be possible to save money by booking accommodations in advance or staying in cheaper hostels or guesthouses, eating at local restaurants rather than touristy ones, and utilizing public transportation or renting bicycles instead of taxis.

Where to find accomodation in Matsumae

Matsumae is a small town located in southern Hokkaido, Japan. The best areas to find accommodation in Matsumae are: 1. Matsumae town center: This area has the highest concentration of hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), making it a convenient location to stay in. Plus, you'll be close to Matsumae Castle, which is the town's most famous attraction.
2. Esashi town: This neighboring town also has several accommodation options, including ryokans and guesthouses. Esashi is about a 20-minute drive from Matsumae.
3. Hakodate city: If you don't mind a slightly longer commute, Hakodate city is a good option for accommodation. It's about an hour's drive from Matsumae, but it has an abundance of hotels and restaurants.
You can check hotel prices at Matsumae here:
Booking.com

Is Matsumae a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Matsumae is a safe place for tourists in Japan. Japan is known for being a safe country with low crime rates, and Matsumae is no exception to this. However, as with any travel destination, it's always a good idea to take standard precautions to ensure your safety. This includes things like being aware of your surroundings, staying in well-lit and populated areas, and keeping your belongings secure. Additionally, you may want to familiarize yourself with local customs and laws to ensure that you're respectful to the community and don't unintentionally break any laws.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Matsumae.

What type of travelers will enjoy Matsumae the most?

Matsumae is a historic town located on the southern coast of Hokkaido, Japan. It is a popular destination for travelers who are interested in exploring Japan's history and culture. Matsumae Castle, which was built in the late 16th century, is one of the town's main attractions and is a great place to learn about the history of the area.
Matsumae is a quiet and peaceful town, which is great for couples and families who are looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The town is also known for its cherry blossoms in spring, which are a popular attraction for visitors.
Young people looking for fun might find Matsumae a bit too quiet, as there are limited nightlife options and outdoor activities. However, for those who are interested in hiking, there are several trails in the area, including one that leads to the top of Mt. Sokuryo, which offers stunning views of the town and coastline.
Overall, Matsumae is best suited for those who are interested in history and culture, and are looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway.

How to get around Matsumae

The most common modes of transportation to move around Matsumae in Japan are by local buses and taxis. Walking is also an option since many of the attractions in Matsumae are within a walkable distance. However, it is important to note that during the winter season, the roads may become icy, and it may be challenging to walk around. Therefore, it is advisable to use the local buses or taxis during that time.

What to see around Matsumae

Sure, here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Matsumae: 1. Hakodate: Hakodate is a city located about two hours from Matsumae and is known for its stunning views of the city and sea from Mount Hakodate. The city is also home to famous seafood restaurants and the historic district of Motomachi.
2. Otaru: Otaru is a charming coastal town located about two hours north of Matsumae that's known for its excellent sushi, charming old buildings and canal district, and glasswork shops.
3. Sapporo: Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is the largest city in the region and located about three hours north of Matsumae. Highlights of the city include the Odori Park, the Sapporo Beer Museum, and the historic Hokkaido Shrine.
4. Niseko: Niseko is a popular ski resort town located about two hours north of Matsumae. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, golfing, and other outdoor activities in the area.
5. Onuma Quasi-National Park: Onuma Quasi-National Park is a beautiful park located about an hour north of Matsumae. The park is known for its stunning views of the Onuma Lake and surrounding mountains, as well as its well-maintained walking trails.
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