Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Matsumoto is a picturesque city in Nagano Prefecture, renowned for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 240,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD, most international cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, 🏮 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly used services include Shinsei Bank and Japan Post Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from traditional ryokan inns to modern apartments available via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Matsumoto offers beds starting from ¥3,500. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Nakamachi district is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider the central area near Matsumoto Station for convenience. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Matsumoto Coworking offers a friendly atmosphere and high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Matsumoto Coffee Roasters is a great spot with good wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups often organized through Facebook and Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Matsumoto International Meetup hosts regular social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi is a popular option for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike shops provide rentals, including Matsumoto Cycling Center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches are immediately nearby, but Nagano's Shinano River is great for riverside relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Nagano Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Matsumoto Station connects to major cities like Nagoya and Tokyo. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Nikko Pass is available for tourist attractions. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are efficient for nearby towns and cities, such as Takayama. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Matsumoto City Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Matsumoto offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness is a 24/7 gym option. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundries are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is widely used in Matsumoto. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Soba noodles, a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Buddah offers excellent vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sakura no Shita is famous for its delicious sakura (cherry blossom) desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Matsumoto's local markets, especially in the Nakamachi area, offer affordable options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan and Rakuten are popular choices. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Tsuchiyamasu district has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Matsumoto Beer offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Miyama Vineyards has a nice tasting room. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Find great street food along Nakadachiuri Street. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are a few international restaurants, including Italian and Chinese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Matsumoto Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and must-visit landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Matsumoto City Museum of Art showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Nakamachi Street is famous for its preserved samurai houses. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kamikochi Shrine offers beautiful walks and spiritual experiences. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Matsumoto Matsuri festival is held in early July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nakadachiuri Street features traditional shops and tourist attractions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Short histories are performed at the Matsumoto Performing Arts Center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Asama Onsen market is a great spot for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Shinshu Matsumoto Music Festival showcases local talents. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Matsumoto has various murals scattered throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Traditional Japanese cooking classes are available through local schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Matsumoto Art Gallery presents contemporary exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Matsumoto Post Office building is an architectural wonder. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Matsumoto is known as the 'City of Flowers' in Japan. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hakuba Valley is nearby and offers stunning hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chubu Sangaku National Park is just a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many scenic bike paths can be found along the Matsumoto riverside. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Utsukushigahara Heights is spectacular. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kamikochi is famous for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas are available along riversides, particularly in summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express provide reliable services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronic shops offer repair services for gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Matsumoto Community Center offers Japanese language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Matsumoto City Library is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Civic Hall Matsumoto hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local arcade centers often feature gaming lounges. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Though Japan is limited in casinos, there are gaming options at local entertainment centers. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥16,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥12,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥21,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥15,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥320,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥25,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥230,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥18,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for residents and non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% for goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies, based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Inherited properties have a 1.5% transfer tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax treaties may apply, consulting with a local tax advisor is recommended. |