Matsumoto, Japan 🇯🇵
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Matsumoto is a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, known for its historic castles and picturesque views of the Japanese Alps. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 240,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY = 0.0067 USD (November 2024) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and AU; prepaid SIM cards available at airports and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) offer ATM services accepting international cards; also, Shinsei Bank has options for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around ¥80,000. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in many shops and restaurants, but cash is still preferred in some places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, along with local guesthouses; prices start from ¥7,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Matsumoto; average price of ¥3,500 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Matsumoto Coworking; offers a comfortable space with high-speed internet and coffee. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Jikou; known for its quiet atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups organized through Meetup.com, focusing on technology and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Matsumoto International Association hosting regular events for expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi is widely used; standard fares start around ¥650. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Matsumoto Cycling offers bike rentals starting from ¥1,000 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shirahone Onsen Beach, approximately 1.5 hours drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Japan Airlines operates regional flights from Matsumoto Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways has flights connecting to major international hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Nagano Expressway and Chuo Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Matsumoto Station is the main hub, connecting to regional destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Various transport passes available for bus and train travel; Matsumoto Pass offers discounts. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (JR East) to Nagano and Matsumoto bus service for nearby locations. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Matsumoto Medical Center; offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaloft Matsumoto; offers classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness Matsumoto; memberships start around ¥7,500 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Room Matsumoto; self-service laundromat options available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats available in Matsumoto; a variety of local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Soba noodles, especially from a local soba shop. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Matsumoto Vegetable Cafe; offers a full vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Takamatsu Sweets; famous for traditional Japanese sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Matsumoto's Nakamachi Street; local food market and shops. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan offer a wide range of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | LIFULL HOME'S grocery service provides delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nakamachi Street has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and izakayas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Matsumoto Brewery; produces a variety of craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Yamato Winery; offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local Matsumoto street vendors near the castle serve delicious snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Indian cuisine available at Noor Indian Restaurant. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Matsumoto Castle; a well-preserved historic site and national treasure. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Matsumoto City Art Museum showcases local art and exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nakamachi Street; features traditional wooden buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Zenko-ji Temple; an important Buddhist temple in the region. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Matsumoto Castle Takigi Noh; a traditional Noh play performance held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nakamachi District; rich in cultural heritage with shops and traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Matsumoto Performing Arts Center; hosts various cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Matsumoto Morning Market; vibrant local market for fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues such as M-Sports Club; hosts live music sessions. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the Nakamachi area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Matsumoto Cooking School offers classes to learn traditional Japanese dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Jiyu; features contemporary art and local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Former Matsumoto Post Office; an architectural landmark of the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Matsumoto's connection to the Matsumoto Clan, rich in history and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kamikochi; renowned for outdoor activities and stunning scenery about 1-hour drive. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chubu Sangaku National Park; offers breathtaking mountain views and hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are numerous trails such as those around Matsumoto Castle. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Utsukushigahara Highlands; offers magnificent views of the Japanese Alps. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Onioshidashi Park; a favored spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Kamikochi for campfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport; reliable service for domestic and international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iPhone Matsumoto; repairing services for smartphones and gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports Center Matsumoto; facilities available for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Matsumoto Language School; offers Japanese language classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Matsumoto City Library; a quiet spot for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Matsumoto Community Center; hosts various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Biyori; a space for video gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available in Matsumoto; nearest in larger cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥12,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥10,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥280,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥16,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥230,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥13,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥20,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥200,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥16,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japanese tax system; residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing CFC taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on assessed value; varies by location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for property transfers. |