"Very pretty, neat and clean hotel that is walkable to anywhere.
The hotel look so grand from the outside and the lobby is big and spacious.
A lot of food around the area.
The room is big and clean, Toilet is big for Japanese standard.
They even provide light dinner. I will stay in this hotel again if I come back to Matsumoto."
"Tucked quietly in the heart of Matsumoto, Richmond Hotel is that kind of place where you check in and immediately feel, “Yes, this was the right choice.”
Just a 10-minute walk from the famous Matsumoto Castle, and only a few steps from the main train station, the hotel is perfect for exploring the city on foot. Everything feels close — but not too crowded.
The lobby is simple, efficient, and the check-in process is smooth with helpful staff (and English-friendly machines). It gives off a calm business-hotel feel but with the warmth of Japanese hospitality.
🚶♂️ What’s nearby (walking distance):
Matsumoto Castle – a national treasure and absolute must-visit, especially during cherry blossom season.
Matsumoto City Museum of Art – just 5 mins away, home to works by Yayoi Kusama (yes, the dots queen herself!). 🎨
Nakamachi Street – preserved Edo-style merchant houses turned into cozy cafes, sake shops, and souvenir boutiques.
Local izakayas & ramen spots – literally around the corner!
🛏️ Room Experience:
We stayed in a twin room — very clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. Soft beds, adjustable lighting, and full amenities including pajamas, skincare sets, and even phone chargers.
☕ Bonus points for:
In-room humidifier (helpful in dry weather!)
Free drinks in the lobby lounge during certain hours
Coin laundry for longer stays
✨ Why we recommend this hotel:
Location: It’s so central, you can explore most places by foot.
Convenience: Great for family trips or solo travelers who need a “no-stress” base.
Comfort: Classic Japanese standards — clean, quiet, and efficient.
If you’re heading to Matsumoto and want a place that gives you both comfort and convenience without breaking the budget, this is a solid choice. Plus, waking up and walking to the castle in the early morning light? Unforgettable. 🌸"
"We have stayed as 2 couples. Here are our review:
- The rooms were a bit small but still good enough for a 3D/2N stay.
- The onsen was great and clean. After onsen, you should try to free massage chair.
- There is a supply of towels daily, however some towels were slightly dirty.
- There is an ulimited supply of pijamas and they are very confortable.
- An evening drink and a morning coffee are inclusive, not the best tough.
To sum up, we enjoyed our stay, it is only 5 mins walk from the main train station and rooms are good for 2 people."
"This was my first hiking trip to Japan, and I opted for the Chubu region, including Magome-juku, Tsumago-juku, and Kamikochi. After completing the Magome-Tsumago trail, I spent two days resting in Matsumoto. I specifically chose an onsen hotel conveniently located near the station, and the moment I arrived, I immediately enjoyed a relaxing soak in the hot springs. The hotel service was excellent, the breakfast was delicious, and they even offered complimentary late-night ramen. Matsumoto is a truly quiet and beautiful city – I absolutely loved it."
"The location is near but consider as far walking from station. It’s very far from the walking streets/ town and castle (approx 1km or slightly more). The bus/ transport couldn’t stop exact to those area hence walking is required. If you wanted to stay close to the station, there’s more better choices which more straight forward locate from the stations. Hotel buena vista just not as straight forward.
The staff is just junior inexperience. I have phone data issue and ask for wifi assistance. The wifi in the lobby is so weak that I couldn’t connect. I ended up going back to JR station to get the public wifi to fix my data. Staff just look at me without offering any solutions.
But one staff is kind and he stood at the lobby. He handed me the Matsumoto map for my exploring before the 3pm check in. Hey, I expected this is done by the one at the counter not this gentleman who stand at the hotel lobby!
When it mentioned hotel buena vista has good cafe etc etc .. it’s actually dated and nothing to shout about.
However the perks is to book a slot and visit the sister hotel closer to the mountain with the provided shuttle bus for their onsen facilities. That was top notch !!! Please book it earlier before it’s gone. However the slot available is dinner time. So please consider it."
"The location is excellent and very convenient for getting around. The room was clean and comfortable, and I really appreciated that pajamas were provided. Great stay overall!"
"Excellent location, very close to Matsumoto Station, making it incredibly convenient for getting around. The Matsumoto Kiyoshi duty-free shop is also nearby, and even the supermarket downstairs offers duty-free shopping. Right below, there's a bustling street food area with a fantastic variety of delicious and affordable options."
"I was stranded in Matsumoto because I overestimated the travel time I had remaining to make the JR schedule. The Dormy at Matsumoto was perfect - the outdoor rooftop hot spring in the snow was one of my favorite experiences.
Breakfast ended at 9:30 so I missed it - usually I think breakfasts end at 10:30. But they had free Hersheys ice cream, Yakult, coffee, and more throughout the small Disneyland-hotel-Ryokan."
"Staying at Shoho in Matsumoto was an unforgettable experience that truly deserves five stars. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Nagano Prefecture, this hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elegance with modern luxury. From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were enveloped by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the tone for the rest of our stay.
Our room was a perfect sanctuary—spacious, meticulously clean, and adorned with subtle touches of Japanese artistry. The panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from our window were nothing short of breathtaking, especially when the mountains were bathed in the soft glow of sunrise. The traditional tatami flooring and comfortable futon bedding provided an authentic experience without sacrificing comfort.
One of the standout features of Shoho is its exceptional onsen facilities. Soaking in the natural hot springs while gazing at the picturesque scenery was incredibly rejuvenating. The rotenburo (outdoor bath) offered a tranquil escape where the stresses of daily life simply melted away. The hotel's attention to detail extended to these spaces, with beautifully crafted woodwork and stone elements enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Culinary delights awaited us at every meal. The kaiseki dinner was a masterpiece—a multi-course feast that highlighted seasonal and local ingredients. Each dish was artfully presented and demonstrated a profound respect for Japanese culinary traditions. The breakfast buffet was equally impressive, offering a wide array of both Japanese and Western options to suit all palates.
The staff at Shoho went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional. Their genuine hospitality was evident in every interaction, from assisting with our luggage to offering insightful recommendations on local attractions. Despite any language barriers, their kindness and professionalism shone through.
The hotel's location is ideal for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Matsumoto. We were just a short drive from the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Strolling through the historic Nakamachi Street with its classic white-walled storehouses turned boutique shops and cafes was a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
In addition to its proximity to cultural sites, Shoho serves as a great base for nature enthusiasts. The nearby Kamikochi Valley offers stunning hiking trails that showcase the unspoiled beauty of the Japanese Alps. Returning to the comfort of the hotel after a day of exploration was something we looked forward to, especially knowing a soothing onsen soak awaited us.
In summary, Shoho encapsulates the essence of Japanese hospitality. Every aspect of our stay was thoughtfully curated to provide comfort, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. We left feeling deeply refreshed and with a greater appreciation for the wonders of Matsumoto. Shoho is more than just a place to stay—it's an experience that lingers long after you've departed. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and luxurious retreat in Japan."
"A very nice Japanese-style hotel, like an ancestral home, well decorated and maintained. The whole building has two floors, and the restaurant is on the second floor. Breakfast is a typical Japanese breakfast, and the latest one is 8:30. There should be guest rooms on the first and second floors, and there are private and public bathrooms on the first floor. The hot spring pool is very clean, but also very hot. The room is very spacious, with just enough space for four beds. There is an indoor bathroom, but no shower room. The indoor balcony looks out to the garden view, which has a good view and is very quiet. The transportation is also convenient. There is a bus stop to Matsumoto Station at the door, and the journey takes about 25 minutes. PS: The hotel feels like it is run by a family of four, father, brother and sister. Seeing that there are no reviews on Ctrip, I hope the reviews can help everyone. Personal test, recommended to friends who go to Matsumoto."
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9.3/10
Great
LLea ChingExcellent hotel, super clean. With nice river and Mountain Views. Bear bells and walking sticks and other equipment which can be borrowed during the stay. Delicious breakfast and dinner, suitable for some kind of celebration. Best to book a taxi to/from bus terminal after 3.30pm or before early morning otherwise will need to tug your luggage for a 20 mins walk, even the walk from imperial hotel bus stop is also a distance 15 minutes walk.
GGuest UserI like it because the hotel has a lounge area and there are freebies. The hotel is quite close to the train station and that’s a good point too. Recommended for everyone.
AAnonymous UserI had the amazing opportunity to stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warm hospitality that made me feel right at home. The ryokan was beautifully designed with classic Japanese architecture, tatami mat flooring.
My room was serene and minimalistic, featuring a comfortable futon laid out on the tatami mats in the evening. I especially enjoyed wearing the yukata provided and walking around the ryokan feeling completely immersed in Japanese culture.
One of the highlights of my stay was the onsen (hot spring bath). Soaking in the warm water was incredibly relaxing and refreshing.
Staying at a ryokan allowed me to experience the calm, simplicity, and beauty of traditional Japanese living. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and peaceful retreat in Japan.
CCaitlinPleasant stay, standard business hotel with self service amenities. Nice public bath, but quite small. Walking distance to Matsumoto Castle, but very limited parking space if you’re driving. We also didn’t realise there was a back alley to turn into to unload our luggage.
LLynn AvieSpent a night at Ace Inn Matsumoto, it was super convenient as it was just a short walk from the train station. They received my luggage beforehand and even placed it in my room, which was really helpful. There’s a little table of amenities in the lobby, so you can just grab what you need. Aircon worked well and you can adjust the strength. Breakfast was alright, pretty standard, but does the job. Only bad part was that there was a slight smoke smell in my room, even though it was supposedly Non-Smoking.
BBalaliya-ayasifutanenfangxuanlingThe hotel is not far from Matsumoto Station, about a 15-minute walk. Free breakfast is provided upon check-in, but it is a pity that I missed the breakfast because I booked a bus to Kamikochi at 5:30 in the morning, so I will not comment on it. There is free coffee and ice cubes on the first floor of the hotel, as well as various daily necessities. The hotel is surrounded by residential areas and is very quiet at night, so you don't have to worry about affecting your rest. Overall, it is a good hotel
SShan hanThe parking space was occupied by the next guest because he went out shopping. I suggest that the hotel should register the room number of each parking space instead of releasing it to the next guest when the surveillance camera sees an empty parking space. Later, the hotel let me park in the handicapped parking space at the door. The room is standard and clean. The location is good. The breakfast is very simple...
GGuest UserIt seems like it has recently been renovated, so some of the basic parts are still old, but it was well-maintained and the facility was clean. I think the meals were well-balanced without being too heavy on meat.
The bath is said to come from a hot spring source, but it was so hot that I had to be careful to get into it. However, I think the power of the hot springs is that I was able to stay in light clothes until the morning without getting cold. If the changing room is dark, you will not feel safe, so I think it would be better if it was a little brighter.
I think the distance between the staff was just right, but since my luggage was heavy, I wish I had an elevator.
KKvaldirThe location is very great with all the nature around. The htoel. Has a little shop as well, but ofcourse the best thing about the hotel is the onsen. The onsen is open 24/7,so you can make use of it whenever you want. The resutaurant closes relatively early, and you must reserve it, but otherwise you can buy some very affordable microwave food in the shoop, and they will warm it up for you, so that was a great service. Great place!
GGuest UserLast minute I booked a hotel, there weren’t many choices, so I booked it when I saw it was so cheap and had a room. I only book to the old hotel, which is pretty clean and the hot springs are not bad. The location is very close to Kamikochi and Norikura bus stops when driving by car. However, the worst part is that you can’t go out for a picnic in the old hotel, and there are no restaurants nearby. In the end, you have to go out for a picnic with friends. The overall CP value is high but the food is very inconvenient. If I have the chance to stay again, I hope to book a dinner at the new hotel.
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