パントリーマルナカ
PANETTERIA MARUNAKA, MATSUMOTO
2 CHOME-3-14 CENTRAL, MATSUMOTO, NAGANO 390-0811
kamikochi
Chureito Pagoda
Top of Fuji
Matsumoto castle
If you ever catch yourself in Japan, go to Matsumoto.
Great night life – Bars, Karaoke, Izakayas, Darts
Amazing traditional Japanese castle – 16th Century
Beautiful cycle route around the entire town – 30k, 20k or 10k choices
Stunning walks – Amazing parks, Agatanomori Park
Loads of food options – Hamburger Steak by Amiya Yakiniku Restaurant (google maps it)
The bun
This cinnamon bun had the right looks and was the only cinnamon bun I got a chance to grab whilst in Matsumoto due to that fact we were either on big hikes or long cycle rides.
It was super soft to touch with plenty of cinnamon packed into every bite, making the taste and flavours a win for me. HOWEVER, once I got into it, the texture was just… okay. It was chewy, but not in that satisfying way you want from a fresh bun—more like the “I’ve been sitting out too long” kind of chewy. Each layer was incredibly thin, yet packed with cinnamon sugar, but because the bun wasn’t particularly dense, I found myself torn between thinking it was a light, enjoyable snack or, frankly, a bit of a lackluster cinnamon bun.
topping
Then there was the icing—as you can see from the photos, the topping was your standard, overly sweet icing sugar drizzled on top, which gave it a cheap taste and made it less indulgent than it could have been. I personally felt that this is what made the appearance of the bun less eye catching and I certainly wouldn’t have bought the bun if it weren’t for the price – admittedly I judged a bun by its cover.
It wasn’t terrible, but definitely not the fresh, standout treat I was hoping for.
It was one of those buns you want to love, but something just misses the mark.
Texture 4/10
Taste 6/10
Appearance 5/10
Overall 6/10
Matsumoto
What is there to do in the Nagano Prefecture area?
Matsumoto Castle: also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its beautiful black exterior, is one of Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved castles. The castle dates back to the late 16th century and is renowned for its unique design, featuring a wooden keep surrounded by moats and defensive walls. If you choose to go into the castle it provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a interesting museum.
Cycle: A perfect way to get to see what Matsumoto has to offer. You can choose from a 30k to 9k cycle and take as long as you wish. Hiring bikes is easy, all you need if the “hello cycle” app and you’ll be paying pennies by the hour to use.
Kamikochi: Kamikochi, located in the Japanese Alps within Nagano Prefecture, is a stunning mountain resort area known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Situated at about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, it features scenic hiking trails, crystal-clear rivers, and panoramic views of peaks like Mount Hotaka and Mount Yake. Popular for outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking, Kamikochi is especially renowned for its vibrant cherry blossoms in spring and striking autumn foliage, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Hiking Trails in Kamikochi
Once you’ve made your way to Kamikochi, there are several trails you can explore, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes:
- Kappa Bridge to Taisho Pond: A very easy, scenic walk (about 1–2 km). You’ll see great views of the mountains reflected in the water, especially in the morning.
- Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond: This is a slightly longer hike (about 3.5 km) but is still easy to moderate, with beautiful forest paths and great views.
- Myojin Pond to the Hotaka Mountains: This is a more challenging trail (about 5–6 km one way), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Kamikochi is a popular destination, but getting there requires a bit of planning, as it’s not directly accessible by car (due to the national park’s restricted access). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to travel from Matsumoto to Kamikochi:
From Matsumoto to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal (via Matsumoto Station)
Option 1: By Bus (Most Convenient)
Route: Take the Alpico Kotsu Highway bus (also called Kamikochi Line) to Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Cost: Around 1,700–2,000 yen one way (for the regular bus)
Departure Point: Matsumoto Station (JR or Alpico Bus Terminal
Duration: about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the season and traffic
Frequency: Buses run frequently in the peak season (spring to autumn), typically once every hour, but you should always check the schedule in advance, especially in the off-season (winter)
Option 2: By Train and Bus (Combination)
- Step 1: Take the JR Oito Line from Matsumoto Station to Shimosuwa Station. This part of the journey takes about 30 minutes.
- Step 2: From Shimosuwa Station, take an Alpico Kotsu Bus or another highway bus that connects Shimosuwa to Kamikochi.
- Total Duration: Around 2 hours depending on the waiting time for the bus.
Option 3. By Car (Private Car or Rental Car)
While the direct car access to Kamikochi is restricted, you can rent a car and drive to Sawando, the nearest point where you can park. From Sawando, you would need to take a bus to Kamikochi, as vehicles are not allowed beyond that point.
- Drive Time: From Matsumoto, it would take about 1 hour to reach Sawando.
- Parking: There are several parking lots in Sawando where you can leave your car. From there, take the Alpico Kotsu bus to Kamikochi (about 30–40 minutes).
Notes on Traveling
- Seasonal Considerations: The bus services only operate from mid-April to mid-November. During the winter months (from December to March), Kamikochi is closed to the public due to heavy snow, and the road access is restricted. If you’re visiting in winter, the only option would be to travel by private car or taxi, but these are limited.
- Tickets: Tickets for buses can be bought at Matsumoto Station or online (via the Alpico Kotsu website). It’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance if you’re traveling during peak seasons like autumn, when Kamikochi is especially popular!
- Luggage: If you’re carrying heavy luggage, you can leave it at a luggage storage service at Matsumoto Station or at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal (for a small fee). This is what we did and I couldn’t recommend using this ingenious idea at most stations when traveling in japan.
Return Trip
For the return journey, simply take the bus back from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal to Matsumoto. Be sure to check the last bus times, especially if you plan to stay in Kamikochi for a full day of hiking. During the high season, buses run until late afternoon, but schedules may vary in the off-season.
