Matsumoto Castle·Sannomaru, MATSUMOTO MARUNOUCHI HOTEL

Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel is located in the castle town area near Matsumoto Castle. While the room rates are reasonable, the services can be surprisingly generous. Depending on the plan, you may be able to check in as early as 9:00 and check out as late as 12:00, maximizing your time at the hotel. Parking is free, and the hotel may even cover your taxi fare from JR Matsumoto Station to the hotel. Some plans include free breakfast during your stay, a 1,500-yen ticket usable at participating shops around the castle town (eligible shops are at the front desk), and free rental bicycles—so it can feel like the benefits almost offset the room cost. The front desk also lends stylish basket bags for shopping—very handy now that plastic bags often cost extra. You may receive maps showing a recommended walking route and photo-friendly spots around the castle town. The hotel also offers EV charging, and the breakfast buffet’s French toast is especially popular—worth trying.