Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) to Nagoya (50 minutes, multiple trains per hour) and transfer to the JR Shinano limited express to Matsumoto (2 hours, one train per hour). The one way fare is around 11,500 yen. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the trip if a Hikari or Kodama train is used between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya (a supplement fee is required on Nozomi trains).
Daytime and overnight highway buses operate between Osaka (Hankyu Sanbangai Bus Terminal near Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station) and Matsumoto (Matsumoto Bus Terminal near Matsumoto Station). The one way ride takes 6-9 hours and costs between around 5000 to 6000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Japan Bus Online.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Central Matsumoto can be explored on foot. The castle is about a 15 minute walk from Matsumoto Station. Alternatively, bicycles can be rented for free from multiple locations across the city, including the M Wing Building near the station, the Matsumoto City Museum next to the castle and selected shops and hotels.
The Town Sneakers are three tourist-oriented loop bus lines, which cost 200 yen per ride or 500 yen per day (the one day pass also includes a 10% discount on admission to Matsumoto Castle). Buses on the loop lines operate approximately every 20-30 minutes (the south line hourly). Besides the "Town Sneaker" buses, there also exists a regular network of city buses.
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