Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya (35 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 11,000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the trip if a Hikari or Kodama train is used between Kyoto and Nagoya, but a supplement fee is required on Nozomi trains.
There are two daytime and one overnight highway buses per day between Kyoto and Matsumoto. While the overnight bus stops at Kyoto Station, the daytime buses serve only the Kyoto Fukakusa bus stop along the Meishin Expressway south of the city center. The one way journey takes 5-8 hours and costs between 5000 and 6800 yen depending on the date of travel. 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 from multiple locations across the city through the Hello Cycling app. Unfortunately, the app is difficult to use because it is only partially in English. The former free bicycle rental system is no longer in operation.
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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