Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Local Bites Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Matsumoto on a relaxed walking tour featuring castle history, local sake, old streets, and a light local snack.
Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. Explore its wooden interior and hear stories from Japan’s feudal past.
The tour then continues to a unique local sake tasting spot with a warm, personal atmosphere. It is a memorable stop that many guests especially enjoy.
After that, stroll through Nawate Street and Nakamachi, known for their preserved buildings, small shops, and nostalgic atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy a light Japanese snack and discover another side of Matsumoto beyond the castle.
-Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles
-Enjoy a unique local sake tasting in a warm, personal setting
-Walk through Nawate Street and Nakamachi with a local guide
-Try a light Japanese snack during the tour
-Discover historic streets, local shops, and hidden details beyond the castle
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
Walking shoes are recommended
Minimum alcahol drinking age is 20 years. So we offer another drink for under 20.
In case of late arrival, the tour cannot be extended.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Meet your guide in front of Starbucks at Matsumoto Station. After a short introduction, the tour begins with a relaxed walk through central Matsumoto toward the castle.
Matsumoto Castle
Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles and a designated National Treasure. Learn about the history of the samurai era while exploring the castle grounds and enjoying views of the iconic black keep.
What‘s Included
Guided walk through Nakamachi and Nawate historic streets
Local sake tasting
English-speaking guide
One light Japanese snack
Matsumoto castle entrance fees
Transportation fee to meeting point
There are no mandatory in-destination costs.
Additional drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Walking Matsumoto
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Experience
shannonq770,Oct 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazing; Masa was very warm and friendly and did a great job guiding us around Matsumoto castle, nawate shopping street and nakamachi shopping street. The sake tour was great fun and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone else in the area.
Walk and Sake tasting
tammy G,Oct 13, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic time on this tour! Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. Sake sampling at 300 year old brewery and the owner was kind and interesting and also gave us samples of local dishes. Also our guide took great pictures along the way
Excellent tour of Matsumoto
Darlene M,Oct 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful relaxing afternoon spent with our guide Matsu. He was very courteous and provided us with lots of information about the area and the sites we were seeing. He also saved us over an hour waiting in line time by purchasing tokens that allowed us to walk right in to Matsumoto Castle. We tasted sake made on site by a family that has been making it there for 300 years using the spring water that comes out right at their front door. We also walked down Frog Street and a food vendors street. In addition we visited a 500 year old former Samurai house and a Shinto shrine with a temple. Highly recommend this tour.
Great experience with dough
P6138QLricardoj,Jul 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Masa was a great host and tells you jokes, knows a lot about history and takes care of you during the tour. Reservation with him definitely.
Great tour guide!
Allison M,Mar 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Masa was a great guide! He helped us see Matsumoto castle while explaining the signficance of its history, and took great photos throughout. Afterwards, he brought us to a local sake brewery where we drank with locals, which was a great time. Lastly, he showed us some local shops and bought us taiyaki to try, which was delicious. I would recommend anyone to take a tour with him!
Highlight of our vacation
Shannon,Feb 16, 2021
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fantastic tour! Very personalized and relaxing. Our guide was amazing, he was friendly and accommodating. Two highlights...there was a real samurai guarding the castle grounds who was so excited to take a picture with us and the sake tasting was A+. Highly recommend!
From ¥15,800
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