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Private Matsumoto Castle & Sake – Taste of Local Life
Private Matsumoto Castle & Sake – Taste of Local Life
Discover the charm of Matsumoto on this private walking tour that blends history, local food, and sake culture. Visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, stroll through retro streets like Nawate and Nakamachi, and enjoy local treats plus a cozy sake tasting at a family-run brewery. A relaxed, private afternoon in one of Japan’s most scenic castle towns.
✅ Visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles
✅ Taste local premium sake at a cozy, family-owned brewery
✅ Enjoy classic Japanese snacks like freshly baked Taiyaki
✅ Stroll along Nawate Street, known for its frog-themed shops and retro charm
✅ Wander through Nakamachi Street, lined with historic storehouse
1️⃣ Explore the Iconic Matsumoto Castle
- Step back in time at one of Japan’s most stunning and well-preserved castles.
- Discover its famous “Crow Castle” design, known for its striking black exterior.
- Learn about samurai legends, defensive features, and its role in Japanese history.
2️⃣ Savor Local Sake at a Traditional Brewery
- Visit a cozy, family-run sake brewery that feels like visiting a grandparent’s home.
- You can sample a variety of sake flavors (pay as you go; tasting fees are not included in the tour price).
- Learn about the craftsmanship, brewing techniques, and the role of sake in Japanese culture.
3️⃣ Stroll Through Nawate Street – Matsumoto’s “Frog Street”
- Walk along this retro, pedestrian-friendly shopping street, famous for its frog-themed art and decor.
- Discover local treats like Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean) and other street foods you can try if you like.
- Browse charming artisan shops selling quirky souvenirs, handmade crafts, and nostalgic trinkets.
4️⃣ Discover the Timeless Beauty of Nakamachi District
- Stroll down a street lined with kura-style storehouses featuring white walls and black lattice designs.
- Explore local cafes, restaurants, and shops offering traditional crafts and unique souvenirs.
- Feel the Edo-period atmosphere as you wander through a tranquil, picturesque setting.
5️⃣ Personalized Local Experience
- Your tour guide, a friendly local expert, will share insights on Matsumoto’s history, food, and culture.
- Get personalized recommendations and insider tips on where to explore after the tour.
🍶 What’s Included?
- Guided tour of Matsumoto Castle – Entry fee included.
- Walking tour of Nawate Street and Nakamachi District – Explore Matsumoto’s most scenic and culturally rich areas.
- Private English-speaking local guide – Friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer your questions.
📸 Why Join This Tour?
This tour is a perfect blend of history, local flavors, and culture. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or culture enthusiast, you’ll experience Matsumoto in a way that most tourists miss. Wander through iconic streets and explore the stunning beauty of Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s top national treasures.
💡 Important Information
- Start Location: Matsumoto Station area (station or nearby hotel within walking distance; the exact meeting point will be confirmed in advance).
- Group Size: Private tour (1 to 8 guests, no mixed groups).
- Age Restriction: Must be 20+ to participate in the sake tasting portion.
- Weather: The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared for the elements.
- Photo-Friendly: Bring your camera – there will be plenty of Instagram-worthy moments!
📅 Book Your Tour Today!
Don’t miss this chance to explore Matsumoto Castle, discover Japan’s famous sake spots, and wander its historic streets. Spots are limited, so secure your place now!
👉 Reserve Your Spot Here: o8experience.com- Photo Friendly
- 3 Hours
- 2 to 8 people
- All weather
Trip Itinerary
Meet at Starbucks, Matsumoto Station
Start your journey by meeting your friendly guide at Starbucks in Matsumoto Station. After a warm welcome and introduction, you’ll begin your cultural adventure with a short walk to the iconic Matsumoto Castle.
Explore Matsumoto Castle – A National Treasure
Arrive at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most stunning and historically significant landmarks. Known as the “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior, this beautifully preserved structure dates back to the late 16th century. Step inside to explore its wooden interiors, narrow staircases, and displays of samurai weaponry.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.
• Highlights: Learn about the castle’s unique defensive features, its rich feudal history, and enjoy panoramic views from the top floor.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.
• Highlights: Learn about the castle’s unique defensive features, its rich feudal history, and enjoy panoramic views from the top floor.
Visit a Traditional Sake Brewery
Next, stroll to a cozy sake brewery that feels like stepping into a family home. Operated by local artisans with generations of expertise, the brewery offers a charming and authentic atmosphere.
What to Expect:
• Learn about the sake brewing process and its importance in Japanese culture.
• Sample a variety of sake flavors, from smooth and dry to sweet and aromatic.
• Explore the nostalgic brewery setting and chat with the welcoming owners, who bring the space to life with their stories.
What to Expect:
• Learn about the sake brewing process and its importance in Japanese culture.
• Sample a variety of sake flavors, from smooth and dry to sweet and aromatic.
• Explore the nostalgic brewery setting and chat with the welcoming owners, who bring the space to life with their stories.
Discover Matsumoto’s Local Charm
As you make your way through the retro town, your guide will introduce you to Matsumoto’s hidden gems. From beloved cafes to quaint eateries, you’ll uncover local favorites while soaking in the area’s vibrant atmosphere.
Nawate Street – The Whimsical “Frog Street”
Arrive at Nawate Street, a pedestrian-friendly shopping district filled with character and charm.
Highlights:
• Explore unique shops featuring frog-themed art, decor, and souvenirs.
• Savor local street foods like Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) while browsing artisan stalls.
• Enjoy the playful, artistic vibe that makes Nawate Street a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Highlights:
• Explore unique shops featuring frog-themed art, decor, and souvenirs.
• Savor local street foods like Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) while browsing artisan stalls.
• Enjoy the playful, artistic vibe that makes Nawate Street a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Nakamachi Street – A Walk Through History
Step back in time on Nakamachi Street, where traditional Edo-period merchant houses (kurazukuri) are beautifully preserved.
What to Explore:
• Browse specialty shops offering handcrafted pottery, lacquerware, and traditional Japanese goods.
• Visit cafes and galleries housed in historic kura-style buildings with white walls and black lattice designs.
• Experience the tranquil and nostalgic atmosphere while learning about the area’s rich history from your guide.
What to Explore:
• Browse specialty shops offering handcrafted pottery, lacquerware, and traditional Japanese goods.
• Visit cafes and galleries housed in historic kura-style buildings with white walls and black lattice designs.
• Experience the tranquil and nostalgic atmosphere while learning about the area’s rich history from your guide.
Tour Conclusion
Return to Matsumoto Station, where your guide will bid you farewell, leaving you with unforgettable memories and personalized recommendations for further exploration.
• Optional: If you’d like to continue your adventure, feel free to stay and wander Nakamachi Street or revisit your favorite spots from the tour.
• Optional: If you’d like to continue your adventure, feel free to stay and wander Nakamachi Street or revisit your favorite spots from the tour.
Have a Question?
Contact us via email or WhatsApp. Please note that WhatsApp is only used for simple availability checks and post-booking communication.
¥22,000 per person(From 4guests)
✅ Free cancellation until 24h (local time)*
* A small processing fee may apply.
Info
- Duration: 3 hours,
- Minimum: 2 people per tour
- Maximum: 12 people per tour
- Price: 22,000 JPY per person(From 4guests)
- Infants (0-2) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included
- Includes: Matsumoto castle Entrance fees, English-speaking guide
- Excludes:Sake tasting fees, food and snacks, extra drinks, bullet train tickets and other transportation fees.
- Meeting location: Matsumoto Station area (station or nearby hotel within walking distance)
Why Our Matsumoto Castle & Sake Walk Stands Out
🧑🤝🧑 Exclusivity & Personal Attention
This is a fully private walking tour – we don’t mix you with other groups. With just your travel party and a local English-speaking guide, the pace, stories, and route can be adjusted to your interests, whether you’re castle fans, sake lovers, or simply here for a relaxed afternoon in Matsumoto.
🏯 Premium Cultural Experience
Your Matsumoto experience goes beyond a quick photo at the castle. Entrance to Matsumoto Castle is included, and your guide will lead you through retro streets lined with historic kura-style buildings. Along the way, we’ll introduce our favorite snack spots and a cozy, family-run sake bar where you can order what you like and pay directly on site (food, snacks, and drinks are not included in the tour price).
🍱 A Different Side of Nagano
While Nagano is famous for Zenkoji Temple, hot springs, and mountain scenery, this tour highlights another side: Matsumoto’s samurai history, walkable townscape, and artisanal food and drink culture. It’s a refreshing change from the usual tourist circuit, full of local color and everyday life.
📸 Capture the Moments
Your guide will help you find the best photo spots and is happy to take group photos along the way. Beyond snapshots, you’ll walk away with personal stories and cultural insights that make Matsumoto a memorable part of your trip.
Who Will Love This Tour?
🚶 Effortless Private Walking Tour — Starts in the Matsumoto Station Area
This is a fully walkable experience — no trains, no buses, no stress during the tour.
We usually meet around Matsumoto Station or at your nearby hotel, then explore the city’s most charming and historic streets on foot.
🏯 A Window into Samurai-Era Japan
Matsumoto offers a refreshing contrast to Nagano’s temples and mountain scenery.
You’ll explore a castle town rich in samurai heritage, kura-style buildings, and nostalgic shopping streets — a hidden gem often missed by tourists.
🧳 Perfect for Flexible Travelers
The tour ends in central Matsumoto, so you can keep exploring at your own pace or catch a train to places like Takayama, the Kiso Valley, or Tokyo.
It works well whether you’re staying overnight in Matsumoto or heading onward.
👟 Relaxed Pace & Private Guiding
Because this is a private tour, the pace and route are adjusted to your interests and walking speed.
Your guide will share local insights, help with photos, and make you feel at home as you walk the friendly streets of Matsumoto.
Q&A
Q: Where is the meeting point?
A: We meet in the Matsumoto Station area. We usually use an easy-to-find spot near the station
or your hotel within walking distance. The exact meeting point will be confirmed in your pre-tour message.
Q: Can I join even if I’m coming from Nagano or Tokyo?
A: Absolutely! Matsumoto is easy to access:
– From Nagano: about 50 minutes by Limited Express Shinano
– From Tokyo: about 2.5 hours via Azusa (Shinjuku) or Hokuriku Shinkansen + local transfer
We’re happy to help you choose the best route.
Q: How long is the tour?
A: The private walking tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, including time inside
Matsumoto Castle and relaxed stops for photos and optional snacks or drinks along the way.
Q: Where does the tour end?
A: It typically finishes near Matsumoto Castle or
Nakamachi Street. From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk
back to Matsumoto Station if you’re heading onward.
Q: Why should I stay in Matsumoto before or after the tour?
A: Staying overnight lets you enjoy the town’s cozy cafes, illuminated castle, and slower local rhythm —
perfect for a relaxing evening. It’s also a great base if you’re traveling to Takayama or the
Kiso Valley next.
Q: What if it rains?
A: The tour runs rain or shine. Please bring an umbrella or rain jacket if needed — the castle and
kura streets actually look quite beautiful in the rain.
Q: Can I bring luggage with me?
A: Small day bags are fine. For larger suitcases, we recommend using the coin lockers
at Matsumoto Station before the tour starts, or leaving them at your hotel if you’re staying nearby.
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