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Explore Matsumoto: Castle, Sake & Taste of Local Life
Explore Matsumoto: Castle, Sake & Taste of Local Life
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¥14,500(Adult+10)
- 📅 Period: All year
- ⏱ Duration: 3 hours
- Walking tour
- 📍 In front of Starbucks inside Matsumoto Station
Discover the charm of Matsumoto in this small-group walking tour that blends history, food, and sake culture. Visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, stroll through retro streets like Nawate and Nakamachi, and enjoy local treats and a heartwarming sake tasting at a family-run brewery. A perfect 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 storehouses and local cafes
✅ Round-trip transportation from Nagano Station included
✅ Flexible start options – from either Nagano or Matsumoto
✅ Small-group experience with an English-speaking local guide
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.
- Sample a variety of sake flavors, each with its own distinct character.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sake tasting at a local brewery – Try multiple flavors of authentic Japanese sake.
- 2 street foods – Sample local favorites like Taiyaki and other regional snacks.
- Walking tour of Nawate Street and Nakamachi District – Explore Matsumoto’s most scenic and culturally rich areas.
- Local expert guide – English-speaking, friendly, and knowledgeable.
📸 Why Join This Tour?
This tour is a perfect blend of history, food, and drink. 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, taste authentic sake, and explore the stunning beauty of Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s top national treasures.
💡 Important Information
- Start Location: Meet in front of Starbucks at Matsumoto Station.
- Group Size: Small groups (2 to 8 people) to ensure a personal experience.
- 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, taste Japan’s famous sake, 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.
¥14,500 (Adult+10)
Info
- Duration: 3 hours,
- Minimum: 2 people per tour
- Maximum: 12 people per tour
- Price: 14,500 JPY (tax included) per adult (age 10+), 10,500 JPY (tax included) per child (age 3–9)
- Infants (0-2) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included
- Includes: Matsumoto castle Entrance fees, 2 snacks & English-speaking guide
- Excludes: Extra drinks and food (available to purchase),Bullet train tickets and other transportation fees.
- Meeting location: In front of Starbucks in Matsumoto station
Why Our Matsumoto Castle & Sake Walk Stands Out
🧑🤝🧑 Exclusivity & Personal Attention
Our small-group walking tour is designed for relaxed pacing and genuine connection.
With a maximum of 8 guests (typically 2–6), you’ll enjoy spontaneous moments, friendly conversation, and a deeply personal experience led by a passionate local guide.
🏯 Premium Cultural Experience
This isn’t just a photo stop at the castle — it’s a curated journey through the rich culture of Matsumoto.
Explore the iconic Matsumoto Castle, stroll retro shopping streets lined with historic kura-style buildings, savor fresh taiyaki sweets, and enjoy premium sake at a cozy, family-run brewery where the brewer’s lively wife often steals the show.
🍱 A Different Side of Nagano
While Nagano is known for temples and nature, this tour showcases another treasure — Matsumoto’s samurai history, walkable townscape, and artisanal food culture.
It’s a refreshing change from the usual tourist circuit, offering depth, flavor, and local charm.
📸 Capture the Moments
We’ll help you find the best photo spots and are happy to take group shots along the way.
But beyond snapshots, you’ll walk away with personal stories, cultural insights, and memories that linger long after your trip ends.
Who Will Love This Tour?
🚶 Effortless Walking Tour — Starts at Matsumoto Station
This is a fully walkable experience — no trains, no buses, no stress.
The tour begins just outside Matsumoto Station and takes you on foot through the city’s most charming and historic spots.
🏯 A Window into Samurai-Era Japan
Matsumoto offers a refreshing contrast to Nagano’s temples and nature.
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 continue exploring at your leisure or catch a train to places like Takayama, the Kiso Valley, or Tokyo.
It fits perfectly whether you’re staying overnight or heading onward.
👟 Relaxed Pace & Intimate Group Size
With a small group (2–8 guests) and no rush, you’ll enjoy a leisurely pace.
Your guide will share local insights, help take photos, and make you feel at home as you walk the friendly streets of Matsumoto.
Q&A
Q: Where is the meeting point?
A: Please meet in front of Starbucks inside Matsumoto Station. It’s an easy-to-find spot, just steps from where our walking tour begins.
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 walking tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, including stops for sightseeing, street snacks, sake tasting, and local storytelling along the way.
Q: Where does the tour end?
A: It typically finishes near Matsumoto Castle or Nakamachi Street. From there, it’s 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.
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