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Matsumoto Cultural Walk: Castle, Sake & Taste of Local Life
Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Tastes: Another Treasure from Nagano
✅ 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.a
✅ 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.
Start from Matsumoto
¥15,000 (Adult+10)
Info
- Duration: 3 hours,
- Minimum: 2 people per tour
- Maximum: 12 people per tour
- Price: 15,000 JPY (tax included) per adult (age 10+), 12,000 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
Nagano Pickup
¥19,800 (Adult+10)
Info
- Duration: 5 hours
- Minimum: 2 people per tour
- Maximum: 12 people per tour
- Price: 19,800 JPY (tax included) per adult (age 10+), 16,800 JPY (tax included) per child (age 3–9)
Infants (0-2) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included - Includes: Round-trip transportation from Nagano, Matsumoto Castle entrance fee, 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 Beck’s Coffee at Nagano Station
Exclusivity & Personal Attention
Our small-group tour focuses on providing a relaxed and intimate experience.
Unlike large bus tours, we limit our group size to a maximum of 12 guests (typically 4–6), allowing for flexible pacing, spontaneous moments, and meaningful interaction with your local guide.
Premium Cultural Experience
This isn’t just a quick visit to the castle — it’s a carefully curated journey through Matsumoto’s rich culture.
You’ll explore the majestic Matsumoto Castle, stroll atmospheric streets filled with traditional kura-style architecture, taste freshly made taiyaki sweets, and enjoy premium local sake in a cozy, family-run brewery.
A Journey Beyond Temples and Shrines
While much of Nagano is famous for temples and nature, Matsumoto offers a completely different flavor: samurai heritage, urban history, and artisanal food culture.
This tour invites you to experience another side of Japan that many visitors miss.
Capture the Moments
Your guide will help you capture the best memories throughout the walk, recommending hidden photo spots and taking group photos for you if desired.
You’ll leave not just with snapshots, but with real stories and personal discoveries that stay with you.
Seamless Transportation Included
Begin your adventure right from Nagano Station — no complicated train transfers needed. Relax in private transportation as we drive you through the scenic countryside to Matsumoto City, setting the tone for a day of exploration and discovery.
Experience Two Different Worlds in One Day
Nagano is known for its serene temples and mountain landscapes, while Matsumoto brings you into the world of castles, samurai, and vibrant local culture. This tour offers a rare chance to experience both sides of central Japan in a single, well-paced journey.
Flexible Return Options
After the walking tour in Matsumoto, you can choose to either return with us to Nagano Station or continue your exploration independently from Matsumoto City.
Whether you’re heading toward Takayama, the Kiso Valley, or staying overnight, the schedule supports your onward travel.
Personalized Small-Group Experience
With a maximum of 12 guests, the experience remains personal, relaxed, and flexible — even with the additional transport.
Enjoy insider stories, photo tips, and a deeper understanding of Nagano and Matsumoto’s distinct cultural identities.
Q: Where is the meeting point?
A: If you start from Nagano, please meet in front of Beck’s Coffee Shop at Nagano Station.
If you start from Matsumoto, please meet in front of Starbucks inside Matsumoto Station. Both meeting spots are easy to find.
Q: How long is the drive from Nagano to Matsumoto?
A: The drive takes about 1 hour. It’s a comfortable ride through scenic countryside, giving you a relaxing start to your day before exploring Matsumoto.
Q: Can I choose where to finish the tour?
A: Yes! After the walking tour in Matsumoto, you can either return with us to Nagano Station or stay and explore more of Matsumoto at your own pace.
Q: Why should I start from Matsumoto instead of Nagano?
A: Starting directly in Matsumoto lets you jump right into the cultural experience without any travel time.
It’s perfect if you’re already staying in Matsumoto — you’ll have more time to enjoy the historic streets, taste local snacks, and even continue exploring after the tour ends.
Q: Is transportation private or shared?
A: Transportation from Nagano is shared among a small group (maximum 8 guests), ensuring a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Q: What if it rains?
A: The tour runs rain or shine. Please bring an umbrella or rain jacket if needed. Matsumoto Castle looks especially atmospheric on rainy days!
Q: Can I bring luggage with me?
A: Small backpacks or day bags are fine. For larger luggage, we recommend using coin lockers at Nagano or Matsumoto Station.
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