Nagano: Matsushiro Samurai Town Walking Tour

Meet up with our guide in front of Starbucks Midori Nagano station and get on the vehicle with you guide and heading to Matsushiro..

Reconstructed Main Gate (Otemon): The Otemon gate has been faithfully reconstructed, offering a glimpse into the architectural style of the Edo period. It’s the main entrance to the castle grounds and serves as an important historical focal point.

Moats and Stone Walls: The wide moats and impressive stone walls surrounding the castle grounds remain largely intact, showcasing the defensive fortifications used to protect the castle in the past. These features highlight the strategic importance of the site.

Restored Yagura (Watchtower): The yagura, or watchtowers, were crucial for monitoring and defending the castle. Though most of the original structures were lost, a few towers have been reconstructed to give visitors an idea of the castle’s layout.

Scenic Beauty: The castle grounds are surrounded by lush greenery, and the site becomes particularly popular in spring during cherry blossom season, when the trees bloom beautifully around the ruins. In autumn, the area is vibrant with red and yellow foliage, making it an ideal spot for seasonal photography.

Historical Significance: Matsushiro Castle is closely associated with the Sanada clan, especially Sanada Yukimura, one of Japan’s most famous samurai, known for his valor in battles like the Siege of Osaka. The nearby Sanada Treasure Museum provides additional context about the Sanada family’s influence and history, with artifacts such as samurai armor, weapons, and historical documents.

Samurai Armor and Weapons: The museum displays an impressive collection of original samurai armor, swords (katana), spears, and other weapons used by the Sanada clan and their retainers. These artifacts provide insight into the military prowess and aesthetic sensibilities of the samurai class.

Historical Documents: A variety of important historical documents are preserved in the museum, including letters, military strategies, and administrative records from the Sanada clan. These documents offer a unique perspective on the clan’s role in politics, warfare, and governance during their reign.

Cultural Artifacts: The museum also houses everyday objects, clothing, tea ceremony utensils, and other personal belongings that were used by members of the Sanada family. These artifacts help visitors understand the lifestyle and culture of a prominent samurai family during the Edo period.

Sanada Yukimura: Special attention is given to Sanada Yukimura, one of Japan’s most celebrated samurai warriors, known for his heroism during the Siege of Osaka. His legacy is prominently featured, with artifacts connected to his life and his role in various battles. Yukimura is often regarded as the “last great samurai,” and his bravery is a central theme in the museum’s exhibits.

Sanada’s Strategic Genius: The museum highlights the strategic genius of Sanada Masayuki, the father of Sanada Yukimura, who was known for his cunning military tactics. Maps, dioramas, and models show the fortifications and battle plans that made the Sanada clan formidable during the Sengoku period.

Traditional Samurai Architecture: The residence showcases classic Edo-period samurai architecture, including large wooden buildings with tatami-matted rooms, sliding shoji doors, and beautiful wooden ceilings. The residence is a good example of the balance between function and aesthetic beauty typical of samurai homes.

Spacious Grounds and Garden: The estate is set on spacious grounds, surrounded by walls and featuring a traditional Japanese garden. The garden, designed in the minimalistic style favored by the samurai class, includes manicured trees, rocks, and a pond. It was designed to provide a tranquil environment for contemplation and relaxation.

Living Quarters and Rooms: Inside the residence, visitors can explore the various rooms used by the Sanada family. This includes the main living quarters, guest rooms, and servant quarters. Each room has been carefully restored and contains furniture and artifacts that reflect the lifestyle of the time.

Historical Artifacts: Various items used by the Sanada family are on display, such as everyday utensils, ceremonial objects, and clothing. The residence gives a sense of how the samurai class lived beyond their roles as warriors, including aspects of their domestic life, family duties, and governance responsibilities.

Sanada Clan History: The residence also features exhibits about the history of the Sanada family, particularly focusing on their governance of the Matsushiro Domain and their contributions to Japanese politics, culture, and military strategy. Visitors can learn about the influential figures in the clan, like Sanada Masayuki and Sanada Yukimura, and their significance in Japanese history.

Cultural Activities: Occasionally, the residence hosts events or demonstrations related to traditional Japanese culture, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, or kendo (the martial art of sword fighting). These activities provide visitors with a hands-on experience of the samurai lifestyle.

Bun (Academic Studies): The “bun” aspect of the curriculum focused on Confucian studies, calligraphy, classical Chinese literature, and ethics. It emphasized moral education and the refinement of the mind, which were considered vital for a samurai leader.

Bu (Martial Arts Training): The “bu” aspect covered traditional samurai martial arts training, including kenjutsu (swordsmanship), kyudo (archery), and sojutsu (spearmanship). This blend of martial and scholarly education aimed to create well-rounded individuals who were capable of leading both in times of peace and war.

Historical Buildings: The Bunbu School has been well-preserved and includes several original structures:

Lecture Halls: These halls were used for academic lessons, lectures on Confucianism, and other subjects.

Dojo (Training Halls): Martial arts training was conducted in dedicated dojos within the school grounds. These spacious wooden halls were designed to accommodate sword practice, archery, and other disciplines.

Courtyard and Grounds: The school is set on expansive grounds, with courtyards that were used for outdoor martial arts training and communal activities. The design of the school, with its open spaces, encouraged both academic contemplation and physical discipline.

Architectural Significance: The buildings of the Bunbu School reflect traditional Japanese architectural styles of the Edo period. The wooden structures, tiled roofs, and tatami-matted rooms exemplify the simplicity and functionality of samurai-era construction. The architecture also illustrates the importance placed on education and discipline in samurai society.

Cultural Importance: The school is one of the few remaining examples of a samurai educational institution in Japan. It highlights the duality of samurai life, where intellectual cultivation was just as important as martial prowess. The school trained the sons of samurai to be competent administrators, soldiers, and morally upright leaders.

Restoration and Preservation: The Matsushiro Bunbu School has been carefully restored to preserve its historical and cultural significance. The buildings and grounds offer a detailed look at the educational practices of Japan’s samurai class during the Edo period.

Oyaki is a regional delicacy of Nagano Prefecture, and Oyaki Farm is one of the best places to experience this local culinary tradition.

Variety of Fillings: Oyaki at the farm are filled with seasonal and local ingredients. Some common savory fillings include nozawana (pickled greens), pumpkin (kabocha), and shiitake mushrooms, while sweet oyaki may feature fillings like anko (sweet red bean paste) or apple.

Scenic Location: Oyaki Farm is located in the picturesque Matsushiro area, known for its rich history and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy their freshly made oyaki while taking in the surrounding countryside and mountains.

The farm has a relaxed, rural atmosphere, providing a pleasant escape from the city while offering an authentic taste of Nagano’s countryside lifestyle. Learning About Nagano’s Food Culture:

At Oyaki Farm, visitors can learn about the history of oyaki and its significance in the region. Traditionally, oyaki were made by rural families in Nagano as a way to use available ingredients during the colder months when fresh produce was scarce. The dumplings are a symbol of Nagano’s agricultural heritage and its reliance on seasonal, local foods.

There is a small shop on the farm where visitors can purchase freshly made oyaki to take home, along with other local Nagano specialties such as miso, soba noodles, and seasonal produce. The shop also offers pre-packaged oyaki that can be reheated at home, making it a great souvenir for those wanting to bring a taste of Nagano with them.

We will arrive at Nagano station and the guide say goodbyes to you. The end of the time depends on the pace of the group. So please have extra time for your next schedule after this tour