Explore Matsumoto: Castle, Sake & Taste of Local Life
Embark on a captivating journey through Nagano, where history, culture, and culinary delights converge. After meeting your guide at Matsumoto Station, step into the past at Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure dating back to the 16th century. Ascend its wooden halls, absorb the ambiance of tatami mat floors, and relish panoramic views from the castle keep, unraveling the tales of feudal Japan.
Continue with a sake-tasting odyssey at a historic brewery run by seasoned owners. Immerse yourself in the nuances of local sake flavors.
Savor 2 street foods (e.g. sweet rice dumplings, taiyaki, oyaki) on the the lively Nawate Street affectionately known as Frog Street.
Delve into history at Nakamachi Shopping Street, an Edo-period avenue adorned with well-preserved merchant houses. Explore quaint shops and cafes, absorbing the echoes of Matsumoto's past.
Reflect on a day filled with Matsumoto's medieval grandeur and modernity as the tour concludes at Matsumoto Station.
Options
Explore Matsumoto
What's included in Explore Matsumoto: Castle, Sake & Taste of Local Life
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Meet Up with our guide just in front of Starbucks in Matsumoto station and walk to get Matsumoto castle
Matsumoto Castle
Arrival at Matsumoto castle. You go to enter Matsumoto castle and see inside of national treasure. It takes about 45min to 60min to look around.
Matsumoto
Your guide will introduce you retro town, favourite eateries and cafes on the way to Nawate Street.
Inclusions
- Premium sake tasting experience at a local brewery
- Guided walk through Nakamachi and Nawate historic streets
- Local snacks included (e.g. taiyaki or sweets from the brewery)
- High quality photographs taken throughout the experience to be shared with you after the tour
- Matsumoto castle entrance fees
- Extra drinks and food (available to purchase)
- Meal for infant
- Transportation fee to meeting point
- 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
- Sometimes it takes more than 30 min to enter Matsumoto castle
- 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.
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)
