Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Your chance to become a Samurai while visiting Matsumoto Castle!

What better place to have your samurai experience than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era?

First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure! During the tour, you will learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City and even some of the castle's defensive strategies.

Then experience a live hands-on Samurai Sword Fighting activity! A Master Samurai will teach you some of these ancient fighting techniques. You can choose your own colors for your outfit which consists of a yukata (light kimono), hakama (wide-leg pants), and obi (belt). You can even select your swords!

The stage and the atmosphere of the place is bound to take you on a realistic journey back in time. The perfect setting for a complete immersion into this slice of Japanese history!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Samurai outfits and swords rental during the activity

Entry/Admission – Matsumoto Castle

Entry/Admission – Samurai Experience Activity

English Speaking Guide

Miscellaneous fees during the activity (meals, snacks, souvenirs etc.)

Insurance (Travel Insurance, Private Insurance, etc...)

What To Expect

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of five castles designated as ‘National Treasures of Japan’ and the oldest castle donjon remaining in Japan. Construction began in 1592 of the elegant black and white structure with its three turrets. Because of the elegant black walls, Matsumoto Castle is sometimes called ‘Crow Castle’. Please note that the stairs to reach the top of Matsumoto Castle’s tower are steep and narrow.

1 hour 30 minutes•Admission Included

Nakamachi Kurassic-kan

Here is the Samurai Experience Activity! Learn how to handle the sword (Katana) as well as some basic samurai movement (Kamae).

1 hour•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

Reviews

4.88

51 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Loved this tour
Melissa R,
Apr 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was one of the highlights for us. Weren’t rushed and has a lovely tour of the Matsumoto Castle which is beautiful. The samurai experience was so much fun and would definitely do it again.
Samurai Transformation!
Tracey J,
Apr 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The castle tour was great but the Samurai experience was the highlight. It was an absolute thrill and our instructor, Miha, was highly instructive. She turned us into Samurai Warriors.
Great guide and instructor
Andrew G,
Mar 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great tour of the Matsumoto castle which is a very old castle with unique black coloring. The guide was flexible when we asked to change the meet-up spot. We then finished with a samurai experience where we learned some basic maneuvers with the samurai sword while wearing traditional clothing. The instructor was great with my children even with my very chatty 9 year old! I highly recommend this activity to families visiting the Matsumoto area.
Fun and informative!
Norma C,
Mar 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Before reaching Matsumoto Castle our guide showed us points of interest along the way, and the castle was beautiful from the outside and in. The highlight for a teenager with interest in samurai was the sword-handling lesson at the end. Instructor had a great sense of humour, and he and our castle guide made a smooth team. It was a great morning!
Matsumoto Castle and Samurai experience
Rob,
Feb 8, 2025
- Viator
4.00
The English speaking guide was very informative. He came prepared with slippers to wear inside the castle. The Samurai experience was a lot of fun and the teacher gave a very good demonstration after the lesson.