Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Overview
Available languages
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
Please note that the stairs to reach the top of Matsumoto Castle’s tower are steep and narrow.
In Japan, authentic katanas are classified as illegal weapons under strict licensing laws. Tourists can see them in museums or specialty shops, but theatrical swords are widely used in performances, training, and during our samurai experience.
This activity focuses on proper sword techniques and kata accessible to all including families. It does not involve any type of slicing or cutting of objects.
There is no minimum age requirements
Children less than 6 years old can participate for free (kid’s outfits and foam swords are included at no additional fees)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
Nakamachi Kurassic-kan
Here is the Samurai Experience Activity! Learn how to handle the sword (Katana) as well as some basic samurai movement (Kamae).
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...)
Options
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Reviews
71 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great guided tour
martinbC1283ZW,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Both the castle tour and the Samurai experience were great and detailed. I even got some information about the city itself.
A cut above the rest!
F1371YBdk,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tom was knowledgeable and helpful. The samurai instructor was patient with the children. She was also very skillful. It was great hearing tidbits sprinkled throughout the day.
A great time!
benjaminaV7121XA,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience! The tour guide (Akiko) does a great job walking you through the city to the castle explaining history of Matsumoto and the castle. Akiko was very friendly and engaging and offered multiple times to take picture for me. She was also great at translating and helping me understand everything going on around me. The samuri experience was also a fantastic event. The teacher was very helpful in explaining all the intricate details of the techniques and made it very easy to follow along. The guide was also very helpful in making sure I was all set on my train tickets after the experience as I had to leave right after. A fantastic experience that everyone should do.
Fun time.
Yasser A,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience! Our guide was great showing us around giving us the history of the castle! Going up the castle was great and so was the samurai session!
Fun afternoon in Matsumoto
AnnMing Y,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was 100% a great tour and would recommend it to anyone! Tim and Collin were excellent guides and I loved that Tim had slippers in his backpack to made walking on the chilly Matsumoto castle floors more comfy. The samarai experience was authentic and super fun. Our instructor was excellent and knowledgeable and we really got a great sense of the katana, how to do some basic movements, and sheath and unsheath the sword. Great memories. It is hard to impress my two middle schoolers and they both had a great time.
A lot of information & great experience
LARA K,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience to climb the stairs inside the castle. The guide provided a lot of details and information about the architecture, fighting styles, samurai culture and weapons as well as the history of the town and castle, which was great. The samurai experience was also really authentic and it was interesting to try the fighting style myself. The guide had great restaurant recommendations and other tips as well :)
History and fun all in one tour!
moetfan,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great views from the top of Matsumoto Castle followed by a fun and interesting experience at Samurai school! Our guide was knowledgeable and made the tour unforgettable 😊
History and swords in one morning
susansK6747WF,,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great trip with Chin yesterday. He led us around Matsumoto Castle, explaining lots about the history of Japan and then onto the samurai experience. Such great fun, learning basic moves and some more history. Chin took loads of photos for us and helped out a lot…. As a left handed person I needed it! Great trip.
Afternoon in Matsumoto with family.
514NelsonA,,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience, we recommend, and our Akiko guide was incredibly kind. She explained everything in detail and told the story while being interesting. Thank you very much to her.
Great experience in Matsumoto!
Rayaso,,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Tom was OUTSTANDING! He was great with the kids keeping them interested with quizzes and sticker prizes, very engaging and theatrical explanations. The castle was AMAZING , so beautiful and interesting. Tom also showed us around the castle, some shrines and water fountains and gave us food suggestions. The samurai experience was very fun, the sensei was a very good teacher and we had a great time!
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