Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

100% hands-on from start to finish, experience a uniquely authentic Japanese Cuisine for yourself!

Matsumoto is famous for the quality of its Soba (buckwheat flour noodles) and its historic feudal castle!

First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure.

Then sample this traditional Japanese dish and even have a go at preparing it yourself!

The soba-making workshop is an opportunity to get more than just the literal bite of this tradition. Step into the shoes of an apprentice and learn from an experienced soba master!

Discover all the basics and learn how to use authentic soba-making tools. The activity is divided into two stages and it’s completely hands-on from start to finish. The best part is you get to eat your own noodles at the end!

This is an exciting and enriching experience you can share with family and friends, and an unforgettable way to discover a unique aspect of Japanese cuisine!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Entry/Admission – Matsumoto Castle

Soba Noodle Tasting + 1 Extra

Soba Noodle Making with the Soba Master

Side Dish (Oyaki, snacks etc.) and Drinks

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

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

What To Expect

After touring the castle (Around 1 hour), the activity is divided into two stages: Preparing and cutting the Soba (Around 1 hour) : Begins with a short video introduction presenting the Soba and explaining the different steps involved in making it, from preparation of the dough to cutting the noodles, you will quickly start making this traditional Japanese dish. Under the watchful eye of a Soba Master, get step-by-step guidence in all of the stages required in making these noodles. Soba tasting (Around 1 hour) : Once the noodles have been cut, proceed to the restaurant where the Soba Master will cook the Soba that you have made yourself. Now you’re ready to taste your creation. Enjoy the Soba in its different forms – hot or chilled, even with Tempura (fried vegetables) and other side dishs! The activity takes place in group of two people. A minimum of 500 grams is required to prepare soba therefore, the soba-making experience includes a shared serving suitable for 2 or 3 people. (1 bucket = 2 people).

Sample Menu

main

Soba Noodle

Options

Castle Tour & Soba Making

Reviews

4.68

19 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Good value, interesting tour.
Kay R,
Oct 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00
A really good tour, well worth the money. It ended up being a private tour which was a bonus for us. Tom met us at the station and took us to the castle, stopping at interesting places on the way, then took us to the soba experience. As an ex-teacher he was very clear, kept us engaged and gave us informative explanations, sometimes backed by useful visual aids. The castle is amazing, so well preserved . The soba experience was interesting and it led to a simple but tasty lunch. Highly recommended the tour and Tom!
Castle and noodles! Perfect!
Joyce H,
Sep 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The tour of Matsumoto Castle was an amazing way to start my visit to this beautiful city. The guide was knowledgeable and made it a fun adventure. But the best part for me was the soba noodle making experience. I love cooking, food, and food culture so it was perfect for me. And the result was delicious!
It‘s a very fun tour to...
Ephraim C,
Jun 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It‘s a very fun tour to combine history with a quick cooking class. The handmade soba are so tasty and a huge difference to the store bought ones. Can highly recommend it.
Great Fun and Educational
Jennifer T,
May 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our guide is very likable and a life-long resident, except for six years in Toyko to go to university. The tour of the castle was very interesting and educational, and the wine-making class was just plain fun. We then ate our noodles in the small restaurant below the room where we made them. All a fun, intimate experience.
Basic cooking exercise decent tour of casle.
ZACH R,
Nov 25, 2023
- Viator
3.00
Kai wasn't enthusiastic guide but his English was a bit limited and he was a bit hard to understand, not his problem but ours as we are Americans in Japan. He did his best to point out interesting features of the castle. The soba noodle portion of the tour was okay. The MasterChef had little interaction with us even though he spoke decent English but we interacted very little with him . His American assistant was very kind and helpful. Although we made our noodles and the result that we ate in the downstairs restaurant was delicious there were numerous charges for add-ons if you wanted more than your basic noodle dish and there was little explanation of the significance or history of what we were eating. Not the best value for the money.