Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience
Overview
Available languages
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
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good value, interesting tour.
Kay R,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A 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
- Review from Viator
5.00The 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
- Review from Viator
5.00It‘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
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 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.
Matsumoto Guide
lepointdevued,
Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The places were beautiful and the guide who welcomed us informed us about many topics, whether it was the tour or other places of interest not foreseen in the tour.
5/5 All Around Experience in Matsumoto
610tylern,
Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tim was excellent. The absolute best guide you can ask for. Tim is knowledgeable not only in the castle history but surrounding area as well. He speaks fluent English and Japanese so he is able to manage the small group size interactions with the locals easily. The castle itself is amazing as was the owner of the soba shop. 5/5 in both metic and freedom units, would do again in a heartbeat. Thank you again for everything Tim.
Disappointing
stationroadhaddinton,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Don’t waste your money. Do the castle tour by yourself - information boards inside tell you all you need to know. Soba noodle making experience very poor - felt very rushed, couples have to share the noodle making - so you don’t get to do it all by yourself. Not a memorable experience. Lunch was nice and simple.
Great tour
kerrywF5040UP,
Dec 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The tour was great. Shin was a great tour guide and was very flexible. He was very knowledgeable about Matsumoto and the castle. My only comment was that I did not realise that you had to take your shoes off to walk around the castle. I only had thin socks on and I was very cold during winter! The Soba making was fun and lovely to eat our soba.
Informative and fun
colleenlW2503NH,
Jul 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed the tour of the castle with explanations about the different parts of the castle. The soba noodle experience was really fun. We got to make our own noodles and then they were cooked and served in the restaurant downstairs. Our guide, Naomi, gave us some really good suggestions for other things to see in Matsumoto as well. I highly recommend this tour to anyone, including families.
Perfect
ChristophD428,
Apr 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour of the castle. Lots of information about the city. Making saba yourself was fun. We ate our own soba in the restaurant. The guide was very good.
From ¥14,200
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