Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover a real feudal era castle and the historical streets!

Matsumoto is a city with deep-rooted living traditions and proud people who retain an ancestral way of life that we have to honor and respect! Get an introduction into Matsumoto’s past and present during a 3 hour half-day walking tour.

Make your stay in Matsumoto the most unique and enjoyable experience possible! Your guide will help you enjoying the best of the city.

Our half-day Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour is designed to reveal the living traditions of our city by following a different route to and from the castle, and in doing so, bring the history and tradition of the famous castle town to life!

Take more than just a tour, discover ancient history and wisdom, have a unique and enlightening experience! Get a glimpse of all there is to explore in Matsumoto City!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

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

Entry/Admission – Matsumoto Castle

English speaking Guide

Transportation, miscellaneous fees for you during the activity (snacks, souvenir, 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.

2 hours • Admission Included

Nawate Shopping District

Nawate Street is a row of small shops with a subtle but recurring frog theme. Aside from a variety of snack shops, the street also has plenty of little nick knack shops and souvenirs. Yohashira Shrine is also on Nawate Street and is a lovely place to sit while enjoying your taiyaki or rice crackers. Feel free to stroll along Nawate Street and enjoy a relaxed rural village atmosphere within the heart of the city. Here you will find warm culture and hospitality and maybe a souvenir or two!

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day

3 Hour Half-Day Walking Tour

Reviews

4.92

39 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

The castle visit is worth...
Patrick W,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The castle visit is worth every moment, and Tom was a great guide. A mine of information not only about the castle, it’s history and stories, but on life for an expat married to a Japanese. And encounters with bears!
My tour guide Sayuko gave...
Jurgen K,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My tour guide Sayuko gave me a very detailed and personal tour around the city and inside and outside of Matsumoto Castle. Could definitely recommend!
Highly recommend! Excellent tour
639hollyd,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Brilliant walking tour! My guide was very knowledgeable I had lots of questions and he answered them all. There's a lot to see in Matsumoto and it was really interesting to hear all about the history and learn more about Japanese culture. Would highly recommend!
Matsumoto castle and downtown surroundings!
Arvind S,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a great tour with a small group. The guide, Tim, was well versed with the area and local customs and was able to answer all questions thrown at him.
Brilliant tour of Matsumoto
Janice T,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Shin was a great guide who showed us so much more of the city than we would have found ourselves, as well as helping us interact with local people and suggesting restaurants to try.. We were pleased that he was able to guide us inside Matsumoto Castle giving very interesting explanations. The volunteer guides at the castle are only allowed to show tourists the grounds. Overall the tour was money well spent.
Tom was an amazing guide...
jocelyndemone,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Tom was an amazing guide and tailored the trip to my interests. Very knowledgeable and able to answer all the questions I had. Matsumoto castle is definitely a highlight of my trip.
Very enjoyable and informative.
Dream09014187408,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We enjoyed our 3 hour walking tour to Matsumoto Castle and shopping streets nearby. Naomi shared a bunch of information that made our visit more enjoyable. Since we are seniors, she also was careful to conduct our tour at a pace we were comfortable with. I highly recommend this tour as I'm sure Naomi is capable of conducting the tour for all age groups.
Matsumoto walking tour/Matsumoto Castle
J2655BHdavidb,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Tom was the perfect guide to have in Matsumoto, especially for English speaking travelers. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and had a good sense of humor. Since he was originally from Canada, he was easy to converse with. He has lived in Japan for over 30 years and has knowledge and curiosity about the place. The tour of the castle and town area were perfect. We highly recommend the tour and Tom as a guide.
The Matsumoto Experience
Isaac R,
Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a blast. The Matsumoto castle is beautiful!!! Our tour guide Naomi, did an excellent job taking us through and answering all questions. Need to be fit to climb up the castle but it was all worth it. The shop areas were awesome and we had time to explore.
Excellent day trip at Matsumoto
raphaelrW5133GX,
Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an absolute pleasure having Sayuko-san as our tour guide in Matsumoto! From the moment we met her, her warm and genuine personality put our entire family at ease. Sayuko-san's itinerary was perfectly paced, allowing us ample time to explore the castle grounds, learn about its intricate architecture, and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Japanese Alps. She effortlessly navigated the crowds and ensured we didn't miss any of the highlights. If you're looking for a truly enriching and enjoyable tour of Matsumoto, we wholeheartedly recommend Welcome Matsumoto.