Matsumoto Castle (National Treasure) : 国宝 松本城

Description

Built at the end of the 16th Century, Matsumoto Castle is Japan's oldest castle with a 5-story main keep. The castle has been carefully preserved to the way it was back in the Warring States era. With both defensive armaments and a romantic moon-viewing tower, the castle depicts an age of transition from constant wars to one of peace. Featuring cherry-tree lined moats swarming with koi and birds and the Northern Alps visible in the distance, the castle and its grounds are a popular symbol of Matsumoto. An entry fee is charged to enter the central grounds and the main keep.

Records show that during the 18th century, ninjas like Yoshinori Akutagawa were active in Matsumoto Castle. Upon entering the castle grounds you may find a group dressed as a lord, princess, and a ninja. If you're lucky, you may be able to take a photo with them!

Details

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• Inner castle grounds are wheelchair accessible.

Hours

8:30-17:00 (Last Entrance 16:30)

Date(s)

Closed from 29 Dec. to 31 Dec. Otherwise, open daily.

Entrance Price

Entrance to castle and inner grounds, 700 per adult, 300 for middle and elementary school students. Group discounts available.

Time Required

45 min-1 hour

Reservations

Not required

Foreign Languages

English (English-speaking volunteer guides available (ALSA). Some signage has English.)

Luggage Storage

Not Available

Notes

Castle stairs are extremely steep.

Contact

tel : +81(0)263-34-3000　松本市役所観光温泉課（Matsumoto City Office)fax : +81(0)263-34-3049Official site

Access / Location

By Train

From Matsumoto Station(JR Shinonoi Line), 1 km, Approx. 15 min on foot.
By bus, take the Town Sneaker North Course from Oshiro-Guchi exit and get off at Matsumotojo-Shiyakushomae stop (10 min)

By Car

From Matsumoto IC, via Route 158 toward Matsumoto City Center, approx. 3km (15 min)

Address

4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto 390-0811

Nearby Attractions

Sightseeing Spots

• Nawate Dori (street) in Matsumoto City : Frog Street -- Matsumoto's Edo Era-themed Shopping Street
• Nakamachi Street in Matsumoto City : Matsumoto's Commercial Street with Distinctive Black & White Contrasting Storehouses
• Matsumoto City Museum of Art : Museum Featuring Works by Matsumoto's Favorite Daughter, World-Famous Yayoi Kusama.
• Daio Wasabi Farm : Japan's Largest Wasabi Farm in the Pristine Waters of Azumino
• Izutsu Wine (Winery) : Winery with a View of the Northern Alps, Surrounded by Picturesque Vineyards

Accommodation

• Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel : Hotel Located Steps from Matsumoto Castle in the City's Historical and Cultural Heart.
• Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu : Hotel with Japanese Accents in the Heart of Matsumoto.
• Candela Guest House in Matsumoto : Hideaway Located in a Remodeled Miso Warehouse 5 min from Matsumoto Castle.
• Matsumoto's Ryokan (Hotel) Marumo : "Dozo" Storehouse-styled Inn Steeped in Matsumoto's Castle Town Ambience.
• Matsumoto's Nunoya Ryokan : Wooden 3-Story Japanese Inn, located in Nakamachi, Matsumoto City

Restaurants

• Bakery Cafe SWEET in Nawate : Matsumoto's Old-Time Bakery Cafe.
• Marumo : Folkcraft-themed Coffee Shop for Coffee Enthusiasts.
• Kurassic-kan : Coffee Shop in a Storehouse Built in 1888, With a Japanese Garden.
• Hikari-ya Higashi : Fine Japanese Dining in a Stylishly Remodeled 130-Year-Old Storehouse.
• Hikari-ya Nishi : Macrobiotic Fine French Dining in a Remodeled 120-Year Old Storehouse.

Activities

• Guided Tour of Matsumoto Castle : Tour National Treasure Matsumoto Castle with the Helpful ALSA Guides.
• 'Temari' Handball Workshop : A Symbol of Matsumoto, Make a Temari Ball as a Momento of your Stay.
• Soba Noodle Making in Matsumoto : Make (then Eat!) Soba at this Premier Noodle Shop 2 Minutes from Matsumoto Castle.
• Kimono & Ninja Costume Rental Shop : Take a one-of-a-kind stroll in a kimono, ninja costume, or samurai armor through the castle town of Matsumoto!
• Yamaya Candy Shop’s Ninja Food Making Experience : Matsumoto ninja nutritional supplement food making experience!