Guided Tour of Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle : 松本城
Tour National Treasure Matsumoto Castle with the Helpful ALSA Guides.
Matsumoto/Northern Alps
Description
Take a tour of arguably Japan's coolest castle, Matsumoto-jo, with a friendly, English-speaking volunteer guide.
Recommendation
ALSA, the Alps Language Service Association, provides free tours of Matsumoto Castle. The castle forms the focal point of Matsumoto City, which developed as a castle town around it. Built in the 16th Century, the castle has been maintained to its original form and has been designated as a National Treasure. With all of its history and the intricacies of its construction, it is helpful to have a knowledgeable English-speaker guide you. Let ALSA enhance your experience and appreciation of Matsumoto Castle!
Details
- Hours
- Castle hours: 08:30-17:00 (Last Entrance 16:30; Closes later during Golden Week and Summer)
ALSA hours: 10:00-15:00 or by appointment - Date(s)
- Castle: closed on 12/29-12/31
ALSA: daily except April 29 – May 5, Aug. 11 – 17 and Dec. 28 – Jan. 9, Other tours by appointment - Cost / Price of Admission
- Castle Entrance 610 (300 for elementary and middle school students); ALSA's services are volunteer.
- Time Required
- 1-1.5 hours
- Reservations
- Not required(Reservation is accepted all year around.)
- # of Participants
- 1+
- Foreign Languages
- English (Guides in languages other than English can be arranged. (Minimum 2 weeks advanced notice required.))
- Luggage Storage
- Available
Notes
ALSA guides are located at the waiting area by the Black Gate entrance on the castle's south side.
Contact
tel : +81(0)90-9669-3454fax : +81(0)263-47-3454Official site
Access / Location
- By Train
- From Matsumoto Station(JR Chuo Line), From Matsumoto Station's main exit, go northeast on the road to the left of the McDonald's 350m to the main street and turn left. Proceed north to the castle, 550m (total 15 min on foot).
- By Car
- From Matsumoto IC, Take Route 158 east 2.6km to "T" (Chuo 2-chome signal) and turn left. Proceed 400m to the castle. (total 15 min)
- Address
- 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto 390-0873
Nearby Attractions
Sightseeing Spots
- Matsumoto Castle (National Treasure) : One of Japan's Finest Castles, With the Japanese Alps as a Backdrop
- 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
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.
- Hikari-ya Nishi : Macrobiotic Fine French Dining in a Remodeled 120-Year Old Storehouse.
- Hikari-ya Higashi : Fine Japanese Dining in a Stylishly Remodeled 130-Year-Old Storehouse.
- Marumo : Folkcraft-themed Coffee Shop for Coffee Enthusiasts.
- Kurassic-kan : Coffee Shop in a Storehouse Built in 1888, With a Japanese Garden.
Activities
- '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!
- Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival : Hear World-renowned Musicians from across the Globe Perform in Matsumoto.