All Matsumoto Tours & Excursions in 2026

Experience Matsumoto’s Celebrated Samurai Culture! Constructed at the end of the Warring States Period, Matsumoto Castle is the grandest symbol of the city’s feudal origins and samurai heritage. During your experience you will be provided with further insight into the feudal domain that was once ruled by the daimyo and his samurai. To this day, residents of Matsumoto remain proud of that heritage, that can be experienced firsthand through historic activities available in the city. Among those activities, traditional ‘katana’ (sword) fighting and ‘hankyu’ (archery) are two of the most popular on offer, both of which can be enjoyed during this experience. Samurai employed both close combat and long-range weapons including archery. Following-on from your katana experience, you will be guided in use of a hankyu bow inside a room designed for the experience. Learn the art of the ‘Katana’ Sword and extend your skill with ‘Hankyu’ Archery during this half-day samurai experience!

Matsumoto is a vibrant city steeped in arts, history, and culture. It is known for a feudal castle, cafes, folk arts and a traditional shopping district. Whether you are on your way to the Northern Alps or Matsumoto is your destination, see the best of the city with a government licensed local tour guide. Choose from several attractions, including the Matsumoto Castle and museums, for a tour of your own design.

An immersive experience into Japanese cuisine! Buckwheat has long been grown in Matsumoto, lending to its well-established tradition of Soba noodle making. This part of the country is famed as the destination for getting the best serving of Soba and so happens to be the locally Matsumoto City as well. But that's not all with the discovery of fresh authentic Wasabi of the region that awaits you! - Learn a traditional Japanese culinary art from a master As our Soba master says, “Nothing tastes better than soba noodles made with your very own hands.” While Soba is a simple dish by itself, making the noodles from scratch is a challenge that combines culinary art with precision knife handling and a dash of Japanese discipline. - Discover all the secrets of real Wasabi The real taste of Wasabi is not what you find in plastic tubes. Yes, the flavor of real Wasabi is just as spicy, but much fresher and more nuanced than the store-bought kind!

Kintsugi reflects the Japanese spirit of cherishing broken things. Tableware that holds memories or old, broken tableware can be repaired with kintsugi, making it usable again. In this experience, kintsugi, which usually takes several months, can be completed in just a few hours using resin.

Matsumoto is world-famous for its earthy soba noodles made from buckwheat flour. It is also known for its well-preserved feudal castle. Experience both on this unique tour of the city. After touring Matsumoto Castle—one of Japan's National Treasures—you will learn how to prepare a traditional soba dish and then taste its exquisite flavors! Both exciting and enriching, this hands-on experience gives you an unforgettable way to learn about Japanese history and culture.

Explore “Old Japan” on a relaxed day trip to Narai-juku (a beautifully preserved Nakasendo post town) and a hands-on wasabi grating lunch at Daio Wasabi Farm. Enjoy a guided walk plus free time in Narai-juku—browse small shops, try local snacks, and take photos at your own pace. Then grate fresh wasabi for lunch and take a short stroll along the clear-water canals and iconic waterwheels. Not a rushed checklist tour—we keep the pace calm so you can truly enjoy the town and taste what real freshly grated wasabi is like. Main option: Matsumoto Start (9:45 AM) → return to Matsumoto Station, with an optional Matsumoto Castle drop-off (entry ticket not included; tour ends at the drop-off). Also available: Nagano Start (8:45 AM) → return to Nagano Station (no castle option). -Narai-juku guided walk + free time (about 2 hours) -Daio Wasabi Farm: wasabi grating lunch + stroll (about 1.5 hours) -Small premium group tour with an English-speaking local guide

Matsumoto Castle stands as a testament to Japan’s architectural brilliance, with its iconic black façade and rich history. This guided tour explores the castle’s design, defensive strategies, and stories woven into its walls. Visitors will walk through the Honmaru area, learn about craftsmanship and local legends, and enjoy impressive views from the main keep. Those who select the optional Former Kaichi School visit can continue to one of Matsumoto’s key Meiji-era landmarks, contrasting the samurai age with Japan’s early modern education. Perfect for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike, this tour offers a unique lens into Matsumoto’s past. Explore Matsumoto Castle’s architecture and history Learn about local legends, defenses, and engineering Enjoy views from the top of the main keep Add the optional Former Kaichi School visit for Meiji-era architecture and education Ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts

This action-packed private day tour to Matsumoto allows you to create a tour that fits your interests. Choose from a list of over 15 landmarks and attractions and experience the city at your own pace. Visit the historic Matsumoto Castle, stop at one of Japan’s biggest wasabi farms, Hotaka Shrine, Buddhist temples, museums, and many more. Going on a guided tour saves time navigating and uncovers hidden gems you might not discover alone.

Experience the life of a samurai in an actual feudal castle in Matsumoto, Japan! Matsumoto Castle is a designated “National Treasure” thanks to its well preserved historic structure. We’ll get a chance to step inside to learn about the life of the samurai lords who lived here, the castle’s defensive strategies and the history of the city. Afterwards, get a hands-on sword fighting lesson with your own hand-picked sword and samurai outfit.

Matsumoto Castle is one of the most famous sights in Matsumoto, and this experience allows you to explore with a guide and a small group for a more personalized experience. Enjoy a relaxed walking tour of its interior, then explore the grounds of this impressive castle, which is ranked as one of Japan's most beautiful. Then head to a local sake shop, where you can learn about the Japanese drink and enjoy a light snack.

This private and customizable tour for Kamikochi is ideal for guests who want their trip tailored to their interests and preferences, ensuring they can explore the city at their own speed. With our personalized approach, guests can delve into Kamikochi's charm, discovering its unique sights and experiences curated just for them. Whether it's seeking adventure or embracing serenity, our tour caters to every preference, promising an unforgettable journey through Kamikochi's wonders.

The venue is an old private house in a wonderful location in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, with Matsumoto Castle in front of it. No matter what time of year you visit, you can experience the Japanese art of calligraphy while viewing the beautiful Japanese garden. A master calligrapher will carefully teach you how to use the tools and manners, so that even beginners can enjoy writing. You can write your favorite characters on colored paper to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind work of art. It is a great way to display them at home as a memento of your trip or as a souvenir.

Discover Matsumoto on this full-day tour designed to cover the area’s cultural highlights in one rewarding day. Enter the black-walled Matsumoto Castle, a rare original fortress rich in samurai history, and explore at your own pace. Depart from Nagano (8:00 AM / 8.5 hrs) or Matsumoto (9:30 AM / 6.25 hrs). Visit a 150-year-old miso brewery for a guided visit and onigiri lunch. Enjoy free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm, with canals, waterwheels, wasabi souvenirs, and optional snacks such as wasabi ice cream. Stop at a countryside winery for a casual tasting of local wines. End at the Ukiyo-e Museum, home to a major woodblock print collection. On Mondays, this museum stop is replaced by Matsumoto City History Village. ・Entry to Matsumoto Castle ・Guided miso brewery visit & onigiri lunch ・Free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm ・Casual wine tasting at a scenic winery ・Entry to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (History Village on Mondays) ・Matsumoto’s cultural highlights in one day

Guests on this exciting 1 day tour of Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku will have the chance to get hands-on with Japan's fascinating history by personally entering the renowned Matsumoto Castle and strolling the streets of the quaint Narai-juku. There will also be opportunities to walk the downtown area of Matsumoto city and window shop or taste some of its delicious local specialties. With all transport included in the tour, you will not have to worry about anything more than which souvenirs to buy for your family and friends. This tour also includes a seasonal activity at Narai-juku, to allow you to get even closer to the fascinating culture of this region of Japan which often feels as though it has been pulled out of a different era.

Embark on a captivating day of exploration through the enchanting city of Matsumoto, Japan! From the grandeur of Matsumoto Castle to the tranquility of Matsumoto-jinja Shrine, immerse yourself in history, culture, and natural beauty. End your adventure with a panoramic view from Matsumoto City Hall and some quirky fun at Nawate Shopping Street. Unleash your inner explorer and discover the heart of Matsumoto on this foot-powered escapade! Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

Matsumoto brings together two threads of Japanese tradition: the stone and timber of defensive architecture, and the rice and water of sake brewing. This tour starts at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most striking original castles before moving through historic Nakamachi street, once the main commercial artery of Matsumoto's castle town and pauses at Kurassic-kan, a former sake brewery dating to 1888. Then the route leads to a small sake brewery where spring water has defined local craft for generations. Matsumoto has long supported sake production, fed by a network of spring wells drawing from mountain runoff that surrounds the city. A glimpse into how Matsumoto's past still lives in the city today. Your guide will walk you through a tasting of several sake varieties, each reflecting different rice strains, fermentation methods, and aging processes. Between pours, they'll explain how water quality, seasonal brewing cycles, and rice polishing ratios shape what's in your cup.

Led by highly qualified photographers, our program works around your travel schedule, capturing natural and memorable shots. -Available anywhere in Matsumoto Nagano. -The original 100+photo files will be delivered. -Photography can be booked up to 3 days in advance. Please select your preferred shooting location from the Location list and inform us when booking or via Chat. ①Matsumoto castle park ②Nakamachi Street & Nawate Street ③Other location (Additional fees will be charged for outlying areas such as Togakushi Shrine Okusha ) ＜Proposal Photography Option＞ Planning a surprise proposal in Nagano? We offer optional proposal photography plans to help capture this special moment. - Plan A: 1-hour proposal photoshoot, 100+ original photo files, and pre-consultation via chat. - Plan B: Includes everything in Plan A, plus a short smartphone video capturing the proposal moment (about 30 seconds).

Have an unforgettable journey from central Tokyo to Yokohama, where you'll visit the car meet-up and hear firsthand experiences and unique stories. Your adventure begins in the heart of Tokyo. We'll hit the legendary Wangan for a scenic C1 loop, with brief stops at street racing hotspots. Then, we'll cruise along the Bayshore Route, passing through the iconic Rainbow Bridge on your way to Yokohama to witness amazing cars and meet their passionate owners. Your night will span approximately 3 hours where you'll feel like you are hanging out with a local friend. The best part? We'll provide a drop-off back to central Tokyo! Experience genuine car culture as we show you an authentic night out with a local, focusing on delivering a COMPLETE experience, not just a glimpse of cars at Daikoku.

Enjoy a thrilling outdoor adventure with a guided Mountain Bike Fun Ride designed for families and groups. This flexible tour allows participants to choose between a 90-minute ride or extend their journey up to 3 hours, catering to different skill levels and interests. Whether you're a family of four or a group of friends, you can tackle the trails together or split up based on your preferences, ensuring everyone has a great time on two wheels. - Choose between a 90-minute or extended 3-hour mountain bike tour - Perfect for families and groups with 2 or more participants - Tailored experience to accommodate various skill levels - Explore scenic trails while enjoying the company of family and friends

Discover Matsumoto through a local's perspective on this city walking tour. This castle town is made up of distinct areas each with its own characteristics. Come take an easy two hour walk with us and learn about Matsumoto City's history, culture, natural landscape, and how it has played a significant role in Japan. We'll lead you down the main areas as well as some off the beaten path areas, drink from some natural spring water wells, check out a hidden shrine, see a 360 degree city view and more.

Discover the unique flavors and traditions of Azumino and Matsumoto on this private car tour. Highlights include hands-on wasabi harvesting at Juuichiya, a wasabi-grating and soba lunch at Goho-den, a visit to Daio Wasabi Farm, and the iconic Matsumoto Castle. This tour blends food, culture, and history into one journey. By joining, you gain exclusive access to wasabi fields normally open only to local farmers, guided by experts who share the traditions of water-grown wasabi cultivation. Savor freshly grated wasabi with handmade soba, stroll among watermills, and step inside a National Treasure castle. It’s a deeper way to connect with Japanese culture beyond typical sightseeing. This tour is ideal for food lovers, families with children curious about farming and nature, and anyone interested in tasting and learning about Japan’s wasabi culture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a memorable day in Nagano, this experience offers something unforgettable.

Explore the city and its surroundings on this off-the-beaten-path bike tour! Far from the Japanese metropolises, enjoy a deep breath of fresh air and the magnificent landscapes of Matsumoto City. Ride an electric bicycle with your guide through the countryside of Matsumoto and discover the main historical sites of the city while enjoying a country ride through the vast fields surrounding the city. The ideal experience for all cycling enthusiasts! Matsumoto is centered in the Japanese countryside and is the ideal place to get on a bicycle for an exploration of the city and its surroundings! Beyond the city built around its historic castle, Matsumoto offers all kinds of magnificent rides. Explore the city's historic sites, take a deep breath of fresh air, as you cycle around the city, past rice fields and admire the beautiful and traditional Japanese farmhouses. The tour includes a soba noodle lunch at a traditional countryside restaurant.

Explore the most iconic and hidden spots in the heart of Tokyo with a local guide. After leaving the first bar, you will embark on a photography tour of some of the most iconic yet lesser known spots in the heart of Tokyo. Your English-speaking local Japanes guide/driver will take photos of each spot and share information only a local would know. So when you finish the tour, you will not only have great photos, but also some local knowledge about each spot.