JAPAN
Japan's classics.
The 14 most popular matsumoto tours in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Climb Matsumoto Castle, learn samurai history, then train basics with a katana in a short hands-on workshop near the tower.
“Shin was extremely professional, helpful and managed to make us appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Matsumoto. The samurai experience was unique and super funny. Strongly recommended.”
Tour Matsumoto Castle and try a family-friendly samurai sword kata in traditional outfits, with English guidance and a small group pace.
“This was one of the highlights for us. Weren’t rushed and has a lovely tour of the Matsumoto Castle which is beautiful. The samurai experience was so much fun and would definitely do it again.”
3-hour Matsumoto Castle Town walking tour with an English guide, castle entry, Nawate food street, and Nakamachi historic lanes.
“We had a fantastic time touring the castle and exploring the nearby streets. Our guide Tom was very knowledgeable and friendly. If you are in Matsumoto you MUST do this tour.”
3-hour Matsumoto walking tour with an English-licensed guide: Matsumoto Castle, frog Nawate Street, and Nakamachi kura shops.
“This was the perfect way to get a sense of the layout and history of Matsumoto simply by walking around and orienting yourself to a historical map of Matsumoto. And then to do an informed castle visit, as well. Kevin was a great guide -- recommended!”
Guided Nakasendo Trail hike from Tsumago to Magome with Odaki and Medaki waterfalls, plus roundtrip transport from Matsumoto or Nagano.
“Fantastic hike on the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago to Magome. Kim, our guide was very knowledgeable and happily answered our numerous questions along our way. We lucked upon a beautiful day for the hike too.”
Tour Matsumoto Castle then make and taste fresh buckwheat soba with a soba master in a 3-hour, small-group experience.
“A 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 eRead more”
Electric-bike ride through Matsumoto’s shrines, rivers, onsen village, and National Treasure castle, with easy pace and great guide info.
“Great way to see the Matsumoto area and had a great soba lunch from a local restaurant. The guide was very friendly and gave a good overview of the Matsumoto area”
Tour Matsumoto Castle and learn soba from scratch with an English guide, then eat the noodles you made in a short lunch.
“Castle is the oldest original castle in Japan and a must see with a guide that speaks fluent English and Japanese, noodle making was very good and I could tell the chef had been doing it for years, he helped me with each step. Got to eat afterwards accompanied by a dish made by the…”
Private Matsumoto Castle and sake tasting walk with an English-speaking guide, skip-the-line entry, and time to wander Nawate and Nakamachi.
“What a fantastic tour! Very personalized and relaxing. Our guide was amazing, he was friendly and accommodating. Two highlights...there was a real samurai guarding the castle grounds who was so excited to take a picture with us and the sake tasting was A+. Highly recommend!”
Handmade soba with a local master in Matsumoto, then grate real wasabi and enjoy a fresh lunch, all in a small group.
“Had a wonderful time making and eating soba! An easy low key activity especially if you enjoy soba! Kei was a wonderful tour guide. Learned a bit of history of soba making in Matsumoto and had a bonus of trying freshly made mochi which was not a planned!”
Private Kamikochi walk with transfers and an English guide. Cross alpine bridges, spot wildlife, and enjoy car-free mountain air.
“great day out in beautiful park! plenty of good walking. thank you !”
A private, customizable Matsumoto day with English or French guidance, castle access, traditional miso, art, and old streets.
“When we met our Japanese guide at the train station we had the added bonus of his English colleague to accompany us on the tour. Although it was raining, both guides impressed us with their air of confidence and enthusiasm for the plaRead more”
Early ride into Kamikochi for a guided walk to Taisho Pond, then Matsumoto Castle’s national-treasure tower and streets in one smooth day.
“Excellent tour. Kamikochi park is very beautiful definitely worth a visit. We took this tour to have an easy time getting to the park. Our guide was so kind and knowledgeable. We had a great day. Highly recommended”
Samurai sword training plus a guided Matsumoto Castle night tour with laser-mapped Winter Illumination. Small group, English guide, 3 hours.
“Great tour with a beautiful castle. Lots of historical facts. Great samoerai teacher. Fun to do.”
