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Offered languages
- English
Discover Matsumoto on a relaxed private walking tour that blends samurai history, charming streets and local flavors.
Meet your guide at Matsumoto Station and step back in time at Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century national treasure. Climb its wooden stairways, feel the atmosphere of the tatami-lined rooms, and enjoy panoramic views from the castle keep while hearing stories from Japan’s feudal era.
After the castle, your guide will lead you through Matsumoto’s old town. Stroll along lively Nawate Street, known as “Frog Street,” and the elegant Nakamachi district with its well-preserved kura-style merchant houses. Along the way, your guide will point out favorite snack shops and a cozy, family-run sake bar where you can sample regional specialties and sake at your own expense.
The tour finishes back in central Matsumoto, close to the station, so you can continue exploring on your own or catch your next train after a memorable afternoon in one of Japan’s most atmospheric castle towns.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point is in the Matsumoto Station area.
If you are staying at a hotel within about a 10-minute walk of Matsumoto Station, your guide can meet you in the hotel lobby on foot.
Otherwise, please meet in front of Starbucks Coffee MIDORI Matsumoto Station.
We will confirm the exact meeting point and your guide’s details via Viator message before the tour.
You will meet your guide infront of Starbucks at Matsumoto station
Itinerary
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1
Meet Up with our guide just in front of Starbucks in Matsumoto station and walk to get Matsumoto castle
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Matsumoto Castle
Arrival at Matsumoto castle. You go to enter Matsumoto castle and see inside of national treasure. It takes about 45min to 60min to look around.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
3
Your guide will introduce you retro town, favourite eateries and cafes on the way to Nawate Street.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
It’s like visiting to grandparents. The place is run by old owners. A lovely experience, delicious sake and enjoy having a look at inside of brewery.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Nawate Shopping District
One of the highlights of Nawate Street is the abundance of frog-themed decorations and sculptures. The frog motif is prevalent throughout the street, and there are various frog-related items available for purchase in the shops. The street attracts both locals and tourists who come to enjoy the quaint atmosphere, explore the shops, and take in the artistic and whimsical elements.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Nakamachi Street
Nakamachi Street is another charming and historic street located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Like Nawate Street, Nakamachi is known for its well-preserved traditional buildings and offers visitors a glimpse into the Edo period (1603-1868) architecture. Nakamachi Street is lined with kurazukuri buildings, which are traditional merchant houses with distinctive white walls and black latticework. These buildings now house various shops, cafes, galleries, and museums. The street has a nostalgic and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those interested in experiencing the historical aspects of Matsumoto. Visitors to Nakamachi Street can explore the unique shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Japanese goods. The area is also known for its sake breweries and local food establishments, providing an opportunity to taste regional specialties.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The tour concludes at Matsumoto station and your guide will say good-bye here. *If you want to explore more Matsumoto by yourself, you can stay in Nakamachi street area to wander around to continue your adventure*
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Sometimes it takes more than 30 min to enter Matsumoto castle
- Walking shoes are recommended
- Minimum alcahol drinking age is 20 years. So we offer another drink for under 20.
- In case of late arrival, the tour cannot be extended.
- o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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