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Offered languages
- English
Discover Matsumoto on a relaxed walking tour featuring castle history, local sake, old streets, and a light local snack.
Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. Explore its wooden interior and hear stories from Japan’s feudal past.
The tour then continues to a small local sake shop with a warm, homely atmosphere, offering a relaxed tasting experience that feels like stepping into a local home.
After that, stroll through Nawate Street and Nakamachi, known for their preserved buildings, small shops, and nostalgic atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy a light Japanese snack and discover another side of Matsumoto beyond the castle.
・Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles
・Enjoy sake tasting at a small local shop with a warm, homely atmosphere
・Walk through Nawate Street and Nakamachi with a local guide
・Try a light Japanese snack during the tour
・Discover historic streets, local shops, and hidden details beyond the castle
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
You will meet your guide in front of Starbucks at Matsumoto Station. Guests staying near Matsumoto Castle may request a closer meeting point in advance.
Itinerary
-
1
Meet your guide in front of Starbucks at Matsumoto Station. After a short introduction, the tour begins with a relaxed walk through central Matsumoto toward the castle.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Matsumoto Castle
Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles and a designated National Treasure. Learn about the history of the samurai era while exploring the castle grounds and enjoying views of the iconic black keep.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
Enjoy a relaxed sake tasting at a small local spot loved by residents. Learn about Nagano’s sake culture while sampling regional varieties in a casual and welcoming setting.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Nawate Shopping District
Explore Nawate Street, a charming retro shopping street famous for its frog theme. The area is filled with small shops, snacks, and local souvenirs.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Nakamachi Street
Walk along Nakamachi Street, known for its traditional white-walled merchant buildings from the Edo period. Today the street is lined with small cafés, craft shops, and galleries.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
The tour finishes with a relaxed walk back to Matsumoto Station, where your guide will say goodbye.
10 minutes • 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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