Private Matsumoto Castle & Sake – Taste of Local Life

Private Matsumoto Castle & Sake – Taste of Local Life

By o8Experience

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
3h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

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.

Activity location

Matsumoto Station
- 1
- 390-0815, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Matsumoto Station
- 1
- 390-0815, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan

Check availability

Explore Matsumoto

3h
English

Pickup included

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

RM 615.94 x 2 AdultsRM 1,231.88

Total

Until Fri, 30 Jan

What's included, what's not

Guided walk through Nakamachi and Nawate historic streets
Private English-speaking guide
Matsumoto castle entrance fees
Sake tasting fees at the local bar/brewery
Street food and snacks (e.g. taiyaki, dango, oyaki)
Transportation fee to meeting point
There are no mandatory in-destination costs.
Additional drinks

Know before you book

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.

Activity itinerary

Matsumoto Station

Meet Up with our guide just in front of Starbucks in Matsumoto station and walk to get Matsumoto castle

Matsumoto Castle

1h
Admission ticket included

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.

Matsumoto

Your guide will introduce you retro town, favourite eateries and cafes on the way to Nawate Street.

Matsumoto

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.

Nawate 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.

Nakamachi 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.

Matsumoto Station (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*

Location

Activity location

Matsumoto Station
- 1
- 390-0815, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Matsumoto Station
- 1
- 390-0815, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan

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