Simple walking tours of Matsumoto’s stunning castle start at $63, offering great value with knowledgeable local guides and included lunch. The cultural combination tours are worth considering – especially the soba noodle making workshop ($90.89) which connects visitors with authentic local traditions. For travelers seeking a more intimate experience, private tours can be arranged and customized.
I especially love the Castle Town Walking Tour – it’s practical, informative, and covers all the must-see spots while including both lunch and castle admission. The sake tasting tour ($85) provides fascinating insights into Japan’s traditional brewing methods.
Let’s explore the essential tours that showcase the best of Matsumoto.
Key Points
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Matsumoto Castle Tour offers a highly-rated guided experience with cultural insights for $93, earning a 4.8-star rating and 92% recommendation rate.
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Walking tours combine castle visits with local food sampling, ranging from $63-85, featuring small groups and knowledgeable local guides.
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Private customizable tours provide flexible itineraries with personal guides in English or French, ideal for groups seeking tailored experiences.
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Soba noodle making workshops pair cultural learning with hands-on cooking experiences, including tastings of traditional Japanese dishes.
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Food and sake walking tours offer intimate groups of 15 or fewer, combining castle visits with local cuisine exploration.
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience
One of Matsumoto’s top-rated experiences combines two authentic Japanese attractions: a guided tour of the historic Matsumoto Castle and hands-on soba noodle making.
For $93, visitors can explore Japan’s National Treasure while learning traditional noodle preparation from a soba master. The tour starts at 9 AM from Matsumoto Station and accommodates up to 10 travelers.
It includes castle entry, noodle-making instruction, and a tasting session with side dishes like Oyaki.
With a 92% recommendation rate, guests praise the culture. While some note limited master interaction and extra costs, the 4.8-star rating reflects high satisfaction with this dual cultural experience.
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Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour
The Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour offers three immersive hours of cultural exploration for $63 per person.
Starting at Matsumoto Station, visitors spend two hours exploring the historic castle with an English-speaking guide who shares insights about samurai defense systems and feudal history.
The tour continues through Nawate and Nakamachi Shopping Streets, where travelers can experience local food vendors, cafes, and craft stores.
The package includes castle admission, lunch, snacks, and travel insurance.
While it’s not wheelchair accessible due to steep castle stairs, the tour’s 4.8/5 rating from 17 reviews confirms its value.
Free cancellation’s available 24 hours before.
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Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano
Building on Matsumoto’s cultural offerings, this food-focused walking tour combines castle exploration with local culinary experiences for $85 per person.
The tour provides skip-the-line access to Matsumoto Castle, followed by sake tasting at a local brewery. Participants can sample street foods like Taiyaki and Takoyaki while exploring Frog Street’s shopping district.
The package includes castle admission, sake tasting, two street snacks, and professional photos.
Groups meet at Matsumoto Station’s Starbucks and are limited to 15 travelers.
While the tour requires moderate fitness and isn’t wheelchair accessible, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Combining historical exploration with hands-on culture, this 3-hour tour pairs Matsumoto Castle visits with authentic samurai training for $85.58 per person.
Participants spend two hours exploring one of Japan’s five “National Treasure” castles, built in 1593.
The tour then shifts to a hands-on samurai experience where guests don traditional outfits and learn sword fighting techniques from a master instructor.
The package includes an English guide, castle admission, samurai gear rental, meals, and insurance.
While the steep castle stairs aren’t wheelchair accessible, travelers can reserve spots without upfront payment and cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Making Workshop
Immersing travelers in both cultural heritage and culinary arts, this 3-hour tour combines Matsumoto Castle exploration with hands-on soba noodle making for $90.89 per person.
Visitors spend 90 minutes exploring one of Japan’s oldest National Treasure castles, known for its original structure and steep staircases.
A soba master then guides participants through a 60-minute workshop where they’ll prepare and cut noodles from scratch.
The experience concludes with tasting their creations alongside extra dishes.
The tour includes an English guide, castle admission, and all necessary tools.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.
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Matsumoto Discovery – Customizable Private Tour
Designed for groups up to four people, this customizable full-day tour lets visitors explore Matsumoto’s rich heritage at their own pace for $543.11.
The package includes a private English or French-speaking guide, entry to Matsumoto Castle plus two additional venues, lunch, and transportation.
Meeting at Matsumoto Station, travelers can tailor their itinerary around ancient traditions, samurai culture, local cuisine, and artistry.
The tour’s flexible schedule runs daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour’s perfect 5.0 rating from verified reviews reflects its high-quality experience.
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Matsumoto: Castle and Samurai Sword Fighting Night Tour
This action-packed night tour offers visitors a rare chance to experience samurai culture and explore Matsumoto Castle after dark for $91.55 per person.
The 3-hour adventure includes a 90-minute castle tour, an hour of sword fighting training with authentic gear, and 30 minutes to enjoy the castle’s winter illumination display.
Limited to just 6 participants, the English-guided tour provides intimate access to Japan’s rich samurai heritage.
While hotel transfers aren’t included, the flexible booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Participants should bring warm clothes and socks, noting the castle’s steep stairs aren’t wheelchair accessible.
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Matsumoto Discovery – Half Day Walking Tour
Led by government-licensed local guides, the Matsumoto Discovery Half Day Walking Tour packs essential city highlights into a comprehensive $64.49 experience.
The tour includes entry to the iconic Matsumoto Castle, stops at the City Museum of Art, and visits to the Japan Ukiyoe Museum.
With a stellar 96% recommendation rate and 4.9/5 average rating, travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and personalized approach.
The tour accommodates up to 15 people and includes insurance, lunch, and transportation fees.
Meeting at Matsumoto Station, this half-day exploration offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, making it a flexible choice for budget-conscious travelers.
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Etour De Matsumoto – Private Electric Bike Tour
Exploring Matsumoto’s countryside on electric bikes, the eTour de Matsumoto offers a private guided experience for $95.04 per person.
This English-guided tour starts at Matsumoto Station and includes bike rental, helmet, insurance, and lunch.
Travelers can discover scenic rice fields, historic shrines, and peaceful valleys while their guide shares local history.
The tour’s perfect 5.0 rating from 13 reviews highlights its value and authenticity.
While not suitable for pregnant women or those with health concerns, it’s ideal for moderately fit visitors.
Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a pay-later option.
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Matsumoto Private Customizable Full Day Tour
With over 15 landmarks to choose from, the Matsumoto Private Customizable Full Day Tour lets visitors design their perfect 8-hour itinerary through the city’s top attractions.
Travelers can explore 4-5 sites, including Matsumoto Castle, wasabi farms, and various temples. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and transportation, with hotel pickup available for city center locations.
While meals and entrance fees aren’t covered, the guide handles all reservations.
Booking requires completing a Matsumoto Form within 48 hours. It’s best to book three months ahead, with strict cancellation policies applying.
Groups meet at Matsumoto Station, where the guide will wait up to 30 minutes.
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Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano
This immersive sake tasting tour guides visitors through Matsumoto’s historic streets, offering more than five distinct sake varieties alongside traditional Japanese pickles.
Groups are kept intimate with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention throughout the experience.
The tour starts at Starbucks in MIDORI Matsumoto station and includes lunch plus refreshing green tea to cleanse the palate.
At $67.89 per person, it’s an affordable way to explore local cuisine and culture.
While participants under 20 receive non-alcoholic alternatives, the walking tour requires moderate fitness and isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with serious health conditions.
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Kamikochi Private Customizable Full Day Tour
Moving from Matsumoto’s sake scene to its natural wonders, the Kamikochi Private Customizable Full Day Tour offers visitors a flexible 8-hour adventure through one of Japan’s most stunning regions.
Starting at $220.64 per person, the tour includes hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and city transportation to explore 4-5 attractions.
Japan Awaits handles all logistics while guests customize their itinerary. Meeting at Kamikochi Park Activity Station, visitors should book at least one month ahead and complete the required form.
Early cancellations minimize fees, with full charges applying within 14 days of the tour. The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
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Sum Up
Taking a tour in Matsumoto offers excellent value for travelers wanting to explore this historic Japanese city. From guided walks through the castle town to hands-on experiences making soba noodles, there’s something for every budget. The electric bike tours and private customizable options let visitors maximize their time efficiently. Whether it’s sake tasting or samurai experiences, Matsumoto’s tours blend culture with practical sightseeing.