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A group of people sitting around a wooden table with bottles and glasses, in a room with traditional decor. 1
People sitting and standing outdoors, some eating food. 2
A couple standing on a red bridge with a traditional Japanese castle in the background. 3
Three people standing in a hallway with blue walls and a door. 4
Three people examining a booklet in a room with a corrugated metal wall and a plastic-covered object on the floor. 5
By o8Experience

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$232 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

  • 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

Activity location

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

Meeting/Redemption Point

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

Check availability

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Guided walk through Nakamachi and Nawate historic streets
  • Inclusions
    Local sake tasting
  • Inclusions
    English-speaking guide
  • Inclusions
    One light Japanese snack
  • Inclusions
    Matsumoto castle entrance fees
  • Exclusions
    Transport fee to meeting point
  • Exclusions
    There are no mandatory in-destination costs.
  • Exclusions
    Additional drinks
  • Exclusions
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Know before you book

    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travellers 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 travellers. 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.

Activity itinerary

Matsumoto Station

  • 5m
Meet your guide in front of Starbucks at Matsumoto Station. After a short introduction, the tour begins with a relaxed walk through central Matsumoto towards the castle.

Matsumoto Castle

  • 45m
  • Admission ticket included
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.

Matsumoto

  • 30m
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.

Nawate Shopping District

  • 20m
Explore Nawate Street, a charming retro shopping street famous for its frog theme. The area is filled with small shops, snacks, and local souvenirs.

Nakamachi Street

  • 15m
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.

Matsumoto Station

  • 10m
The tour finishes with a relaxed walk back to Matsumoto Station, where your guide will say goodbye.

Location

Activity location

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

Meeting/Redemption Point

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

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