Matsumoto Castle Park
Historical site
Matsumoto Castle, located in Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's most beautiful and historic castles. Also known as the Crow Castle due to its striking black exterior, it is one of the few original Japanese castles that have survived since the Edo Period. When you visit this national treasure Matsumoto Castle, you can explore the castle grounds, which have a castle moat and beautiful cherry trees that bloom in spring. Inside, you'll find the Japanese castle interior with steep staircases, wooden hallways, and displays of medieval weaponry. The castle tower also offers a top-floor observation platform with stunning views of the Japanese Alps and the surrounding mountains. Don't miss the moon viewing tower and the hidden floor, which were designed for defense. After exploring the castle grounds, you can visit the nearby Matsumoto City Museum to learn more about the region’s history and culture. Whether you're a fan of Japanese history or simply enjoy exploring beautiful landmarks, Matsumoto Castle Nagano is a must-visit. There are even seasonal events like the Ice Sculpture Festival in winter and cherry blossom viewing in spring, making each visit special.
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Matsumoto Castle, buried bridge, Marunouchi, Reed town, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
The best of Matsumoto Castle Park
Bucket-list experiences
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Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle One Day Tour from Nagano/Matsumoto
English guide
Free cancellation
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$ 270.35
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
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Morning
Up to 3 hrs
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$ 120.69
$ 124.55
Matsumoto Castle Town Half-Day Walking Tour
English guide
Free cancellation
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$ 96.55
2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto
English guide
Free cancellation
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$ 1,061.95
Jigokudani Monkey Park, Zenkoji, & Matsumoto Castle Private Day Tour
English guide
Private tour
Private group
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$ 1,049.89
National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Viewing Ticket (Nagano)
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$ 6.75
Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi 1-Day Customizable Tour
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Private tour
Private group
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$ 965.40
Ninja & Samurai Armor Experience in Matsumoto
English guide
From
$ 44.40
National Treasure: Former Kaichi School (Nagano)
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$ 8.85
Miso in Matsumoto: Fermentation Factory Tour and Lunch
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$ 74.35
Make it a getaway
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Toyoko Inn Matsumoto-eki Higashi-guchi
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$ 89.77
Richmond Hotel Matsumoto
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$ 98.36
Iroha Grand Hotel
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$ 98.82
THE CELECTON Matsumoto
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$ 60.73
Southern Cross Inn Matsumoto
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$ 52.97
Alpico Plaza Hotel
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$ 91.62
Dormy Inn Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring
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$ 109.00
Hotel M Matsumoto
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$ 67.38
Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto
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$ 111.64
Hotel Morschein
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$ 76.02
Tsuki No Shizuka
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$ 116.12
Ace Inn Matsumoto
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$ 77.60
More to explore
Spring sale
JR Pass Hokuriku Arch
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$ 289.65
aduminoyu onyado nonomatsumoto
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$ 113.22
Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring Azuminoyu
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$ 122.51
Ryokan Matsukaze
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$ 62.19
Hotel Matsumoto Hills
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$ 83.03
Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu
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$ 142.38
Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel
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$ 198.69
Asama Onsen FAN! MATSUMOTO
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$ 102.85
Hotel Trend Matsumoto
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$ 64.22
Toyoko Inn Matsumoto Ekimae Hommachi
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$ 85.00
Super Hotel Matsumoto Tennenonsen
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$ 145.70
Hotel Buena Vista
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$ 98.24
Why people love Matsumoto Castle Park
Klook User
4 days ago
very cool experience. guide is very knowledgeable and very friendly. We loved the walk through the castle and looking at all the old samurai gear and then to be able learn how to use a samurai sword at the end just really topped of the experience.
劉 **
6 days ago
This card needs to be exchanged at the JR Green Window. It is very convenient and can be used all the way from Tokyo to Osaka for a total of 7 days. The only downside is that it requires continuous use.
Melvin ***
6 days ago
Wasn't as good as I expected. Difficult to break even for a 5 days trip for my itinerary. Itinerary - Narita to takayama to echigo yuzawa to tokyo/Narita.
MUHAMMAD ***************
26 Feb
Great pass. Easy to buy and definitely better bargain. The EO was send according to the given date and clear instruction was given on how to change the pass.
2+
P *
25 Feb
Easy to use, buy from klook for a better price than buying at the station, bring the exchange order to exchange at JR as specified, very worthwhile.
YUNITA ******
24 Feb
klook app is very helpful in the purchasing process to save time. the exchange process is also easy.
Charlita ********
20 Feb
I was hesitant at first to purchase this pass as I’m not used to buying tickets before landing in Japan. But since Japan rail passes are supposed to be purchased even before going to Japan I dared to try and It never disappointed us. I bought 7 passes for my family and I also 3 more- separate purchase from my other family because we’re 10 travelling. We exchange the voucher we received in mail (3 days after purchasing klook) to the JR East Office in Ueno station. Just bring the voucher and passport with the arrival stamps and they will ask the dates you want to start using it. you have to keep in mind that you should keep it safe on the duration of the ticket- ours is 7 days. since we are 7, I am the one safekeeping it after my family have used it every time we enter the train gates. It was really a good deal because we experienced riding the Shinkansen not only once but multiple times for 7 days.
2+
JESADA ********
19 Feb
This is a very good pass. If you set your travel route according to the pass, it is very worthwhile. You can travel from Tokyo to Osaka, passing through the above cities such as Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagano, and stop by each city for 2 nights before returning to Tokyo. It is a pity that the Narita Express was broken on the day we went, but the company compensated us by letting us ride the Keisei Line for free. Japan's compensation system is quite good. You can redeem tickets in advance before traveling, which makes planning your travel very easy. According to this plan, we stayed in Kanazawa for 2 nights, Osaka for 2 nights, and returned to Toyama for 2 nights. From Toyama, we returned to Tokyo for another 3 nights. Using the pass in the first 7 days is really worthwhile. We got to travel to nearby cities of each city we stayed in. Next time, we will travel along other ticket routes. It is worthwhile from the outbound trip. The return trip is the profit we got.
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What to know before visiting Matsumoto Castle Park
What to know before visiting Matsumoto Castle
Things to do in Matsumoto Castle
Explore the Castle's Interior
Step inside Matsumoto Castle and explore its amazing Japanese interior. As you climb the steep stairs inside the main tower, you'll see displays of old weapons and armor. Be sure to also climb the staircases to the top floor observation deck. From there, you can see amazing views of Matsumoto City and the nearby mountains.
Walk Around the Castle Grounds
Take a walk around the castle grounds and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. The castle moat and stone walls add to the charm, creating a great spot for taking pictures. During cherry blossom season in mid-April, the grounds are even more beautiful with pink blooms surrounding the black castle in Japan.
Visit the Moon Viewing Tower
Come and see the Moon Viewing Tower (Tsukimi Yagura) at Matsumoto Castle. This special part of the castle was made for watching the moon and has a stunning view, especially under a starry night sky.
Attend the Ice Sculpture Festival
If you're visiting in winter, you have to see the Ice Sculpture Festival at Matsumoto Castle in Japan! You'll be amazed by the incredible ice carvings that light up at night, making the place look magical. There are also food stalls and performances, so it's a fun event for everyone.
Must-see sights near Matsumoto Castle
Japan Ukiyo-e Museum
Just a short drive from the castle, the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum has one of the biggest collections of Japanese woodblock prints in the world. The museum gives you an exciting look at this special kind of art that was popular in the Edo period.
Nawate-dori (Frog Street)
Just a short walk from Matsumoto Castle, Frog Street is a charming shopping street lined with traditional shops and food stalls. Here, you can buy souvenirs, taste local street food, and enjoy the quirky frog-themed decorations. It's a fun way to experience local culture and pick up unique gifts.