Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle

The Historic & Beautiful Heart of a Region

Key features

  • National Treasure
  • Iconic Attraction
  • Castle Town
  • Festivals
  • Historic Precincts
  • Architecture & Art
  • Nearby Museums
  • Nearby Restaurants
  • Nearby Accommodation
  • Tours

Public Transport

Matsumoto Station15-20 minute walk
Nagano Station60-75 minute train ride, followed by a 15-20 minute walk

Popular Attractions

Nakamachi Street5 min walk
Matsumoto City Museum of Art20 min walk
Kamikochi60+ min drive

Matsumoto Castle

The Historic & Beautiful Heart of a Region

Key features

  • National Treasure
  • Iconic Attraction
  • Castle Town
  • Festivals
  • Historic Precincts
  • Architecture & Art
  • Nearby Museums
  • Nearby Restaurants
  • Nearby Accommodation
  • Tours
As a registered National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle is one of the region’s most important cultural assets. Set against the impressive backdrop of the Northern Alps, the castle dates back to the end of the Warring States Period with much of the original structure still intact. One of the most beautiful historic buildings in Japan, it is one of only two 6-storey castles remaining today – yet only exists due to the intervention of local residents who have saved it from destruction more than once.
The distinctive black and white façade and beautiful aesthetic, somewhat belie the castles overall strategic design and importance. Constructed between 1594 and 1603, the existing building retains much of its original structure including the imposing stone foundation walls with notable periods of restoration in the 20th century. Originally surrounded by an expansive system of moats, gates, other fortifications and a palace, the five structures that make-up the castle are a testament to Japan’s feudal past and bear witness to the country’s emergence from a protracted period of war and upheaval to the long, unbroken peace of Japan’s golden age, the Edo Period.

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  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle

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Kamikochi

Kamikochi

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Takayama

Takayama

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Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

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The Nakasendo Trail

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Jigokudani Monkey Park

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Visit Nagano's world-famous monkeys

Known for their antics in winter, the monkeys come to the park all year round.

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Amenities

Historic buildings
Souvenir shops
Restaurants & cafes
Public toilets

Access

Public Transport

Matsumoto Station15-20 minute walk
Nagano Station60-75 minute train ride, followed by a 15-20 minute walk

Popular Attractions

Nakamachi Street5 min walk
Matsumoto City Museum of Art20 min walk
Kamikochi60+ min drive

MATSUMOTO CASTLE & KAMIKOCHI ALPINE VALLEY TOUR Adult: JPY20,800 / Child: JPY16,800

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