Samurai Life in a Castle Town: Private Matsushiro Experience Tour

Tucked away in the foothills of Nagano, Matsushiro is a rare hidden gem, largely untouched by mass tourism and offering an authentic encounter with Japan’s samurai heritage. Once the stronghold of the powerful Sanada clan, this beautifully preserved castle town invites visitors to slow down and step into the world of the Edo period, far from the crowds of more famous historical destinations.

On this tour, guests stroll through quiet streets lined with former samurai residences, explore well-preserved historical landmarks, and take part in immersive cultural activities such as wearing traditional armor and experiencing basic swordsmanship. Rather than simply observing history, visitors actively engage with it, gaining a deeper appreciation of the daily lives and values of the samurai.

A highlight of the tour is a special lunch inspired by recipes once enjoyed by the lords of the Matsushiro Domain. Recreated using historical records and local seasonal ingredients, this exclusive meal offers a rare opportunity to experience Edo-period cuisine through taste, adding a rich sensory dimension to the journey.

In addition, a portion of each participant’s tour fee is donated to the preservation of Matsushiro’s cultural heritage sites. By joining this tour, guests directly contribute to protecting these historical treasures for future generations.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a martial arts practitioner, or a traveler seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s cultural roots, Matsushiro offers an unforgettable experience where tradition, storytelling, and living history come together in a truly meaningful way.

Highlights

• Explore the Legacy of the Sanada Clan: Discover the fascinating history of the Sanada clan at the Sanada Treasure Hall and Chōkoku-ji Temple. Learn how their strategic brilliance shaped regional politics, and uncover the deep ancestral connections that made Matsushiro the heart of Sanada power.

• Step into the Life of a Samurai: Experience the world of the samurai firsthand by wearing traditional armor and visiting the Former Sanada and Higuchi Residences. By comparing the homes of high-ranking and lower-ranking samurai families, gain unique insight into the social structure, daily life, and values of the warrior class.

• Dine Like a Feudal Lord – A Historical Lunch Experience: Enjoy a specially curated lunch inspired by recipes once served to the lords of the Matsushiro Domain. Recreated from historical records and prepared with local seasonal ingredients, this exclusive meal offers a rare opportunity to experience Edo-period cuisine through taste, adding a rich and memorable sensory dimension to the tour.

Before You Go: The Edo Period, the Sanada Family, and Matsushiro

The Edo period (1603–1868) was a long era of peace and stability in Japan, ruled by a military government known as the shogunate. During this time, the country was governed by a class of warriors called samurai, who served powerful lords known as daimyō. Society was highly structured, and each domain was administered from a castle town that functioned as both a political and cultural center.

The Sanada family was one of the most respected samurai clans of this era, renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and strategic skill. While the Sanada are often remembered for their dramatic role in earlier civil wars, their lasting legacy took shape during the peaceful Edo period, when they governed the Matsushiro Domain in present-day Nagano.

For more than 250 years, Matsushiro served as the Sanada clan’s seat of power. From here, they ruled the region, developed the castle town, supported scholarship and the arts, and upheld the principles of Bushidō, the samurai code of honor that emphasized discipline, learning, and moral responsibility. The town’s layout, temples, samurai residences, and training institutions still reflect this period of governance.

Rather than focusing on famous battles or distant legends, this tour reveals how the samurai legacy shaped everyday life in Matsushiro—and how that legacy continues to define the character of the town today.

Description

This tour begins at Nagano Station, where your guide will greet you and accompany you on an unforgettable journey to Matsushiro. Upon arrival in this historic town, your first stop will be the Sanada Treasures Museum, where you’ll step into the world of the Sanada clan, the influential samurai family that shaped the town’s destiny. Here, you’ll explore fascinating exhibits that highlight the Sanada clan’s pivotal role in both military strategy and local culture. From their innovative tactics in battle to their leadership in establishing Matsushiro as a vibrant samurai town, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their legacy. The Sanada Treasure Hall offers an engaging introduction to the history of the clan, setting the stage for the rest of your journey through Matsushiro’s samurai heritage.

Next, you will journey to Chokoku-ji Temple, a serene and historically significant site that offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of the samurai era. As you walk through its peaceful grounds, you’ll encounter beautiful ancient architecture, intricate carvings, and the tranquil atmosphere that once provided solace to the samurai warriors. The temple houses important relics, including statues and artifacts connected to the Sanada family; your visit to Chokoku-ji will offer a reflective pause in your journey, enabling you to discover the spiritual heritage that intertwined with the martial traditions of the time.

After exploring the tranquil grounds of Chōkoku-ji Temple, the tour continues with a truly special culinary experience rooted in Matsushiro’s history. Guests will enjoy a Daimyō Gozen, a carefully developed meal inspired by recipes once served to the feudal lords of Matsushiro and recreated based on historical records.

Prepared using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, this exclusive lunch offers insight into the refined tastes and dietary culture of the Edo period. The experience is further elevated by the setting—a scenic venue overlooking Nagano City, providing sweeping views that connect the historical castle town with the modern landscape below.

Your journey continues with a visit to the Sanada Family Residence, a beautifully preserved samurai mansion that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Sanada clan. As you step inside this historical home, you’ll be transported back to the Edo period, where the intricate architecture and traditional design reflect the clan’s high status and refined lifestyle. Wander through rooms filled with antique furnishings, tatami mats, and elegantly crafted woodwork, each telling a story of the samurai’s daily life and their cultural practices. The residence not only highlights the grandeur of the Sanada family but also offers a deeper understanding of their roles as both warriors and leaders in Matsushiro.

You will also visit the Former Higuchi Residence, providing a fascinating contrast to the Sanada family’s luxurious lifestyle. The Higuchi family, although significant in their own right, were samurai of a lower rank compared to the powerful Sanada clan. As you explore this well-preserved home, you’ll gain insight into the simpler, more modest living conditions of samurai who were not part of the highest echelons of society.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts School, a site deeply rooted in the samurai tradition. Originally established by the Sanada clan, this school was renowned for blending military training with scholarly studies, creating well-rounded warriors. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with various samurai practices firsthand. You can dress up in traditional samurai armor, allowing you to step into the shoes of a warrior and experience the discipline, honor, and skill that defined their way of life. This hands-on experience offers an unforgettable chance to soak yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the samurai, rounding off your journey through the fascinating history of Matsushiro.

As the journey through Matsushiro comes to an end, guests return with a deeper appreciation of the samurai way of life and the enduring legacy of the Sanada clan. From quiet temple grounds and preserved residences to immersive cultural experiences and a historic Daimyō-style meal, the tour offers a rare glimpse into a chapter of Japanese history that continues to shape the region today.

The tour concludes at Nagano Station, a convenient gateway to your next destination. While the pace of modern Japan resumes, the spirit of Matsushiro—its discipline, refinement, and sense of place—remains with you, leaving a lasting impression long after the journey ends.

Itinerary

09:45	Meet up at Nagano Station The meetup point is inside Nagano Station, in front of the large Information Board and city map directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Read MoreShow Less
10:15	Sanada Treasures Museum Arriving there you’ll step into the world of the Sanada clan, the influential samurai family that shaped the town’s destiny. Read MoreShow Less
11:25	Chokoku-ji temple Visiting Chokokuji Temple offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual legacy of the Sanada clan, as you walk among the solemn graves of the family, surrounded by ancient stone lanterns and towering trees, reflecting on the enduring honor and traditions of these legendary samurai. Read MoreShow Less
12:15	Enjoy a Special "Daimyō Gozen" Lunch Enjoy the Daimyō Gozen, a carefully developed meal inspired by recipes once served to the feudal lords of Matsushiro and recreated based on historical records Read MoreShow Less
13:30	The Sanada Family Residence Stepping into the Former Sanada Residence feels like traveling back to the Edo period, where the elegant tatami-matted rooms, sliding shoji doors, and intricate wooden architecture offer a glimpse into the refined lifestyle and strategic influence of the powerful Sanada clan. Read MoreShow Less
14:30	Former Higuchi Residence The Former Higuchi Residence provides a fascinating contrast to the grandeur of the Sanada estate, offering a look into the more modest yet still disciplined life of a mid-ranking samurai family, with its traditional wooden architecture and practical living spaces reflecting the daily realities of the warrior class. Read MoreShow Less
15:05	The Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts School At the Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts School, you’ll step into a historic training ground where samurai once honed both their minds and combat skills, experiencing firsthand the disciplined environment where warriors were educated in strategy, philosophy, and the arts of war. Read MoreShow Less
17:00	Tour ends at Nagano Station Tour concludes at Nagano Station, where the guide will say their goodbyes. Read MoreShow Less

Meetup Point

This tour operates from the following meetup point:

NAGANO STATION @ 09:45

The meetup point is inside Nagano Station, in front of the Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Please be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and please be waiting before the meetup time as the tour will depart on-time.

Notes

Included

• Lunch
• Fees for all transports and experiences included in the tour itinerary
• English-speaking guide