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 Station	15-20 walk
Nagano Station	70 min walk & train

Popular Attractions

Nakamachi Street	5 min walk
Matsumoto City Museum of Art	20 min walk
Kamikochi	60+ 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 testament to Japan’s feudal past and bore 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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Recommended Highlights from Snow Monkey Resorts

Explore One of Japan’s Last Remaining Original Castles

Dating back over 400 years, Matsumoto Castle is one of Central Japan’s most impressive cultural attractions.

The Heritage, Festivals & Events of the Castle

Hosting many events throughout the year, castle plays a central role in the life of the city and boasts a recent history as interesting as its past.

Enjoy Historic Matsumoto City

Explore this pleasant little city known for its historic streets, lively arts scene and great food.

Visit the Castle & Discover More on a Guided Tour

Combining your visit to the castle with another nearby destination or experience is the best way to get the most out of your time in Matsumoto.

News / Info

How to get to Matsumoto Castle

The castle is within easy reach of Nagano and other cities including Nagoya and Tokyo.

Walk in the Valley of the Gods

Located in the shadow of the North Alps, a visit to Matsumoto Castle can be combined with exploration of Japan’s highest mountain range or surrounding rural townships.

Matsumoto & the Nakasendo: Japan's Historic Heartland

A visit to Matsumoto places you within easy reach of the legendary Nakasendo Trail and the beautiful Kiso Valley.

Destinations & Attractions Nearby Matsumoto Castle

Take your time in Central Japan and discover all that the region has to offer.

Nearby Recommendations

Kamikochi

Experience one of Japan's most remarkable natural landscapes

Considered the jewel of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is just over an hours drive from Matsumoto City.

Takayama

Step back in time in one of Japan's best preserved Edo Period townships

Takayama is renowned for the preservation of its historical center and its spring and autumn 'matsuri', two of Japan’s most beautiful festivals.

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Known as the 'Roof of Japan', this is one of Japan's most iconic landscapes

Open from mid-April to late-November, its most famous feature is the grand Snow Walls in spring and outstanding hiking in summer.

The Nakasendo Trail

Walk the historic road through the beautiful Kiso Valley

One of five major routes linking Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo Period, the Nakasendo retains its historic character in its beautiful post towns.

Daio Wasabi Farm

Wander the scenic farm and sample the surprisingly subtle flavour of real wasabi.

As one of the largest wasabi farms in Japan, Daio is equally renowned as the setting for Kurosawa Akira's film 'Dreams'

Hakuba

Nagano's most international ski resorts

Well-established as one of Japan's premier winter sports destination, Hakuba is emerging as a mecca for green season sports enthuiasts.

Zenko-ji Temple

The spiritual heart of Nagano

Established in 642, Zenko-ji is one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist temples and welcomes visitors of any faith or background.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Visit Nagano's world-famous monkeys

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