Sake, Feudal Flavors & Samurai Heritage,: A Cultural Journey to Matsushiro

Step back in time and discover the rich samurai heritage, sake culture, and culinary traditions of Nagano on this immersive cultural journey in Matsushiro — a historic castle town once ruled by the legendary Sanada clan.

Located just outside central Nagano City, Matsushiro preserves the atmosphere of Japan’s feudal era, where samurai once lived, trained, and served their lord. On this tour, you’ll explore the legacy of the Sanada family while gaining hands-on insight into traditional samurai culture through authentic experiences and historical sites.

Your cultural journey is paired with another essential part of Nagano’s identity: sake. You will visit a local sake brewery in Nagano City, where you’ll learn about the brewing process, regional characteristics of Nagano sake, and enjoy a guided tasting.

For lunch, enjoy a truly special meal inspired by recipes once served to feudal lords. This carefully recreated menu brings Edo-period flavors to life, offering a rare chance to dine like a daimyo — perfectly paired with locally brewed sake.

In the afternoon, continue exploring preserved historical buildings and samurai residences in Matsushiro. You’ll also step into the world of the warrior class through interactive cultural experiences such as kendo practice and samurai armor dressing, creating unforgettable memories while deepening your understanding of Japan’s martial traditions.

This tour blends history, hands-on culture, fine local cuisine, and premium sake into one unforgettable day in Nagano.

Highlights

• Discover Nagano’s Premium Sake: Visit a local sake brewery to learn about traditional brewing methods, regional flavors, and enjoy a guided tasting of Nagano’s celebrated sake.

• Step Into the World of the Samurai: Explore Matsushiro, a preserved castle town of the Sanada clan, and experience authentic samurai culture through historical sites, kendo practice, and samurai armor dressing..

• Dine Like a Feudal Lord: Enjoy a rare lunch inspired by historical recipes once served to daimyo, thoughtfully recreated and paired with local sake for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Description

Your journey begins at Nagano Station, where you will meet your guide and set off to explore the cultural heart of the region.

Your first stop is Yoshinoya, a traditional sake brewery in Nagano City with a long-standing history. Here, you’ll learn about the role of sake in Japanese culture and the unique brewing traditions of Nagano. You will explore the on-site museum to gain deeper insight into the history of sake production before enjoying a tasting of several locally crafted varieties.

After savoring Nagano’s celebrated sake, you will travel to the picturesque castle town of Matsushiro. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to Japan’s feudal past, focusing on the powerful Sanada clan and their lasting influence on the town and surrounding region.

For lunch, you’ll enjoy a truly special dining experience — a carefully recreated meal based on recipes once served to feudal lords. This rare culinary moment offers a taste of history, bringing the flavors of the samurai era to life.

In the afternoon, step fully into the world of the samurai through hands-on cultural experiences. You will receive an introduction to kendo, the traditional martial art of swordsmanship, taught by local instructors. To conclude your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to dress in samurai armor, creating a memorable and immersive finish to your day in historic Matsushiro.

Meetup Point

This tour operates from the following meetup point:

NAGANO STATION @ 09:35

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

• Private vehicle with driver
• Lunch
• Fees for all experiences included in the tour itinerary
• English-speaking guide