Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience

About This Experience

What better place to have your samurai experience than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era? This is what Matsumoto offers you! In this city you will find many people who cherish their castle and the town’s samurai past. To this day, residents of Matsumoto remain proud of that heritage. Discover the history of Matsumoto Castle and the samurai, then step into the shoes of an apprentice samurai and experience this ancient art of combat for yourself!

First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle! With over 400 years of history, Matsumoto Castle is 1 of only 5 castles designated a “National Treasure” of Japan. The original construction dates from 1593 to 1594. The castle walls contain the oldest original five-tiered, six-story castle tower that still exists in Japan today.

During the tour, you will learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City, the different classes and residential areas and even some of the castle's defensive strategies.

Then experience a live hands-on samurai sword fighting activity! A master samurai will teach you some of these ancient fighting techniques. You will meet passionate people who will patiently guide you every step of the way, all the while emphasizing the importance of just having fun!

The experience begins by dressing in a samurai outfit and then selecting your sword. Once prepared, the samurai master will instruct you on how to assume basic attacking and defensive stances and use your sword. In doing so, you’ll learn more about the samurai as you master the weapon that in many ways defined them. The samurai master’s passion and expertise is certain to inspire you to linger longer and learn more about Matsumoto’s proud feudal past.

Highlights

• Experience Matsumoto’s celebrated samurai culture
• Discover a feudal castle where the history of the samurai endures
• Learn the art of the samurai ‘katana’ sword

What's Included

• ✓ English-speaking guide
• ✓ Entry/Admission – Matsumoto Castle
• ✓ Entry/Admission – Samurai Experience Activity
• ✓ Rental of samurai outfits and swords during the activity

Not Included

• Miscellaneous fees during the activity (meals, snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
• Insurance (travel insurance, private insurance, etc.)

Good to Know & Caveats

• The stairs to reach the top of Matsumoto Castle’s tower are steep and narrow
• The tour itinerary includes the following visits:
• Matsumoto Castle - 2 hours
• Samurai Experience - 1 hour
• The above times are estimates, and the tour may end earlier or later depending on how busy Matsumoto Castle is, especially during holiday periods and on weekends

Meeting Point

Matsumoto Station: At the front of JR Line ticket office / Starbucks Coffee inside the station (2F)