Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Making Workshop

About This Experience

Discover the culinary traditions of Matsumoto on a guided tour. Visit the city's famous castle and learn how to make soba noodles with a local expert. Enjoy a meal of your own creation at the end of the experience.

Start your tour with a visit to Matsumoto Castle, one of only five castles listed as a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure. The city’s National Treasure is a true architectural and historical marvel and the oldest original castle that remains in Japan.

After touring the castle, head to a soba-making workshop. Learn how to make soba noodles from scratch with the help of a local expert. Watch a short video introduction presenting the soba and explaining the different steps involved in making it, from preparation of the dough to cutting the noodles.

Step into the shoes of an apprentice chef and learn from an experienced soba master. Discover all the basics and learn how to use authentic soba-making tools. Get hands-on from start to finish, including getting to eat your own soba noodle creation at the end.

Once the noodles have been cut, proceed to the restaurant where the soba master will cook the soba that you have made yourself. Enjoy the soba in its different forms – hot or chilled, with tempura (fried vegetables) or other side dishes.

Highlights

• Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest castles in Japan
• Enjoy a hands-on experience making soba noodles from start to finish
• Savor the taste of your creation with a side dish at the end of the workshop

What's Included

• ✓ English-speaking guide
• ✓ Guided tour and admission to Matsumoto Castle
• ✓ Soba noodle making workshop
• ✓ Guidance from an experienced soba master
• ✓ All necessary soba-making tools
• ✓ Tasting of your own soba noodle creation with one extra dish

Not Included

• Other side dish (oyaki, snacks etc.) and drinks
• Miscellaneous fees during the activity (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
• Insurance (travel insurance, private insurance, etc.)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Good to Know & Caveats

• Please note that the stairs to reach the top of Matsumoto Castle’s tower are steep and narrow
• Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request
• Please advise of any dietary requirements or allergies at time of booking
• A minimum of 500 grams is required to prepare soba; therefore, the soba-making experience includes a shared serving suitable for 2 or 3 people
• The tour itinerary includes the following visits:
• Matsumoto Castle Tour (90 minutes)
• Soba-making experience (60 minutes)
• Lunch (30 minutes)
• Please note that the above times are estimates and that the tour may end earlier or later

Meeting Point

Matsumoto Castle: Your guide will be waiting just outside the main gate of Matsumoto Castle (just in front of the ticket gate and entrance to the paid admission area).