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36 Available Tour Excursions in Matsumoto
This tour is ideal for those who want to visit Kyoto from Tokyo in a single day. The itinerary includes two well-known sightseeing spots: Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. However, if there are other specific places you'd like to visit, we would be more than happy to customize the plan for you. Since this tour is guided by a nationally licensed guide, you'll benefit from immersive cultural experiences, insider knowledge, and memorable encounters with local traditions. This tour is great for any types of travelers, such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.
Price: $915.00
Duration: 12 hours
An immersive experience into Japanese cuisine! Buckwheat has long been grown in Matsumoto, lending to its well-established tradition of Soba noodle making. This part of the country is famed as the destination for getting the best serving of Soba and so happens to be the locally Matsumoto City as well. But that's not all with the discovery of fresh authentic Wasabi of the region that awaits you! - Learn a traditional Japanese culinary art from a master As our Soba master says, “Nothing tastes better than soba noodles made with your very own hands.” While Soba is a simple dish by itself, making the noodles from scratch is a challenge that combines culinary art with precision knife handling and a dash of Japanese discipline. - Discover all the secrets of real Wasabi The real taste of Wasabi is not what you find in plastic tubes. Yes, the flavor of real Wasabi is just as spicy, but much fresher and more nuanced than the store-bought kind!
Price: $88.87
Duration: 1 hours
Discover Matsumoto on a relaxed walking tour featuring castle history, local sake, old streets, and a light local snack. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. Explore its wooden interior and hear stories from Japan’s feudal past. The tour then continues to a unique local sake tasting spot with a warm, personal atmosphere. It is a memorable stop that many guests especially enjoy. After that, stroll through Nawate Street and Nakamachi, known for their preserved buildings, small shops, and nostalgic atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy a light Japanese snack and discover another side of Matsumoto beyond the castle. -Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles -Enjoy a unique local sake tasting in a warm, personal setting -Walk through Nawate Street and Nakamachi with a local guide -Try a light Japanese snack during the tour -Discover historic streets, local shops, and hidden details beyond the castle
Price: $101.75
Duration: 3 hours
Experience the best of Nagano winter in one unforgettable private tour—combining snowshoeing in the sacred forests of Togakushi and a visit to the iconic Snow Monkey Park, where wild macaques relax in natural hot springs. This seasonal experience is available only for a limited winter period. Unlike standard shared tours, this is an exclusive private experience focused on comfort, safety, and flexibility. Your guide, Hama—an English-speaking UIMLA-certified mountain leader and registered nurse—provides professional guidance tailored to winter conditions. Travel in a new Subaru Forester Hybrid 4WD, ideal for snowy mountain roads, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. The standard capacity is up to 4 guests, but groups up to 8 can be arranged upon request, with an additional certified guide for safe pacing and support. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of limited time while enjoying a premium, safe, and meaningful experience in Japan’s winter wilderness. ❄️
Price: $363.04
Duration: 10 hours
Discover the True Character of Matsumoto on a Personalized Tour! From our famous castle, to our historic shopping streets and enticing food and art scene, Matsumoto is best experienced on a private tour customized to suit your needs and interests! Let us share our knowledge and passion for Matsumoto by crafting a private tour that matches your interests and travel itinerary. More than just a guided experience, we design private tours to reveal both the history and contemporary character of Matsumoto – in a way only a local can do! We will create an itinerary based on your interests, our recommendations or a combination of both. Accompanied by a locally-based, English-speaking guide you will then explore the city with your guide enhancing all aspects of your visit through their knowledge of Matsumoto and in any way that is of assistance. The provided tour details is our recommended itinerary.
Price: $515.18
Duration: 2-8 hours
Begin in Kamikochi amid alpine peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and quiet forest trails. Depart from Matsumoto (8:00 or 9:45 AM) or Nagano (8:45 AM), and arrive before the busiest hours—when the scenery feels calm and serene. Skip the bus lines with a direct ride to Kamikochi’s central parking. Enjoy a scenic walk from the Kappa Bridge area toward Taisho Pond, with time for photos, viewpoints, and a flexible lunch break. Later, visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest original wooden castles. With pre-arranged admission, you can skip the ticket line and explore at your own pace while your guide shares helpful stories and context. For Nagano departures, the tour normally returns to Nagano, with an optional end in the Matsumoto Castle area. Designed as a premium small-group experience, this day blends mountain beauty with cultural depth. Autumn peak season: Matsumoto 8:00 AM departure only due to congestion in Kamikochi.
Price: $211.23
Duration: 7-9 hours
Have an unforgettable journey from central Tokyo to Yokohama, where you'll visit the car meet-up and hear firsthand experiences and unique stories. Your adventure begins in the heart of Tokyo. We'll hit the legendary Wangan for a scenic C1 loop, with brief stops at street racing hotspots. Then, we'll cruise along the Bayshore Route, passing through the iconic Rainbow Bridge on your way to Yokohama to witness amazing cars and meet their passionate owners. Your night will span approximately 3 hours where you'll feel like you are hanging out with a local friend. The best part? We'll provide a drop-off back to central Tokyo! Experience genuine car culture as we show you an authentic night out with a local, focusing on delivering a COMPLETE experience, not just a glimpse of cars at Daikoku.
Price: $256.30
Duration: 3-4 hours
This tour offers a rare chance to visit Kamikochi, a stunning alpine valley in Nagano Prefecture, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument of Japan. With private cars restricted and public access limited, Kamikochi can be difficult to reach on your own—making this guided trip by train and chartered bus a truly convenient way to explore its untouched beauty. Spend up to 5 hours surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, towering peaks, and the iconic Kappa Bridge, all in one peaceful and unforgettable day.
Price: $74.23
Duration: 14 hours
This private and customizable tour for Matsumoto city (in Nagano Prefecture) is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover 4-5 attractions in Matsumoto City at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.
Price: $530.64
Duration: 8 hours
The opportunity to freely ride an E-Kart (a four-wheeled electric kart similar to a go-kart) on Japan's public roads without a license will be a memory that you will cherish for the rest of your life!
Price: $63.11
Duration: 24-72 hours
Led by highly qualified photographers, our program works around your travel schedule, capturing natural and memorable shots. -Available anywhere in Matsumoto Nagano. -The original 100+photo files will be delivered. -Photography can be booked up to 3 days in advance. Please select your preferred shooting location from the Location list and inform us when booking or via Chat. ①Matsumoto castle park ②Nakamachi Street & Nawate Street ③Other location (Additional fees will be charged for outlying areas such as Togakushi Shrine Okusha ) ＜Proposal Photography Option＞ Planning a surprise proposal in Nagano? We offer optional proposal photography plans to help capture this special moment. - Plan A: 1-hour proposal photoshoot, 100+ original photo files, and pre-consultation via chat. - Plan B: Includes everything in Plan A, plus a short smartphone video capturing the proposal moment (about 30 seconds).
Price: $92.09
Duration: 1 hours
The venue is an old private house in a wonderful location in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, with Matsumoto Castle in front of it. No matter what time of year you visit, you can experience the Japanese art of calligraphy while viewing the beautiful Japanese garden. A master calligrapher will carefully teach you how to use the tools and manners, so that even beginners can enjoy writing. You can write your favorite characters on colored paper to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind work of art. It is a great way to display them at home as a memento of your trip or as a souvenir.
Price: $83.72
Duration: 1 hours
Explore the most iconic and hidden spots in the heart of Tokyo with a local guide. After leaving the first bar, you will embark on a photography tour of some of the most iconic yet lesser known spots in the heart of Tokyo. Your English-speaking local Japanes guide/driver will take photos of each spot and share information only a local would know. So when you finish the tour, you will not only have great photos, but also some local knowledge about each spot.
Price: $256.30
Duration: 3-4 hours
Discover a real feudal era castle and the historical streets! Matsumoto is a city with deep-rooted living traditions and proud people who retain an ancestral way of life that we have to honor and respect! Get an introduction into Matsumoto’s past and present during a 3 hour half-day walking tour. Make your stay in Matsumoto the most unique and enjoyable experience possible! Your guide will help you enjoying the best of the city. Our half-day Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour is designed to reveal the living traditions of our city by following a different route to and from the castle, and in doing so, bring the history and tradition of the famous castle town to life! Take more than just a tour, discover ancient history and wisdom, have a unique and enlightening experience! Get a glimpse of all there is to explore in Matsumoto City!
Price: $63.11
Duration: 3 hours
Your chance to become a Samurai while visiting Matsumoto Castle! What better place to have your samurai experience than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era? First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure! During the tour, you will learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City 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 can choose your own colors for your outfit which consists of a yukata (light kimono), hakama (wide-leg pants), and obi (belt). You can even select your swords! The stage and the atmosphere of the place is bound to take you on a realistic journey back in time. The perfect setting for a complete immersion into this slice of Japanese history!
Price: $88.23
Duration: 3 hours
100% hands-on from start to finish, experience a uniquely authentic Japanese Cuisine for yourself! Matsumoto is famous for the quality of its Soba (buckwheat flour noodles) and its historic feudal castle! First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure. Then sample this traditional Japanese dish and even have a go at preparing it yourself! The soba-making workshop is an opportunity to get more than just the literal bite of this tradition. Step into the shoes of an apprentice and learn from an experienced soba master! Discover all the basics and learn how to use authentic soba-making tools. The activity is divided into two stages and it’s completely hands-on from start to finish. The best part is you get to eat your own noodles at the end! This is an exciting and enriching experience you can share with family and friends, and an unforgettable way to discover a unique aspect of Japanese cuisine!
Price: $92.09
Duration: 3 hours
Kintsugi reflects the Japanese spirit of cherishing broken things. Tableware that holds memories or old, broken tableware can be repaired with kintsugi, making it usable again. In this experience, kintsugi, which usually takes several months, can be completed in just a few hours using resin.
Price: $41.86
Duration: 2 hours
Unlike a typical city jog or sightseeing walk, this experience blends trail running with storytelling. You’ll run through Matsumoto’s quiet backstreets, past the Yayoi Kusama Art Museum, the old Agata school park, and up the forested trails toward the ruins of Hayashi Castle — a forgotten fortress overlooking the Northern Alps. Along the way, I’ll share local insights about Matsumoto’s samurai past, mountain culture, and modern art scene, showing how nature and history meet in one 15 km loop. It’s designed for intermediate runners who want more than just a workout — a cultural journey on foot through one of Japan’s most atmospheric castle towns without actually going to the famous castle.
Price: $57.96
Duration: 3-4 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: JPY
- Languages: Japanese, English (commonly spoken by tourists)
- Climate: Humid continental
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Population: Approximately 240,000
- Best Time to Visit: times to visit are spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries including the US, EU, and UK can enter Japan visa-free for short stays up to 90 days. Others may require a visa obtained in advance. Japan offers e-visa options for certain nationalities and visa on arrival is generally not available. Travelers must have a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
About Matsumoto
Matsumoto is a charming city nestled in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. It offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and outdoor adventure, making it a compelling destination for travelers. The city’s centerpiece is Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful original castles, famous for its black exterior and impressive architecture. Beyond the castle, Matsumoto serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps, providing access to hiking, hot springs, and scenic mountain views. The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with museums, galleries, and traditional crafts reflecting its cultural depth. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine featuring soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat and explore quaint streets filled with historic buildings and modern cafes. Matsumoto’s blend of history, nature, and culture offers a peaceful yet engaging experience for tourists seeking to explore authentic Japan beyond the major urban centers.
Matsumoto Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Nagano Prefecture
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best times to visit are spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pack layers for variable mountain climate and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and quiet behavior in public places. Matsumoto is generally safe, but standard travel vigilance applies. Cash is widely used, so carry some yen; credit cards are accepted in many places but not everywhere.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $45
Highest Price Tour: $200
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Matsumoto Castle – A striking black castle known as the “Crow Castle,” it is one of Japan’s premier historic castles with original wooden interiors and a moat. 2. Nawate Street – A charming shopping street lined with traditional shops, cafes, and local crafts, perfect for leisurely strolls. 3. Japan Ukiyo-e Museum – The largest collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Japan, showcasing traditional Japanese art. 4. Kamikochi – A scenic mountainous area nearby, ideal for hiking and enjoying alpine landscapes. 5. Matsumoto City Museum of Art – Featuring contemporary art, including works by famous local artist Yayoi Kusama.
Popular Activities
Visitors can hike in the Japanese Alps, especially around Kamikochi, enjoy hot spring baths (onsen), and explore traditional craft workshops. Cultural experiences include visiting temples, attending seasonal festivals, and sampling local sake. Recreational options include cycling around the city and river, as well as winter sports in nearby resorts during the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Matsumoto is renowned for its soba noodles made from high-quality local buckwheat. Other specialties include oyaki (steamed dumplings with vegetable or bean paste fillings) and wasabi grown in nearby farms. Dining customs emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and presentation. Noteworthy restaurants include Sobadokoro Misuzu for soba and Kurahashi for traditional Japanese cuisine.
Getting Around
Matsumoto is accessible by train from Tokyo and Nagoya, with the JR Matsumoto Station as the main hub. Local transportation includes buses and taxis. Walking and cycling are popular for exploring the city center. Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable train passes available for tourists.
Travel Tips
The best times to visit are spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pack layers for variable mountain climate and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and quiet behavior in public places. Matsumoto is generally safe, but standard travel vigilance applies. Cash is widely used, so carry some yen; credit cards are accepted in many places but not everywhere.
Culture & Customs
Matsumoto’s culture blends traditional Japanese customs with local mountain influences. Social etiquette includes bowing, punctuality, and polite speech. Important festivals include the Taiko Drum Festival and the Matsumoto Bon Bon dance festival. Visitors should be mindful of quietness in temples and public baths and follow rules for onsen use.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..