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Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip Day Tours

from $188.01

  • Transport included
  • Meals not included
  • Guide included
  • Entry fees included

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Highlights

  • Ascend to the top of Matsumoto Castle's 6 stories to admire intricate details
  • Get a glimpse into the samurai way of life and the warriors of Matsumoto
  • Make your way to a historic castle designated as "National Treasures of Japan"

About this experience

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What to expect

The predecessor of Matsumoto Castle was Fukashi Castle. At the beginning of the Muromachi period, Ogasawara Sadamune, a retainer of the Ashikaga Takahashi clan, was entrusted with the guardianship of Shinano, and the castle was built. In the 17th year of Tenten (1548), when Takeda Shingen of Kohi defeated Ogasawara Chang of Forest City, this place was used as a base for advancing from Higashi Shinano to Kitashinano. The scale of Shenzhi City gradually expanded. During this period, Kiso Yoshimao, Ogasawara Zhenzhong, Ogasawara Zhenqing, and Ogasawara Hidezheng served as the city lords of Shenzhi City respectively. After the fall of the Takeda clan, Ogasawara Masaki, who inherited his father's land, changed the name of Fukashi Castle to Matsumoto Castle. In the 18th year of Tensho (1590), Toyotomi Hideyoshi destroyed the Hojo clan in Odawara, entered Kanto, and transferred the city to Ishikawa. After that, Toyotomi received a salary of 80,000 stone and began to build a five-story and six-tiered tower. It was not until the era of Kang Chang, the son of Shuzheng, that it was finally completed (that is, the prototype of the existing Songyuan Castle). The Tsukimi and Tatsumi turrets used in the castle were built in the early Edo period. After that, he went through the Ogasawara clan, the Toda Matsudaira clan, the Horita clan, and the Mizuno clan. Matsumoto Castle is a typical flat city. The castles of Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru are roughly square. The tower is set in the southwest of Honmaru, surrounded by the concave Ninomaru lacking the north, and surrounded by the square Sannomaru on the outside.

What's included

  • Transportation between all destinations from Nagano and Matsumoto
  • Entry ticket to Matsumoto Castle
  • Guided tour
  • Guided walk at Narai-juku

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Additional travel costs

Things to note

  • Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.In winter, there will often be sn
  • Please wear waterproof, winter shoes and warm clothing for comfortThis tour includes a reasonable amount of walking including at Matsumoto Castle and at Narai-jukuThis tour spends the majority of the day outdoors
  • Please ensure you are prepared for changing weather conditions
  • Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary
  • Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors
  • Please wear waterproof, winter shoes and warm clothing for comfortThis tour includes a reasonable amount of walking including at Matsumoto Castle and at Narai-jukuAll listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability
  • Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.Items recommended to bring:Rain g
  • Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors
  • This tour spends the majority of the day outdoors
  • Please ensure you are prepared for changing weather conditionsIn winter, there will often be snow on the ground
  • Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel this booking?

Every option shows its own cancellation terms before you pay — where free cancellation applies, the window closes at 00:00 (midnight), local time at the destination, on the cut-off day. Cancel from My bookings within the window for a full refund (once your ticket has been issued, message support inside the window and we cancel it for you); after it, the option's terms apply. Full details in our cancellation & refund policy.

Can I change the date of my booking?

Date changes aren't automatic — they depend on the operator. Email support@readytrip.com from the address you booked with, quoting your booking reference and the new date you'd like, and we'll ask the operator for you. Changes are subject to their approval and availability; if the date can't be moved, your booking's cancellation terms apply.

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