Enjoy the Best of Japanese Culture While Touring the Iconic Castle

Kimono are an integral part of Japanese culture, worn for many occasions including the centuries old tradition of “sado” (tea ceremony). Visitors to Matsumoto can experience both in combination with a tour of Matsumoto Castle – one of Japan’s few remaining original castles and a registered National Treasure. While many international visitors choose to experience a tea ceremony in Kyoto, doing so in Matsumoto is a great way to enhance your experience of the castle and discover the history of the region including its connection to Kyoto and tea via the legendary “Nakasendo” trail.

An Authentic Tea Ceremony

Your day begins with an authentic traditional tea ceremony at Ikegami Teahouse. Designed with the same aesthetic as those found in Kyoto, Ikegami Teahouse is one of the few genuine ceremonial houses that still exist in Japan and one of the hidden treasures of Matsumoto.

Kimono are available in range of colours and patterns with the selection changing to match each season. You will select your preferred kimono before being dressed in a traditional ‘tatami’-matted room with the assistance of the experienced attendants. Once dressed, your “sado” master will welcome you into the small room designed specifically for tea ceremonies to enjoy one of Japan’s most quintessential traditional experiences and discover the elegance and beauty of this refined art.

Tour Matsumoto Castle in a Kimono

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s last remaining original castles and a Registered National Treasure. The beautiful preservation of the castle enclosure conveys the atmosphere of feudal Japan while local legend tells that the castle was once saved from destruction by fire, by a woman wearing a red and white kimono.  Explore the castle – its history and legends – while wearing an authentic kimono.

Dressed in a traditional kimono, the castle architecture offers the perfect background to capture some of your favorite photos while in Japan! And in doing so, you will step back in time and discover even more about Matsumoto and the castle itself.

A Professional Session Just For You!

While at the castle, you will be accompanied by a professional photographer. They will introduce you to the best spots to capture images that you will cherish in what is sure to be a unique and memorable photo shoot.

Want to impress your family, friends, or wow the Insta community? Then this experience is for you! Our professional photographer will send you their most beautiful shots by email while you will also be given plenty of time to take all the photos and videos you want with your smartphone or camera. After all, this is an experience that is meant to be shared!

Additional Information

Meeting Location: Your tour will begin at Matsumoto Castle. Your guide will pick you up at 9:00am or 1:30pm.

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Important information:

Please note, kimono are expensive traditional garments. While no deposit will be required to book this experience, any intentional or unintentional use that causes damage – either small or significant – to any part of the kimono will result in a charge of JPY120,000 per kimono.

Please let us know your clothing and shoe sizes at the time of booking for preparation of your kimono and traditional footwear.

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start date in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Please note that we reserve the right to cancel the activity in the event of inclement weather that does not allow the tour to take place in safe condition. In such event, you will be offered a full refund.

Terms & Conditions: Please read our Terms & Conditions