Just a short walk from Matsumoto Station, Matsumoto Castle is the city’s most iconic attraction and one of Japan’s few remaining original castles. Located in the heart of the city, it is easy to access and navigate - even for first-time visitors. For some of our tours, the meeting point is at the main ticket gate of Matsumoto Castle. The following information explains how to find your guide and where to meet.

 

Where is the Meeting Point?

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.)

 

How to Get There?

Matsumoto Castle is about a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. You can follow signs or use Google Maps to walk directly from the station. Alternatively, taxis are available outside the Castle Exit of the station.

 

  • Walking from Matsumoto Station (Castle Exit)

Exit the station via the Castle Exit and walk straight along the main road (Route 23).

 

Turn left at Fukashi 2-chome intersection, where you’ll see a Family Mart on the corner (about four blocks from the station.) Continue along this road (Route 295).

 

After about 10 minutes on Route 295, you’ll arrive at the outer grounds of the castle. Walk over the moat and follow the gravel path until you reach the main gate, where your guide will be waiting.

 

  • Walking from your hotel or any other locations in downtown

Check Google Maps or follow local signs to reach Route 295, then follow the instructions above. Nawate Street is located along this road and is easy to find, just look for the frog statues at the entrance.

 

  • From any other locations outside of downtown Matsumoto

We recommend taking a taxi and telling the driver, “Matsumoto-jō” (Matsumoto Castle).

 

What’s on Offer at the castle?

Matsumoto Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, historic stone walls, and a wide moat, making it a popular destination year-round. The outer grounds are free to enter and are perfect for taking photos.

 

What’s Nearby?

The area around the castle offers plenty of dining and shopping options. Both Nawate Street and Nakamachi Street are within walking distance and are lined with traditional shops, cafés, and restaurants serving local specialties like soba noodles and oyaki dumplings.

 

Located north of the castle, you can also visit another of Matsumoto City’s “National Treasures”: the former Kaichi Elementary School.