Matsumoto Hidden Gems Walking Tour: Discover History and Culture

Experience Matsumoto's Unique Charm with Two Different Routes!

Join us as we present two unique courses that showcase the diverse allure of Matsumoto!

• Course A: Edo Atmosphere Experience
  Departure at 10:00 AM
  Matsumoto Castle → Yohashira Shrine → Nawate Street & Nakamachi Shopping Street → Ishii Miso Brewery
• Course B: Journey Through History from Sengoku to Edo and Meiji
  Departure at 9:00 AM
  Matsumoto Castle → Former Kaichi School → Yohashira Shrine → Nawate Street & Nakamachi Shopping Street

※Please be aware that the costs and departure times vary for each course. Be sure to double-check when you make your reservation.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle stands as one of Japan's foremost historical landmarks, recognized as a National Treasure. Commonly referred to as the 【Crow Castle】 due to its distinctive black wooden structure, it boasts Japan's oldest existing five-tier, six-story keep. Guests can wander through its genuine wooden interiors and relish breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps.
※Admission tickets are included in the tour price. If you choose not to enter on the day of the tour, please notify your guide.
(Please remember that no refunds will be given.)

Yohashira Shrine

Situated in the center of Matsumoto, Yohashira Shrine is a beloved spiritual site! It uniquely honors four Shinto deities, gaining recognition as a sacred area where . Enveloped by tranquil nature, it is particularly noted for bringing good luck, fostering relationships, and providing peaceful walks.

Nawate Street & Nakamachi Shopping Street

These two historic avenues reflect the enchanting essence of old Matsumoto. Nawate Street is a frog-themed pedestrian pathway filled with nostalgic souvenir shops and delicious street food. Just across the river, Nakamachi Shopping Street features well-preserved white-and-black earthen storehouses (kura), showcasing local crafts, inviting cafes, and traditional merchandise!

Ishii Miso Brewery

Established in 1868, Ishii Miso is a historic brewery that focuses on traditional natural fermentation using large cedar barrels. Visitors have the opportunity to partake in guided tours to understand the authentic process of miso production without modern additives. The site also includes a restaurant that serves rich miso soup and distinctive local dishes such as miso ice cream.

Former Kaichi School

Constructed in 1876, the Former Kaichi School ranks among Japan's oldest primary educational institutions. Recognized as a National Treasure, it embodies GI-YOFU (pseudo-Western) architecture, merging traditional Japanese carpentry with Western design elements. Inside, captivating exhibits display historical educational materials and vintage classrooms from the Meiji era.

Information about tour

Place of departure and destination: From Matsumoto
Number of days of travel: Half-Day
Means of transportation: Walking
Meal(s): None
Minimum number of passengers to operate: 1
Number of GUIDE: 1

Tour Operator Information

Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd.
Department Name: Chubu Sales Headquarters
Address: Dainagoya Building 16F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN, 450-6416
Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Contact Information

Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Chubu Team
Address: Dainagoya Building 16F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN, 450-6416
Tel: +81- 50-1752-8429
Opening hour: 10:00~18:00
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)

General Travel Services Manager: Kaku Imamura
*The Tour Operations Manager oversees transactions related to your travel at the sales office managing your travel arrangements. If you have any queries or concerns regarding the details provided by the staff about this travel contract, please feel free to reach out to the aforementioned Tour Operations Manager.

Please read and comprehend the Terms and conditions below.
Travel Terms and Conditions: Domestic Package Tours
Travel Agency Terms and Conditions: Section of Package Tour Contract

Highlights

• National Treasure Matsumoto Castle: An awe-inspiring castle that showcases the architectural styles of the Sengoku and Edo periods.
• Yohashira Shrine: A renowned spiritual site devoted to the god of wish granting, where your desires might be realized!
• Historic Shopping Streets: Delightful lanes that exude a rich ambiance dating back to the Edo era.
• Ishii Miso: An exploration of a traditional miso brewery with a legacy spanning over 150 years.
• The Former Kaichi School: Recognized as one of Japan's earliest elementary institutions and the first modern educational structure honored as a National Treasure.

Itinerary

• 【Course A： Edo Atmosphere Experience】
• Meet the guide at Matsumoto Station
• National Treasure: Matsumoto Castle (approx. 75min)
• Yohashira Shrine ：A spiritual power spot that grants all wishes.
• Nawate & Nakamachi Streets ：Historic Matsumoto streets famous for frog motifs and traditional storehouse shops.
• Ishii Miso (approx. 45min) ：A traditional brewery crafting natural miso in wooden barrels.
• Ends at Matsumoto Station
• 【Course B： Journey Through History from Sengoku to Edo and Meiji】
• Meet the guide at Matsumoto Station
• National Treasure: Matsumoto Castle (approx. 75min)
• National Treasure: Former Kaichi School Building (approx. 50min) Built in 1876, famous for its unique blend of Japanese and Western architecture!
• Yohashira Shrine ：A spiritual power spot that grants all wishes.
• Nawate & Nakamachi Streets ：Historic Matsumoto streets famous for frog motifs and traditional storehouse shops.
• Ends at Matsumoto Station

Price Details

Included

• Admission fee
• English guide

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned

Important Information

Customer Guidelines:

1. This tour is conducted entirely on foot. Please be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

1. Please ensure you arrive promptly at the designated meeting time.

1. Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience heavy crowds.

2. The schedule may be subject to sudden changes or shorter visit durations due to weather conditions or unexpected crowd congestion.

1. Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).

1. In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.

1. Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.

1. Admission tickets for Matsumoto Castle are included in the tour price. If you do not wish to enter on the day, please inform your guide.

(Please note that no refunds will be provided.)

Note: These guidelines are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation.

Purchase Notice

• This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.
• You can customize it as you like. If you have any requests please let us know in advance.
• If you want to change your schedule even on the tour day, your guide is always happy to help you.
• You can skip the spot where you don't go (※in this case we do not refund any fees) or change it with another place.
• If you add some new spots by your request, please pay the ticket fee on the spot. (Note that you may need to pay extra transportation fee)
• Please note that bringing large luggage during the tour is not recommended.
• Please come in comfortable walking shoes.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 8 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 50% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 100% cancellation fee