Experience the life of a samurai in an actual feudal castle in Matsumoto, Japan! Matsumoto Castle is a designated “National Treasure” thanks to its well preserved historic structure. We’ll get a chance to step inside to learn about the life of the samurai lords who lived here, the castle’s defensive strategies and the history of the city. Afterwards, get a hands-on sword fighting lesson with your own hand-picked sword and samurai outfit.

Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beloved feudal castles
Learn about the lives and history of samurai, as well as Matsumoto and life in an ancient castle
Experience a live, hands-on samurai sword fighting session
The experience includes the chance to pick out your own sword to use and samurai outfit to wear

What's Included

English or French Speaking Guide
Entry/Admission – Samurai Experience Activity
Entry/Admission – Matsumoto Castle
Samurai outfits and swords rental during the activity

Miscellaneous fees during the activity (meals, snacks, souvenirs etc.)
Insurance (Travel Insurance, Private Insurance, etc...)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Matsumoto Station
1 Chome-1 Fukashi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0815, Japan
At the front of the ticket entrance gate/JR Line ticket office. The pick-up details will be arranged a few days before the activity by email

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Matsumoto Castle

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Nakamachi Kurassic-kan

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travellers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travellers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

5.0

9 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-1 of 9 reviews

It was very cool to learn...

Wesley_d, Mar 2023

It was very cool to learn how to use a sword and do some movements in a samurai outfit. The instructor was a very nice guy and we did some role playing with The swords! I would recommend this to everyone. The Matsumoto/Crow castle was really stunning and our tour guide knew everything about The history of the castle as he works there at the museum.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Thank you very much for your kind words. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and we appreciate your recommendation. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the samurai experience and the Matsumoto castle tour so much! We hope that the memories of your tour will stay with you for a long time. Please do not hesitate to contact us again with any further inquiries.