Matsumoto Castle

Truly a treasure as this castle is well preserved and you are able to tour the ground and the inside of the castle. When you go inside the castle, you will need to take off your shoes. They give you plastic bags to hold your shoes while you tour the castle. The inside is mostly empty but there is a display of guns on the lower floors. You can see the woodwork. The stairs are quite steep, almost like ladders. You can book tickets online, which may be smart when it's busy. We bought ours when we got there rather than buying in advance and risk missing the time slot. We went in the winter and it was not busy, there was no wait to get tickets or go inside. We were there around 1-2 hours in total. At night in the winter, there is a light show where lights are projected onto the castle.

A visit to Matsumoto Castle should be high on your list of priorities when you visit Japan. It is one example of an original and well preserved castle (the other eleven being Himeji, Hikone, Matsue, Inuyama, Maruoka, Marugame, Kochi, Matsuyama, Uwajima, Bitchu-Matsuyama, and Hirosaki). Matsumoto Castle is one of five castles that are designated as National Treasures of Japan (the other four being Himeji, Hikone, Matsue and Inuyama). Photographers love Matsumoto as it looks great from all sides, especially from the moat. The castle grounds are also extremely photogenic during every season and you will be able to see flowers or snow, or summer birds depending on when you visit. If you pay the fee to enter the tower, be prepared to carry your shoes with you and be prepared to climb some steep steps. Original castles are known to have incredibly steep stairs, and the modern reconstructions are a little more forgiving.

An awe-inspiring castle. You can feel the history as soon as you step onto the castle grounds. As other reviewers have mentioned, the stairs within the castle are very steep and narrow. Be sure to watch your head as you climb. When you get to the top, be sure to look up and catch the shrine hidden in the rafters. The gift shop has a wide variety of nice souvenirs too. You'll want to bring a good camera because the castle is so photogenic, especially at night.

Stunning view to visit one of the few castles left in Japan. We took up having an English language tour guide which provides an extra introduction to the history and also a chance to interact with a local. The limited night light display is also well worth visiting if you are in the area

Matsumoto Castle 松本城 is a must-see historical treasure in Nagano — striking, atmospheric, and deeply authentic. As one of Japan’s original surviving castles (not a modern reconstruction), it preserves a five-story, six-floor main keep from the late 16th century, giving visitors a rare look into real castle architecture. The contrast of its dark exterior — earning it the nickname “Crow Castle” — against the surrounding landscape creates a striking and photogenic silhouette, especially with the traditional red bridge and wide moat around it. Inside the keep, the narrow, steep wooden staircases and low ceilings add a sense of history and authenticity. Climb to the top and you get a rewarding 360-degree view of the castle grounds — and on a good day, the distant Japanese Alps provide an impressive backdrop. The castle grounds and surroundings offer more than just the main tower: walking around the moat, strolling nearby historic streets, and exploring the old castle-town atmosphere add nice variety to the visit.

Truly a national treasure. This castle has been on my wishlist for so long. Visited on sunday 19 Oct. Even from the outer area you can feel the magnificent of this castle, beautiful and elegant castle. The stairs inside is steep and narrow, do it slowly and carefuly as to not hit your head to one of its wood beam. Also I had the chance to watched the live firearms show afterwards, its really cool, feels like going back to 1600s Sengoku jidai era. I enjoyed my visit to this castle, thank you.

Loved the introduction to the history behind the castle on a plain....being able to climb up helped me to appreciate the whys and the what's behind it's design. The castle is well preserved. Upon entry, you will need to take off your footwear and put them in the given bags. Guess that is part of the preservation of the flooring. Be prepared for steep steps as you go up. Booking the tickets through the online platforms was slightly cheaper. We bought ours when we got there rather than buying in advance and risk missing the time slot. The entire leisurely tour takes about an hour. Definitely worth a visit if you are near enough (we drove an hour to get there).

Matsumoto Castle is unreal, easily one of the best castles I’ve been to in Japan. It looks amazing from the outside and the inside is properly steep and old-school, which makes it feel really authentic. Just be ready for the cold, especially in winter. You can’t wear shoes inside, so wear thick socks or bring a spare pair because your feet will freeze otherwise. Totally worth it.

Matsumoto Castle is one of the oldest castles in Japan. It was originally known as Fukashi Castle, is one of Japan's historic castles, along with Himeji and Kumamoto. Fortification of the site dates back to simple wooden structures built during the Warring States period. (1467-1600). The towering castle was constructed in 1594, and today it is the oldest surviving example of a castle with five external stories but six internal floors. Matsumoto Castle was nearly torn down during the Meiji Era (1868-1912) and was saved only through the work of local residents who fought for its preservation. In the years since, the castle has been designated a National Treasure in recognition of its historical value. You must remove your shoes before entering and the floors are very cold and slick. There are stairs (steps) that are very steep and high between each step so climbing is difficult. The architecture is better from an exterior view.

One of, I think 4, Japanese castle that are still standing and an easy day trip from Tokyo (honestly take an early train, see the castle, walk the frog street, and return to Tokyo - unless you are moving further out from Tokyo and branching off from here, there is very little else to do in Matsumoto) BUT - I thought the castle was pretty cool and though pretty packed (it was a weekend and there was an event) we were able to join a free English tour, they are at found at the main entry to the castle complex, and moved through the line pretty quickly. It was September and HOT so bring a hand fan if you are traveling in the summer, but the higher we went in the castle the cooler it was! I could have parked myself by one of those windows and just took in the view. I also liked that they didn't rush you. On floors where there was space to look around, you were allowed. The queues were really only at the stairs which were steep, narrow and shallow. The angle was greater than anything in a Western house for sure! Additional note: have socks! You can't wear your shoes in the castle.

Staff: Everyone here was incredibly nice which I have grown to love having come to Japan twice this year. At the entrance a nice lady with a volunteer shirt was chatting with my son. Value: The prices are insanely low considering the remarkable nature of what you get to experience.... one of the top 10 most beautiful castles on earth that is over 500 years old. With the US dollar conversion it is even more amazing of a value. Roughly $4 for adults and $2 US for kids. Overall: This castle is absolutely beautiful in all ways. You get to enter and go to the very top of the castle while reading all about the history of the time. I most definitely plan to return one day and hopefully when it snows. Pro tip: You must remove your shoes to enter and you walk up a lot of ladders, some of which are very steep. Not likely a good option with anyone with mobility challenges. Also, getting a taxi when you leave is hard as we had to walk a ways before finding one.

It was a very nice night scenery when we got to go and walk around the castle pond! A swan was floating around and having a great time being a model for those who were around. It's a great place for the castle lover Cheers

Matsumoto has one of the best castles in Japan. I visited on April 15th and 16th 2024. Luckily, I could watch its beautiful sakura cherry blossoms. The castle park was open to the public during cherry blossom viewing season. The castle and flowers were illuminated at night.　 Regarding the inside of the castle, I went there in the next morning. It opened at 830am. I had to take off my shoes. I checked exhibitions. I saw a lot of beautiful mountains from the top. Matsumoto castle is a must-see sight seeing spot. I recommend visiting there in the cherry blossom viewing season.

Great castle. Beautiful grounds and the castle was huge. The stairs are extremely steep. There's really cool exhibits about weapons which was neat. The castle has no heating so it was freezing. You do have to remove your shoes. Went for the night illumination show as well which was the best illumination show I've ever seen. Definitely worth visiting.

Fun climb up all the flights of stairs Some very steep. Beginning stairs are about knee high on a 5'3" Awesome climb if you can accomplish it.

Matsumoto castle is a famous tourist spot in Matsumoto city, Nagano prefecture. This is a national treasure of Japan. We can get inside the castle. There are very steep wooden staircases and narrow corridors inside. And the 3rd floor is too dark because it doesn't have a window. Therefore, the inside is very exciting like adventure, so I recommend to get inside strongly. And the view from the top of the castle is very splendid. We can see the beautiful view of Matsumoto city. In addition, the entrance fee is 610 yen for adult. It charges before Kuromon gate. So, we have to pay if you want to get inside the gate and see the garden although you don't get inside the castle. Foundation of this castle was around the beginning of Eisho era, about 1510. Originally, this was called Fukashi castle. However this was rebuild and changed the name to Matsumoto castle in 1582. This castle was repaired sometimes and protected to collapse. We can get "Goshuin" (handwritten sign and stamp of shrines and temples) at here. They offer it at the management office near after entering from Kuromon gate. It is next to the souvenir shop. They offer the Japanese paper which has already written and stamped. So, we have to paste it to own Goshuin book. It charges 300 yen. In addition, we have to pay the entrance fee and get inside if you want Goshuin. Details about Goshuin is below. http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html 松本城は長野県松本市にある有名な観光スポットです。 現存する天守閣は国宝となっています。 また、国宝の天守閣の内部に入る事が出来てしまいます。 内部は昔のままの狭い通路や驚くほど急な階段があり、さらに3階は窓のない造りで非常に暗く、まるで冒険しているような気分になり非常に楽しめます。 さらに最上階からは美しい松本市が一望出来るので展望も楽しめます。 ちなみに入場料は大人610円です。 黒門の前に入場料を払わなければならないので、天守閣に登らないにしろ黒門以降の庭園などを見るにしても入場料を払う必要があります。 創建は永正年間初めで、およそ1510年頃になります。 元々は深志城と呼ばれていましたが、天正10年(1582年)に、本能寺の変による動乱に乗じて再建し、その際に松本城と名前を変えました。 なお、天守閣は幾度となく修繕され倒壊を免れています。 そして、この松本城でも御朱印を頂く事が出来ます。 御朱印は黒門を入ってすぐのところにある松本城管理事務所で頂戴する事が出来ます。 お土産屋さんのすぐ隣にあります。 書き置きでの授与となりますので、後ほどご自身で御朱印帳に貼り付けましょう。 御朱印代は300円です。 なお、事務所は黒門以降にありますので、御朱印を頂くには入場料を支払って中に入る必要がありますのでご了承下さい。 御朱印については下記のリンク先にまとめてあります。 http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html

This is one of 12 castles that has the main keep from samurai time from 1800s. It is authentic as hell, people!! No description needed. Once you see it, you will feel its magnificent. I do recommend to view the main keep across the moat in south west corner. That view is the best in my book. If you want to climb up, admission is ¥410. But do expect wait time. I went there and it was 40min long wait. But I've climbed up once before, so I skipped this time. It is worth a trip to Matsumoto just for this. There is an express train from Shinjuku for little less than 3hr. If you have JR pass, you definitely want to use it for this one.

Really beautiful castle. One of the very few within Japan that actually looks different from the others. We first visited a couple years ago in summer. It was hot and uncomfortable. This visit in mid-October was nicer with cool temperatures and less crowded. The castle looks better at night!

Fantastic place to visit! This is especially so because of the relatively cheap entrance fee. We came on a sunny day so the views of the castle were fantastic! In addition, they were holding a live firing event, so we were able to witness Japanese warfare as it would have been during the warring states period of Japan. Upon entering the castle, we discovered that unlike European castles the interior of Matsumoto Castle felt quite cramped. This might possibly be explained by the fact that the castle seemed to be more fubctional than artistic. Despite this fact, the castle possessed a unique martial air and architecture. Worth a visit if you are in Matsumoto.

Matusmoto Castle looks more impressive than Osaka Castle. The furious architecture just screams at you from a far. As mean as it looks, the surrounding is beautiful especially during Sakura season. Sometimes you just have to travel to build memories adn i'm glad i can file this one. Happy building 松本城は大阪城より印象的に見えます。猛烈なアーキテクチャはただ遠くからあなたに叫びます。それは見た目ほど平均、周囲特に桜の季節に美しいです。時には、あなただけの思い出を構築するために移動しなければならないADN私は、このいずれかを提出することができてうれしいです。 ハッピービル

Went there early in the morning and there was already a 2-hour wait to go inside. I have better things to do than waste 2-hours waiting so we decided to explore the outer ground of the castle only. Like Osaka Castle, you only need to pay when you want to enter the castle itself but touring the castle ground is free. It looks nice though.

Matsumoto Castle is definitely one of the best, original, and relatively complete castle in Japan. It is not as big as those reconstructive ones like Osaka, Nagoya, Castle, but I think it is nice because of the scenery. The castle, the garden, and the bridges structured a extraordinary view that makes you feel that you are in Warring States era and Edo period. Getting to the Matsumoto Castle is quite simple by train or driving, but it is located in the Nagano Prefecture surrounded by mountains, therefore require long travel time from any of the main cities. It's 3 hours drive or 2.5 hours train from Nagoya, 3.5 hours train from Tokyo; it will take about two hours drive even if you come from Karuizawa 輕井澤. Nonetheless, you will not regret coming to enjoy the view of this beautiful castle.

This place is absolutely amazing! Going up all six floors was super cool. Although, if you have mobility issues, this may not be for you. The admission price is cheap and it's certainly worth it. The surrounding mountains and scenery is delightful and I'd recommend exploring the area a bit.

This is the second castle I've been to in Japan. The other being Osaka Castle. What I like about this on is that everything seems to be as if you are walking into the castle the way it was hundreds of years ago. Whereas, Osaka castle was mostly set up as a museum. Outside of the castle entrance you can get a free English tour guide to go with you inside of the castle. I didn't notice until I left, but I think this is great for anyone traveling.

The oldest authentic castle in Japan. While most other castles are reproductions, Matsumoto's has existed for centuries. Built with fire arms in mind, you can see an exhibit of period weaponry inside. At the top, you can get great views of the city. The gardens are worth walking through, and the city museum is also on the grounds and worth a visit, too. Getting here is a short walk from the train station, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. It's easy make a day trip here from Tokyo, and well worth the time.

This is one of my favorite castles that i have been to, (i've been to inuyama and nagoya castles). The reason I really like this castle is because I think it is simply beautiful, especially if you are looking at on the far side where it really looks like its floating on top of the water. There are English tour guide pamphlets in the front so dont worry too much about the language. As you walk through the castle you will quickly notice that it feels so genuine and not like a museum, which is how the Nagoya castle is like. This is a must see for anyone family. When is the next time your going to be in the area right? Take advantage of it!

The Black castle in contrast from the White Castle in Himeji is much smaller but still very beautiful. The mouts are filled with carps and the castle gardens are beautifull. Much less people here compared to Himeji with I find rather nice

This is a beautiful castle and being one of the oldest original castles in Japan makes it a must see. You can enter all the way to the top of the castle and it's amazing to see what it would have been like when it was built. There are many stairs to get to the top of the castle and one of the flights of stairs is very steep so it is not suitable for anyone who can't climb up. If this is the case you would be better to just view it from outside the paygates. You also must visit at night when you can get a beautiful reflection in the still moat.

It's a beautiful old castle. I understand that people don't normally go to this area when you just have a few - several days in the whole country, but gosh it is a beautiful castle, one of the best as Japanese castles. Also the area is well-known for soba culture and good sake brewery including the internationally famous Miyasaka Brewery in Suwa city is just 45 minutes away if you are driving. You should definitely go there for one great sake tasting experience. http://www.masumi.co.jp/english/

Free guided tours in English are available upon finding one of the volunteers. They are located just by the entrance of the grounds. Toko, our guide, showed us around the site and provided us with a history lesson of the Castle and how it came to be.

Gorgeous castle. Beautifully kept. Interesting displays. Tight and steep stairs. Can be annoying when tour groups show up. Well worth the time and effort.