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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
4.9
21 Ratings
Matsumoto
Explore Matsumoto Castle and master samurai sword fighting in an immersive historical experience. Learn, dress, and fight like a true samurai!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Matsumoto Castle - Matsumoto Castle is one of five castles designated as ‘National Treasures of Japan’ and the oldest castle donjon remaining in Japan. Construction began in 1592 of the elegant black and white structure with its three turrets. Because of the elegant black walls, Matsumoto Castle is sometimes called ‘Crow Castle’.
Please note that the stairs to reach the top of Matsumoto Castle’s tower are steep and narrow. - Nakamachi Kurassic-kan - Here is the Samurai Experience Activity! Learn how to handle the sword (Katana) as well as some basic samurai movement (Kamae).
What's Included
- Samurai outfits and swords rental during the activity
- Entry/Admission – Matsumoto Castle
- English or French Speaking Guide
- Entry/Admission – Samurai Experience Activity
What's Not Included
- Miscellaneous fees during the activity (meals, snacks, souvenirs etc.)
- Insurance (Travel Insurance, Private Insurance, etc…)
Additional Information
Your chance to become a Samurai while visiting Matsumoto Castle!
What better place to have your samurai experience than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era?
First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure! During the tour, you will learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City and even some of the castle’s defensive strategies.
Then experience a live hands-on Samurai Sword Fighting activity! A Master Samurai will teach you some of these ancient fighting techniques. You can choose your own colors for your outfit which consists of a yukata (light kimono), hakama (wide-leg pants), and obi (belt). You can even select your swords!
The stage and the atmosphere of the place is bound to take you on a realistic journey back in time. The perfect setting for a complete immersion into this slice of Japanese history!
Activity available in English and French.
Location
Matsumoto Station
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(21 Ratings)
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328marlenaw
Apr 19, 2024
Samurai and Katana experience - It was amazing experience. The instructor is very skilled and moves with so much grace. It is very enjoyable to watch her skills. We really enjoyed all the Katana moves that we learned from her. I cannot recommend it enough
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larainen2019
Apr 18, 2024
Interesting tour - Good tour of castle, more information on Japan during the castle's operation would have been useful. Samurai Experience teacher was excellent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bridgetn596
Apr 17, 2024
Great tour! Easy! - Beautiful castle and great tour! I was not sure about the Samurai experience but it turned out to be fun . Our guide was very informativve and gave us some extra information about the area and best food places.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leadn93
Mar 28, 2024
Awesome ! - Sylvain is a very good guide, the experience was great.
We really had a lovely afternoon and learned a lot about Matsumoto Castle and even Japan in general 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jean_lucj353
Mar 19, 2024
Great activity - Superb activity: an hour with the sensi to discover the samurai outfit, then a few movements with the katana. Sensi very friendly and comfortable in his explanations in English. Then, the visit to the castle which is impressive. Original castle.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sunshine34051389524
Mar 16, 2024
Amazing! - Loved this experience! Our guide was so friendly and we learned some awesome sword fighting samurai skills. He made it fun and you felt like you also learned!
He was very knowledgeable about the history of the castle and samurai. It was cold that day and he brought slippers for us to wear while walking around the castle. That was very thoughtful and it helped make our experience more enjoyable.
I would definitely recommend this tour! My son and I had a great time! Thanks so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambre
Feb 1, 2024
I loved ! - An unforgettable moment between the art of the katana and the history of Matsumoto Castle! I highly recommend taking this tour with Sylvain!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Crystal_w
Jan 10, 2024
Want to experience Japan - then this is the easy, fun for all ages guided tour - The most memorable part was our versatile tour guide and Samuri-sword instructor to keep all members of our party engaged in a once in a lifetime experience!!! We will always remember this guided tour for the unique, very Japanese experience that not many get.
Review provided by Viator
Mark_s
Jan 8, 2024
Naomi was a fantastic... - Naomi was a fantastic tour guide. She had a lot of great information, and was so nice. The castle was beautiful, and full of amazing history. The views from the top were spectacular. Worth the climb.
The samurai experience was so much fun. It was really cool to get a small glimpse into the history and culture.
We highly recommend this tour. It was truly a fantastic experience.
Review provided by Viator
Valerie_h
Mar 9, 2024
Great experience! - The castle is beautiful but not sure you need a guide to enjoy it. We went in March—bring at least 1 extra pair of socks—it’s like walking on ice. Samurai experience is AMAZING!!! Wish we could have done it for hours!
Review provided by Viator
