Matsumoto Everything Tour: Castle, Miso, Wasabi, Wine & Ukiyo-e

Nagano , Japan

Matsumoto Everything Tour: Castle, Miso, Wasabi, Wine & Ukiyo-e

Active

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Matsumoto on this full-day tour through Japan’s historic heartland. Explore the black-walled Matsumoto Castle, a rare original fortress with deep samurai history. Visit a 150-year-old miso brewery for a guided tour and onigiri lunch. Stroll Japan’s largest wasabi farm, sampling wasabi ice cream and other treats. Taste local wines at a countryside vineyard, then end the day at the Ukiyo-e Museum, home to a major woodblock print collection. Led by a local guide, this small-group tour offers an authentic Matsumoto experience.

※ Depart from Nagano (8:00) or Matsumoto (9:30). Finish at either station. Luggage accepted only for one-way transfers between Nagano and Matsumoto (advance notice required).

・Matsumoto Castle
・Miso brewery tour & onigiri lunch
・Japan’s largest wasabi farm & local treats
・Local wine tasting in countryside vineyard
・Ukiyo-e Museum print collection
・Start/finish at Nagano or Matsumoto (luggage one-way only, notice required)

Available options

Matsumoto Everything Tour: Castle, Miso, Wasabi, Wine & Ukiyo-e

What's included

Miso brewery tour with onigiri & miso soup lunch

Free time at Daio Wasabi Farm

Entry ticket to Matsumoto Castle

Start/finish at Nagano or Matsumoto (luggage one-way only, notice required)

Entry ticket to Japan Ukiyo-e Museum

Japanese wine tasting in scenic vineyards

Detailed itinerary

08:00 – Depart from Nagano Station：Meet your guide in front of Beck’s Coffee, just outside the Shinkansen gates.

09:30 – Pickup at Matsumoto Station：Your guide will meet you at the Alps (West) Exit – look out for our light yellow Toyota van.

Enjoy a fully guided tour of one of Japan’s most iconic castles. Learn about its samurai-era design and legends, then take your time to explore and snap photos inside.

Take a guided tour of a 150-year-old miso brewery and enjoy a traditional lunch of miso soup and handmade onigiri.

Wander through the lush grounds of Japan’s largest wasabi farm. You’ll have free time to explore, shop, or purchase optional snacks like wasabi soft-serve or croquettes.

Enjoy a relaxed tasting of locally made Japanese wine while taking in views of the surrounding vineyards and mountain landscape. Feel free to stroll the grounds or browse the cozy winery shop.

Explore timeless woodblock prints by masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige at the world’s largest private ukiyo-e collection.

15:45 – Drop-off at Matsumoto Station：This is the final stop for guests who joined from Matsumoto. Guests who started from Nagano may also choose to end their tour in Matsumoto if staying locally.

17:00 – Return to Nagano Station (drop-off for Nagano starters and also available for Matsumoto starters).

What's not included

Additional food & drinks (e.g. wasabi soft-serve, croquettes)

Bullet train tickets or travel before/after the tour

There are no mandatory in-destination costs.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Start/finish at Nagano or Matsumoto Station. Luggage only for one-way transfers (Nagano ⇄ Matsumoto) with advance notice. Please confirm pickup/drop-off stations when booking.

o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.

This tour is scheduled to conclude at Matsumoto Station by 15:45 and return to Nagano Station by around 17:00. However, please note that timing may vary due to traffic or weather conditions. If you are planning onward travel, we recommend booking trains departing after 16:30 from Matsumoto and after 17:30 from Nagano Station to ensure a comfortable buffer. ➤ Guests who joined the tour from Matsumoto Station can choose to end their tour there at 15:45. ➤ Guests returning to Nagano Station will arrive by around 17:00.

Meeting point

Two pickup options: 1)Nagano Station 08:00 – meet by Beck’s Coffee, by the Shinkansen gates. 2) Matsumoto Station 09:30 – outside the Alps West Exit by the taxi stand; look for our light yellow van. Start/finish Nagano or Matsumoto (luggage transport OK – please let us know in advance).

About Nagano

Nagano, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its role in the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture, stunning mountain landscapes, and world-class ski resorts. The city is a gateway to some of Japan's most famous hot springs and ancient temples.

Top Attractions

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of Nagano's spiritual heritage.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are a famous attraction, known for their unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Nature Half day to full day ¥800 (adults) or ¥400 (children)

Nagano Olympic Museum

This museum commemorates the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano. It features exhibits on the history of the Olympics, the events held in Nagano, and the athletes who participated.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥500 (adults) or ¥200 (children)

Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine is a complex of three shrines dedicated to the Shinto goddess of archery. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Religious Half day Free (donations appreciated)

Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, known for its extensive ski runs, modern facilities, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Adventure Full day or overnight ¥4,000 - ¥6,000 (lift tickets)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a staple of Nagano's cuisine. They can be served hot or cold, with various toppings and dipping sauces.

Dish Vegetarian (if no meat or fish toppings are added)

Oyaki

Oyaki are dumplings filled with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese. They are a popular snack in Nagano and are often served with meals.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Sake

Nagano is known for its high-quality sake, made from locally grown rice. The region has numerous sake breweries, offering a variety of flavors and styles.

Drink Contains alcohol

Onsen Ryori

Onsen Ryori is a type of cuisine served in hot spring resorts. It typically consists of dishes made with local ingredients, such as vegetables, fish, and tofu, cooked in the hot spring water.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Mountain biking Hot air ballooning Hot spring bathing Temple visiting Shopping

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The city hosts numerous winter festivals and events. Expect heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.

-2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) 28°F to 41°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nagano is a generally safe destination for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon. However, travelers should still take precautions to protect their belongings and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxis and tour services.

Getting there

By air

Nagano Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center
Chubu Centrair International Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from the city center

By train

Nagano Station

By bus

Nagano Station Bus Terminal, Zenko-ji Temple Bus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The city bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Nagano, covering most areas of the city and connecting to major attractions. Buses are frequent and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Nagano Togakushi Shiga Kogen

Day trips

Shiga Kogen

50 km (31 miles) from Nagano • Full day or overnight

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, offering a wide range of winter and summer activities. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Togakushi

20 km (12 miles) from Nagano • Half day

Togakushi is a rural area known for its ancient shrines, soba noodles, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

60 km (37 miles) from Nagano • Half day to full day

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular destination for observing wild Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, in their natural habitat. The park is especially famous for the monkeys' unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Festivals

Nagano Winter Festival • February Nagano Summer Festival • August Togakushi Fire Festival • February 3rd

Pro tips

Visit Zenko-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's serene atmosphere.
Try Togakushi's famous soba noodles at a local restaurant, such as Soba Koenji or Soba Nagano.
Take a day trip to Shiga Kogen for skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, depending on the season.
Experience the Nagano Winter Festival in February for a unique and memorable cultural event.
Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani in winter to see the monkeys bathing in the hot springs.