Overview
On this full day private tour, visit the city of Matsumoto with your tour guide. Enjoy the historical Matsumoto Castle, the unique streets of Nawate and Nakamachi and see Daio Wasasbi Farm, the largest wasabi farm in Japan in the tranquil Hotaka Town.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Matsumoto Castle entrance fee
- Transportation within Matsumoto City (either public transportation or private chartered vehicle)
- English speaking tour guide
- Trip to Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street, Daio Wasabi Farm and more
What's Not Included
- Meals, snacks and drinks
- Optional Activities in Matsumoto
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Matsumoto Castle (松本城 Matsumoto-jō) is one of Japan's premier historic castles, along with Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle. The building is also known as the "Crow Castle" (烏城 Karasu-jō) due to its black exterior. It was the seat of the Matsumoto domain. It is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and is easily accessible by road or rail from Tokyo.
Stop 2
Located south of Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street is a 200-meter long brick street that ride along the Metoba River. The street has been around since the 1500s and is filled with frog themed statues
Stop 3
The Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場, Daiō Wasabi Nōjō) in rural Azumino City near Matsumoto is one of Japan's largest wasabi farms and a popular tourist destination.
Stop 4
Hotaka Shrine is a wonderful place to get a sense of Azumino and even greater Japanese culture. Shrines are scattered throughout Japan, but Hotaka shrine is unique for its adjacent historical museum and founding sense of Azumino.
Stop 5
A short walk from the castle, Nakamachi-dori (中町通り, Nakamachi-dōri) is a small section of Matsumoto's town center with streets lined by nicely preserved, old buildings. The buildings include a number of warehouse-type buildings (kura) with large white-painted walls.
Stop 6
Just across a small bridge on the way to Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street is a row of small shops with a subtle but recurring frog theme. The banks of the river once echoed with the voices of frogs. Kaeru, the Japanese word for “frog” can also mean “to return home.” Thus, as a symbol of the frog history and to invoke a safe return home, a statue of a frog marks the entrance to the street.
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Moderate Cancellation Policy:
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before event
- Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today
- What if I'm late?
- We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time
- Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need help
- Although this is a private tour, the tour guide will only wait for you for up to 30 minutes of start time before the tour is cancelled
- Attire: Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions
- Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour
- Daio Wasabi Farm and Hotaka Town: Only available with the private vehicle option. If you choose public transportation, we will recommend visiting an alternative location due to limited public transport access to these sites