Top Things to do in Matsumoto
Top Restaurants in Matsumoto
The 10 Best Walking Tours in Matsumoto, Chubu
The proud black “crow castle” of Matsumoto keeps watch over a city that’s rapidly developing into an epicenter of food and culture. Slurp noodles made from local soba or taunt your taste buds with product from the Daio Wasabi Farm. Take a soothing soak in a local hot spring or spend a few minutes in the Timepiece Museum. Classical music fans should consider a visit during the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto, founded by famed conductor Seiji Ozawa.
Restaurants in Matsumoto
1. Matsumoto Private One Day Tour from Nagano with Tour Guide and Private Vehicle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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.
Inclusions: Transportation within Matsumoto City (either public transportation or private chartered vehicle), Trip to Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street, Daio Wasabi Farm and more, Flexibility to customize your itinerary according to your preferences.
Exclusions: Meals, snacks and drinks, Optional Activities in Matsumoto
Reviewed By 926maggieh
While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.
2. Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 559janies
My 2 friends and I went on the beginners Spring Tour 2019 for our first trip to Japan. We loved it and can't wait to go back! Becky and Shawn are awesome. They were so down to earth, helpful and very knowledgeable. I also really liked that the tour group is small. It allows you to get to know your fellow group members and ensures personal attention from your guides. We saw so many large tour groups at tour sites and they looked a little chaotic, it made me happy we chose a small group. The accommodations were always clean and comfortable and located perfectly. Food was amazing!!! If you are willing to try new things you can have an amazing gourmet experience. The events and locations that Becky and Shawn chose were top notch and we got to experience all different modes of transportation while there.
3. Matsumoto Discovery - One Day Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover a real feudal era castle and much more of Matsumoto City on a personalized full-day tour! Explore all the nooks and crannies of the city! Our local resident English or French speaking guides are available to provide the most fascinating and enjoyable experience possible. Experience Matsumoto from a local’s point of view! You may customize your half-day itinerary however you desire and explore each site in whatever order you wish. Or simply follow our recommended tour. Let us help you choose the best option to meet your needs! Take more than just a tour, discover ancient history and wisdom, have a unique and enlightening experience! Get a glimpse of all there is to explore in Matsumoto City! The provided tour details is our recommended itinerary. Tour available in English and French.
Inclusions: English or French speaking Private Guide, The preparation of your personalized itinerary according to your interests, Transportation, meals, entrance tickets, etc. for your guide
Exclusions: Transportation, meals, entrance tickets, miscellaneous fees for you during the activity, Insurance (Travel Insurance, Private Insurance, etc...)
Reviewed By X5576MCstephaniem
My Matsumoto trip was AWESOME, thanks to Sylvain! I intended to only see the castle on this trip. When i originally contacted Sylvain, he asked me what else i may be interested in and suggested many things. I ended up doing activities i would have never considered! It was such fun. Sylvain is professional, knowledgeable and courteous!
4. Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast
Exclusions: Travel Insurance, Airfare
Reviewed By 559janies
My 2 friends and I went on the beginners Spring Tour 2019 for our first trip to Japan. We loved it and can't wait to go back! Becky and Shawn are awesome. They were so down to earth, helpful and very knowledgeable. I also really liked that the tour group is small. It allows you to get to know your fellow group members and ensures personal attention from your guides. We saw so many large tour groups at tour sites and they looked a little chaotic, it made me happy we chose a small group. The accommodations were always clean and comfortable and located perfectly. Food was amazing!!! If you are willing to try new things you can have an amazing gourmet experience. The events and locations that Becky and Shawn chose were top notch and we got to experience all different modes of transportation while there.
5. Matsumoto Castle, Sake, Food & Craft Beer Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
You can do Sake Tasting in friendly owner’s brewery, have wonderful local Matsumoto food for lunch and drink great local craft beer. We will walk through famous street in old town as well as hidden places to explore more about Matsumoto city. Of course in this tour you will enjoy Matsumoto castle which is ranked in top 3 beautiful castle in Japan and is a registered National Treasure. - Matsumoto castle entrance fees are included - Sake Tasting - Lunch - Local Craft Beer(1 drink) - Walking through one of the busiest streets in Matsumoto city and you can enjoy Japanese stalls - Learn and practice authentic Japanese eating style and discover other parts of - Matsumoto outside of your guidebook. - Connect with local business owners to learn the history and local culture. - Photography Tour / We will be on hand to take some happy snaps(by DSLR camera) which will be shared with you after the tour!
Inclusions: Matsumoto castle entrance fees, Sake tasting, Lunch, Local craft beer(1 drink)
Exclusions: Extra drinks and food (available to purchase), Bullet train tickets and other transportation fees., Meal for infant
Reviewed By marcodomeniconi
The experience of discovering incredible places with Masashi was awesome. He guided us to rare and surprising places with a great sense of humour. We were on a family trip and in very good hands.
6. Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Private Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 4 reviews
Discover a real feudal era castle and the historical streets! Explore an introduction into Matsumoto’s past and present! Our local resident English or French speaking guides are available to provide the most fascinating and enjoyable experience possible. Experience Matsumoto from a local’s point of view! You may customize your half-day itinerary however you desire and explore each site in whatever order you wish. Or simply follow our recommended tour. Let us help you choose the best option to meet your needs! Take more than just a tour, discover ancient history and wisdom, have a unique and enlightening experience! Get a glimpse of all there is to explore in Matsumoto City! The provided tour details is our recommended itinerary. Tour available in English and French.
Inclusions: English or French speaking Private Guide, The preparation of your personalized itinerary according to your interests, Transportation, meals, entrance tickets, etc... for your guide
Exclusions: Transportation, meals, entrance tickets, miscellaneous fees for you during the activity, Insurance (Travel Insurance, Private Insurance, etc...)
Reviewed By Anistatia
It was more than a ton of fun making soba from scratch and realising how easy it is to do at home. The tasting of our own noodles was a treat, accompanied by tempura and tea as extras. So close to the castle, it makes for a nice break in the touring around this beautiful city.
7. Matsumoto Private One Day Tour
Explore Matsumoto at your own pace and to your own interests on this full-day private guided tour. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved castles, then explore surrounding streets, including quirky "Frog Street," known for its abundance of frog products. Afterward, visit tranquil Hotaka Town, home to Japan’s largest wasabi farm where you can try wasabi ice-cream and visit nearby Hotaka Shrine.
Inclusions: Transportation within Matsumoto City (either public transportation or private chartered vehicle), Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off within Matsumoto, Flexibility to customize your itinerary according to your preferences, Trip to Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street, Daio Wasabi Farm and more
Exclusions: Meals, snacks and drinks, Optional Activities in Matsumoto
Reviewed By 926maggieh
While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.
8. Soba Noodle Making in Matsumoto, Nagano
With this tour you will be able to learn how to make your very own Soba noodles. You will be taught the basics of making soba, afterwards a professional soba chef will instruct you on making your soba. From creating the dough to cutting the dough into noodle slices, you will be able to experience what the soba chef does for a living. Of course after all your hard work, you will be able to eat your very own masterpiece. -What is Soba noodle?- Soba noodle is a popular noodle dish like ramen in Japan. However unlike ramen Soba noodle is made from buckwheat flour, although in some places and region they would add wheat flour as well. Soba noodle can be eaten either hot or cold, which makes a great dish for both cold season and warm seasons. When eating soba you will dip into a sauce called "Tsuyu," and you would slurp while eating with a chopsticks. Matsumoto where you would be visiting is very popular with Soba, try and make your very own soba and become a soba chef.
Inclusions: English speaking assistant, Soba noodle, Soba noodle making lessson
Exclusions: Drink, Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Reviewed By Glenn B
We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour
9. Kamikochi Feel nature and Hiking 1 day trip (near Takayama)
You can experience Japanese beautiful nature in Kamikochi. Guide can explain not only about nature but also history and cultures of Japan. this tour is private tour.Not less than 2 person.You need hiking shoes. Winter season we can not this tour ,because we can not enter the Kamikochi area. you can change our start time please let us know. Off corse we can arrange other your private tour.(e.g. Shirakawa-go, Inside Takayama city,etc..) we have to take public transportation(by bus) on our way to Kamikochi.(Including this fee) If you need chinese guide ,please request us when reserve our tours.
Inclusions: Guide of Kamikochi , Bus fee from Hirayu to Kamikochi
Exclusions: shoes・・・you can not walk slipper. you need sport shoes or Climbing shoes, Lunch, clothes / Kamikochi temperature could be lower than 5℃ in Takayama city., Transport from Takayama to Hirayu bus terminal
Reviewed By Daniele_deblasio
A lovely walk through the gorgeous old town and new parts of Takayama, at a slow pace and with loads of attention to details that we would have otherwise missed. I recommend the tour to anyone interested in visiting Japan, our host was very competent and answered our questions as the tour progressed.
10. Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour
Learn the secrets of the local Japanese Sake, an integral part of the Japanese Culture! Sake is one of the most famous alcoholic beverages in Japan and is mainly made with water and rice. Therefore, a good quality of Sake requires a great natural environment, such as you find in Nagano Prefecture, and more especially here in Matsumoto. This area is blessed with natural mineral-rich waters from the surrounding mountains and high quality rice from local farms! Despite Sake tasting much like wine, the production of Sake is more like brewing beer and relies on similar fermentation techniques. Learn all the different steps involved in producing Sake and experience a tour of a real Sake Brewery. Sample some of the different local Sake and discover all the secrets of producing great Sake for yourself! Please note that in accordance with Japanese laws, people less than 20 years old are not allowed to drink alcohol. Available in English and French.
Inclusions: English or French speaking Guide, Entry/Admission – Sake Brewery Tour & Tasting, Transportation fees to and from the sake brewery/meeting place for you and your guide
Exclusions: Miscellaneous fees during the activity (meals, snacks, souvenirs etc.), Insurance (Travel Insurance, Private Insurance, etc...)
Reviewed By X5576MCstephaniem
My Matsumoto trip was AWESOME, thanks to Sylvain! I intended to only see the castle on this trip. When i originally contacted Sylvain, he asked me what else i may be interested in and suggested many things. I ended up doing activities i would have never considered! It was such fun. Sylvain is professional, knowledgeable and courteous!
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