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Matsumoto Castle and its Surroundings
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Joined 2018
Matsumoto Castle was built about 400 years ago. It has one of the oldest castle towers in Japan, designated as a national treasure. The black and white contrast of the castle with a backdrop of the Japan's northern Alps is really photogenic!! When you stroll the castle town, you come across rows of old houses and also fresh spring waters in every corner.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Nagano Station or Your Hotel near Nagano Station
Nagano Station
Matsumoto Station
Taikomon Gate
We enter the castle through Taikomon Gate.
Great Main Keep
You explore the main keep of Matsumoto Castle. Please appreciate its architectural beauty and its defensive structures. Any question on the castle is welcomed!
Inner Moat
You appreciate the appearance of the castle, walking along the inner moat. Your guide shows you some best photo spots.
Lunch
According to your preferences, the guide will take you to a good restaurant.
Nawate-dori and Nakamachi-dori Streets
Enjoy strolling the castle town. These two streets have a nostalgic atmosphere of old days. You will find good souvenirs and good foods there.
Matstumoto City Art Museum
How about appreciating the modern art after the castle. The art museum exhibits Kusama Yayoi's artworks. Enjoy her unique creations.
Matsumoto Station
We return to Nagano Station by limited express train.
Nagano Station
Ending Point
Nagano Station or Your Hotel near Nagano Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, Guide transportation fee (between Guide's house and Nagano Station)
Round Train Fare between Matsumoto and Nagano: ¥4300/person (your group and your guide), Matsumoto Castle: ¥1500/person (your group), Matsumoto City Art Museum ¥700/person (your group), Lunch
Tour Important Information
Please buy overseas travel insurance in case of emergency.
Important message from the supplier
Basically, I am available on weekdays. But if you are planning to have a long tour including the weekend, please let me know. I think that I can be flexible. In addition to the guide fee, you are requested to pay my transportation to the meeting spot. Thank you for your understanding.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2018
About Tour Guide Emi F.
Nice to meet you. I am a national government certified guide interpreter, Emi. I just started this business under the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, I had worked for more than 30 years as a teacher. Nagano is a cozy city surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. I enjoy strolling around its center, driving in the countryside, visiting some beautiful spots such as Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi highlands, Matsumoto Castle and so on. I also enjoy local dishes with fresh ingredients. I'd like to introduce our lifestyle to you as well as historical places and nature. According to your expectations, I will make your tour tailor-made, not ready-made!
Reviews
Charlene O.
“Autumn walk in Obuse Town with Emi”
Emi is a professional: prompt, knowledgeable and thorough. She did a great job in planning our itinerary. It was obvious that she was well prepared, and it was obvious that she wanted us to enjoy the beauty and history of Obuse, which we did. Lunch was incredible. The day we spent with Emi was a most pleasant one, as she is personable and sincere. We would not hesitate to schedule another tour with her!
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Emi F.
Thank you very much for your wonderful words. Your long-cherished desire to visit Obuse truly inspired me, and it was such a pleasure to spend that time with you. I’m truly grateful that you chose me as your guide. Please stay well and enjoy many happy times with your family and loved ones! :)
Genevieve T.
“One with nature”
Togakushi Shrine was in our bucket list and we managed to go there with the help of Emi. Emi was patient and replied back to all my questions prior to our trip. She also tried her best to explain things about the sites (Tokagushi and Zenkoji Temple) we went to. The highlight was the walk in the snow covered cedar tree lined pathway. It was beautiful. Thank you Emi for making our trip memorable
Emi F.
Thank you for your wonderful review. I appreciate your patience as we walked through the snow for quite a while, but I’m glad you were able to enjoy the beautiful snow-covered forest. More than anything, the warmth of your family’s hearts for me made the cold disappear. It was truly a precious day for me as a guide, and I’m delighted that you enjoyed my hometown, Nagano.
Taylor K.
“Absolutely fantastic ”
Emi was an amazing tour guide. Zenkoji temple was our main point but she showed us so much more on the way there and back from our hotel. She was extremely knowledgeable and upbeat. We would pick her as a tour guide for every prefecture we're visiting of we could.
Emi F.
Thank you for choosing me as your guide in Nagano. Even though it was a cold day, your cheerful attitude and genuine curiosity about Japanese culture made the tour so enjoyable. I truly appreciate your kindness and cooperation. Spending time with you and your family was such a delightful experience for me. Thank you again for a wonderful day!
$394/ per group
More tours by Emi F.
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Obuse: Chestnuts and Hokusai's Works
A world-famous ukiyoe painter Hokusai (1760-1849) stayed in Obuse and made his works in his later years. In Obuse Hokusai Museum, you'll encounter not only his ukiyoe woodblock printings but also his original handwritings you cannot see elsewhere. Akso, Obuse is well-known for its chestnuts. There are many chestnut trees and a variety of foods with chestnuts. Why don't you try one of them?
Obuse: Chestnuts and Hokusai's Works
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Snow Monkey Park & Local Train
Jigokutani Yaen Koen, so-called the Snow Monkey Park, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nagano. If you are lucky, you will see some monkeys bathing in the hot spring. In winter, the natural trail is often frozen and slippery. From spring to autumn, trekking to the park is easier than in winter. How about enjoying a local train ride and encountering wild monkeys in natural settings?
Snow Monkey Park & Local Train
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Togakushi: Sacred Forests & Shrines
Togakushi is a sacred place where mountain worship once flourished. You'll see some shinto shrines in the deep forests guarded by sacred mountains. Unbeaten natural beauty will also make you feel refreshed.
Togakushi: Sacred Forests & Shrines
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Matsushiro: Samurai Town and its History
Matsushiro is a quiet castle town 10km away from the center of Nagano. The town used to be the domain of the Sanada clan (feudal lords). In Matsushiro, you see the castle remains, the residence of the Sanada clan, middle-class samurai houses, a school for samurai children. You will enjoy walking around the cosy town, breathing fresh air.
Matsushiro: Samurai Town and its History
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Nagano
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Highlights Nagano - Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple and Sake-
Would you like to see country side of Japan which is rich in nature, traditions and local food? Would you like to travel at ease? Then please join my tour! May and June is a time when mothers give birth to babies. It is a magical experience to see new-born babies close by. I will tell you all about the interesting history, traditions in food, art and culture that only a local like me can tell you. Many people who joined my tour said the day with me was the highlights of their time in Japan!
Highlights Nagano - Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple and Sake-
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Highlights for Obuse and Suzaka from Nagano City
You can visit some lovely places near Nagano Station, such as Obuse and Suzaka. Obuse is a small but pleasant town where Hokusai, the ukiyoe woodblock print artist known for "The Great Wave," lived in his later years. Entering the Museum and eating delicious chestnut sweets will bring back good memories. Suzaka is famous for its warehouses, which give a good atmosphere and are now used as stores and museums. Garyu Park also provides a beautiful sight in each of the four seasons.
Highlights for Obuse and Suzaka from Nagano City
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Highlights Matsumoto Half a day Tour
A journey with private guide through the heart of Matsumoto. Begin your adventure at Matsumoto castle with a history spanning over 400yrs. Take a stroll through Matsumoto' historic districts, where you'll run into traditional architecture, artisan shops, and welcoming locals. I'll provide insights into the city's cultural heritage. I`ll be your language and cultural interpreter, which helps you understand Japanese culture and society, and takes your trip to deeper level.
Highlights Matsumoto Half a day Tour
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Karuizawa History Town Walk
Why not explore Karuizawa, a famous upper-market mountain resort welcoming about 8 million visitors a year? You will walk around the Old Town area with a local guide. The destinations include historic lanes and paths, one of the area's famous churches, areas with holiday villas, Karuizawa Ginza Street and more! You will experience a cafe break, which is a must when you come to a resort area.
Karuizawa History Town Walk
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