Items | Matsushiro Samurai Town Tour from Nagano by Car
Matsushiro Samurai Town Tour from Nagano by Car
Nagano
About
This tour invites you to step into the quiet elegance of Matsushiro, a samurai town that still preserves the charm of old Japan. Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore temples, shrines, and castle ruins that tell the story of Japan’s artistry and spirit. Each site reveals a different layer of beauty—from the wooden architecture of Zen temples to the stonework of samurai castles. With fewer crowds and a slower pace, this half-day tour offers a serene and authentic journey into Nagano’s cultural heart. Matsushiro is one of Nagano’s best-kept secrets—a place where Japan’s history quietly lingers in the air. Visiting Matsushiro allows you to experience the timeless atmosphere and quiet beauty ...
Highlights
4 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
4 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private Vehicle
Admission Fee
Hotel Pickup
National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.
apx. 15-25 USD per person
Personal Expenses
Important Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
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We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
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You are required to wear a helmet when entering the underground tunnels. Helmets are provided free of charge and are available at the entrance.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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This tour invites you to step into the quiet elegance of Matsushiro, a samurai town that still preserves the charm of old Japan. Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore temples, shrines, and castle ruins that tell the story of Japan’s artistry and spirit. Each site reveals a different layer of beauty—from the wooden architecture of Zen temples to the stonework of samurai castles. With fewer crowds and a slower pace, this half-day tour offers a serene and authentic journey into Nagano’s cultural heart. Matsushiro is one of Nagano’s best-kept secrets—a place where Japan’s history quietly lingers in the air. Visiting Matsushiro allows you to experience the timeless atmosphere and quiet beauty ...
Highlights
4 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
4 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private Vehicle
Admission Fee
Hotel Pickup
National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.
apx. 15-25 USD per person
Personal Expenses
Itinerary
1
Zozan Shrine
Dedicated to Sakuma Shozan, a pioneering scholar of Western studies during Japan’s late Edo period. Learn about his visionary ideas that helped modernize Japan. Surrounded by peaceful greenery, the shrine offers insight into a man who bridged samurai tradition and scientific progress. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of Japan’s transformation.
40 minutes
2
Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters
A vast wartime tunnel complex built during WWII as a potential government relocation site. Visitors can walk through its remains and learn about Japan’s modern history. You are required to wear a helmet when entering the tunnels—provided free of charge at the entrance—adding to the sense of realism. This solemn site encourages reflection on the country’s past and peace today.
30 minutes
3
Tenkyuji Temple
Located in the quiet samurai town of Matsushiro, Tenkyuji Temple is known for its elegant wooden architecture and serene garden. The temple features traditional Zen-style design with a curved tiled roof, carved transoms, and a peaceful courtyard surrounded by ancient pine trees. Visitors can feel the harmony of Japanese aesthetics and spirituality as they walk through the moss-covered paths and admire the temple’s timeless beauty.
30 minutes
4
Chokokuji
This temple serves as the resting place of the Sanada clan, the former rulers of Matsushiro. Its graceful gate and simple yet elegant main hall exemplify the understated beauty of Edo-period temple architecture. Surrounded by pines and gravestones softened by moss, the temple exudes a quiet dignity that invites visitors to pause and reflect.
30 minutes
5
Matsushiro Castle Ruins
Once the stronghold of the Sanada clan, Matsushiro Castle is now a peaceful park surrounded by moats and restored gates. The stone walls and wooden watchtowers showcase the artistry of traditional Japanese fortifications. With views of distant mountains and the rhythm of rustling leaves, it’s a perfect spot to end your walk through samurai history.
30 minutes
6
Matsushiro Bunbu School
A preserved samurai school from the Edo period, where young samurai trained in both literary and martial arts. The elegant architecture reflects the samurai spirit of discipline and harmony. You can almost imagine the sound of bamboo swords and brushes as students once practiced here. Optional samurai armor dressing experiences are also available inside the grounds.
