Nagano travel
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle · 松本城
At Matsumoto Castle, view the black keep beside its moat. Walk outside the moat or enter the wooden keep. If stairs are difficult, choose a walk viewing the castle from outside instead.
Castle combined-ticket conditions Official sources Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
An adult timed e-ticket costs JPY 1,200 and an on-site paper ticket costs JPY 1,300. Paper tickets are same-day tickets without a reserved entry time. Both ticket types cost JPY 400 for ages 6–15; preschool children aged five and under enter free. The online castle and City Museum combined ticket costs JPY 1,500 per adult and is valid for two days. It requires a castle entry time and cannot be cancelled or changed after purchase.
Opening hours
Regular viewing hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4:30 pm. The castle is closed from 29 to 31 December. Busy-period viewing restrictions and summer extensions follow official notices.
What to see at Matsumoto Castle
Black keep beside the moat
Walk outside the moat to see the black keep and water together. Start around the moat if you want time to view the exterior.
How to get to Matsumoto Castle
From Matsumoto Station's eastern Oshiro exit, take Town Sneaker North Route bus 21 to Matsumoto Castle/City Hall. Approach south-side Kuromon Gate for Honmaru entry. Walking from the station takes about 20 minutes. The red Uzumibashi bridge is not the Honmaru entrance.
Matsumoto Castle: access Matsumoto Castle: FAQs Alpico: Matsumoto Town Sneaker
Before you visit
Honmaru entrance: south-side Kuromon Gate
Enter Honmaru through Kuromon Gate on the south side. The red Uzumibashi bridge does not lead inside; after viewing it, continue to the admission entrance.
New Year and 2026 Golden Week viewing hours
From 1 to 3 January, the castle is open from 10 am to 3:30 pm, with last entry at 3 pm. The existing 2026 Golden Week notice lists extended hours of 8 am–6 pm, last entry 5:30 pm, for 25 April–6 May. Check the relevant notice for other years and summer extensions.
Questions about Matsumoto Castle
Are there stairs inside Matsumoto Castle's keep?
Yes. Interior viewing involves climbing stairs. If stairs are difficult, consider viewing the keep on a walk outside the moat.
Official sources
- Castle combined-ticket conditions ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Matsumoto Castle: access ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Matsumoto Castle: FAQs ·
- Alpico: Matsumoto Town Sneaker ·
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