Travel in Nagano
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle · 松本城
Walk beside the moat to see Matsumoto Castle's black keep, or enter the wooden keep to explore its interior. If climbing and descending stairs is difficult, you can view the keep from outside as you walk beside the moat.
Castle combined-ticket conditions Official sources Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
Adult timed electronic ticket ¥1,200; on-site paper ticket ¥1,300. Paper tickets are same-day and cannot specify a time. Ages 6–15 pay ¥400 electronically or on paper; preschool children ages 5 and under are free. The adult online castle/City Museum combined ticket is ¥1,500, valid for two days. Choose a castle entry time; combined tickets cannot be cancelled or changed after purchase.
Opening hours
Usual hours are 08:30–17:00, last admission 16:30. Closed 29–31 December. Follow official notices for busy-period restrictions and summer extensions.
What to see at Matsumoto Castle
The black keep and moat together
Take a leisurely walk along the moat to see the black keep beside the water.
Matsumoto Castle: visitor information Matsumoto Castle: FAQs
How to get to Matsumoto Castle
Take Town Sneaker North Route bus 21 from Matsumoto Station's eastern Oshiro Exit to Matsumoto-jo/Shiyakusho-mae. Enter Honmaru through southern Kuromon Gate. Walking from the station takes approximately 20 minutes. The red Uzumibashi is not the Honmaru entrance.
Matsumoto Castle: access Matsumoto Castle: FAQs Alpico Kotsu: Matsumoto Town Sneaker
Visiting tips
Honmaru entrance at southern Kuromon Gate
Go to southern Kuromon Gate to enter Honmaru. The red Uzumibashi does not provide access inside; after viewing the bridge area, go to the entrance.
New Year and 2026 Golden Week hours
1–3 January hours are 10:00–15:30, last admission 15:00. Existing guidance lists extended 2026 Golden Week hours on 25 April–6 May as 08:00–18:00, last admission 17:30. Check the relevant notices for other years or summer extensions.
Questions about Matsumoto Castle
Are there stairs inside Matsumoto Castle's keep?
Yes. You need to climb stairs to visit the keep's interior. If stairs are difficult, walk beside the moat to view the keep from outside.
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 Kotsu: Matsumoto Town Sneaker ·
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