Travel in Nagano · 長野県
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle · 松本城
At Matsumoto Castle, take in the black keep and the moat in front of it. Walk outside the moat for views of the castle, or enter the keep to explore its wooden interior. If climbing stairs would be difficult, a walk outside the moat is an alternative to the keep visit.
Visitor information
Admission
Adult electronic timed-entry tickets cost ¥1,200; paper tickets at the castle cost ¥1,300 and are for the same day without a selectable entry time. Ages 6–15 pay ¥400 for either ticket type. Preschool children age 5 and under enter free. The online combined ticket for the castle and City Museum costs ¥1,500 for adults and is valid for two days. You must select a castle entry time. Combined tickets cannot be canceled or changed after purchase.
Opening hours
Regular visiting hours are 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. The castle closes December 29–31. Official notices set admission restrictions during busy periods and extended summer hours.
What to see at Matsumoto Castle · 松本城
The black keep and moat
A walk outside the moat gives you views of the black keep alongside the water. Start around the moat if you want time to appreciate the castle exterior.
How to get to Matsumoto Castle · 松本城
From Matsumoto Station's Oshiro Exit (east exit), take Town Sneaker North Route bus 21 to Matsumoto Castle/City Hall. Head to Kuromon on the south side to enter the main enclosure. Walking from the station takes about 20 minutes. The red Uzumibashi bridge is not the main enclosure entrance.
Matsumoto Castle access Matsumoto Castle FAQ Alpico Matsumoto Town Sneaker
Visit tips
Enter the main enclosure through Kuromon on the south side
Use Kuromon on the south side to enter the main enclosure. You cannot enter from the red Uzumibashi bridge, so allow time to reach the entrance after viewing the bridge area.
New Year and 2026 Golden Week hours
January 1–3 hours are 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m. The existing notice lists extended 2026 Golden Week hours of 8 a.m.–6 p.m. from April 25 through May 6, with last admission at 5:30 p.m. Check the relevant notice for other years or summer extensions.
Questions about Matsumoto Castle · 松本城
Are there stairs inside Matsumoto Castle's keep?
Yes. Visiting the keep interior includes climbing stairs. If stairs would be difficult, consider a walk outside the moat with views of the keep.
Sources
- Castle combined-ticket conditions ·
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- Matsumoto Castle access ·
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- Matsumoto Castle FAQ ·
- Alpico Matsumoto Town Sneaker ·
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