Matsumoto’s top tours showcase this historic Japanese city’s best features. I especially love the knowledgeable castle walking tour, where you’ll explore one of Japan’s finest original castles while learning fascinating local stories. For active travelers, the Nakasendo Trail hike is terrific – you’ll walk an ancient trading route through beautiful mountain scenery. The electric bike tour is a smart pick, letting you cover lots of ground while visiting peaceful shrines and rural rice fields. The half-day walking tour packs in the main sights efficiently with expert narration. While the samurai experience feels a bit touristy, it does offer hands-on cultural activities kids enjoy. Skip the Mount Fuji tour – it’s too far for a worthwhile day trip from Matsumoto.
Let’s look at our favorite Matsumoto tours in detail.
Key Points
- The eTour de Matsumoto electric bike tour offers a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s highlights, including rice fields and shrines.
- The Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience provides a unique opportunity to dress up in samurai outfits and learn sword-fighting techniques.
- The Matsumoto Discovery – Half Day Walking Tour, led by knowledgeable guides, allows visitors to explore popular landmarks while enjoying a tailored experience and included lunch.
- The Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour offers a scenic hike through historical post towns, providing insights into local culture and free time in Magome.
- The Full Day Private Tour to Mount Fuji, with its immersive nature experience and included entry fees, is highly rated for its unforgettable day in the great outdoors.
Full Day Private Tour To Mount Fuji Assisted By English Chauffeur
For those seeking an immersive experience to Mount Fuji, the Full Day Private Tour to Mount Fuji Assisted by English Chauffeur offers a comprehensive and convenient option.
This highly-rated tour, with a Badge of Excellence earned through 27 reviews, provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur included.
The tour covers entry fees to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station (JPY 2100 per person) and Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba (JPY 500 per person), as well as freeway tolls and fuel surcharge.
Pickup is available from designated Mt. Fuji area and various Tokyo wards, with a $50 surcharge for pickup/drop-off outside the Tokyo area.
Accommodating up to 13 persons, the tour can start from Tokyo or Mount Fuji, with return to the original departure point.
While reviews are mixed, with some praising the comfortable ride and knowledgeable driver, others have reported language barriers and poor communication.
The host has responded by acknowledging service failures and committing to making things right.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Tour To Mount Fuji Assisted By English Chauffeur Review
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Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour
The Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of Matsumoto’s historic center. Priced from €58.31 per person, this 3-hour English-guided tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant streets.
Guests begin at Matsumoto Station before delving into the town’s rich history at Matsumoto Castle. This 2-hour guided tour allows visitors to marvel at the impressive feudal-era castle and learn about local samurai legends.
The tour then ventures to the lively Nawate Shopping Street, where guests can browse food vendors and unique shops.
The final stop is the historic Nakamachi district, known for its traditional cafes, restaurants, and craft stores. With 30 minutes of free time, visitors can further enjoy the area’s charming atmosphere. The tour concludes back at Matsumoto Station.
Offering a comprehensive experience, the Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues due to the steep, narrow stairs within the castle tower.
With a 4.8/5 overall rating and excellent guide feedback, this tour provides an engaging window into Matsumoto’s captivating history and culture.
Read our full review: Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour Review
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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Situated in the heart of Matsumoto, the Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience offers visitors an immersive journey into Japan’s rich feudal history. This highly-rated tour, with a 95% recommendation rate, provides an in-depth guided exploration of the iconic Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure.
Participants can choose their own samurai outfit and sword, and learn the defensive strategies and sword fighting techniques of these legendary warriors.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, castle admission, and the hands-on samurai experience, all for a reasonable price of $84.53 per person. While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is suitable for most travelers, though those with back problems or serious medical conditions should exercise caution.
Reviewers praise the informative guides and engaging lessons, though some note the challenges posed by the castle’s steep stairs and cold interior during winter. This tour provides an exceptional opportunity to take in Japan’s rich cultural heritage and the captivating world of the samurai.
Read our full review: Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience Review
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Matsumoto Discovery – Half Day Walking Tour
Though situated in the heart of Matsumoto, the Matsumoto Discovery – Half Day Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage at their own pace.
Led by a professional, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, the tour can be tailored to visitors’ preferences, providing a personalized experience. Attracting a 96% recommendation rate from 26 reviews, this highly-rated 4.9/5 tour features options to visit iconic landmarks like Matsumoto Castle, art museums, and the Daio Wasabi Farm.
Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a maximum group size of 15, the tour provides flexible booking and an intimate setting. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling, though some suggest room for improvement in guide enthusiasm.
Starting and ending at Matsumoto Station, the tour includes English-speaking guide services, admission fees, transportation, and lunch, ensuring a seamless and enriching exploration of this historic city.
Read our full review: Matsumoto Discovery – Half Day Walking Tour Review
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From Matsumoto/Nagano: Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour
Offering a unique opportunity to explore the historic Nakasendo Trail, the Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour from Matsumoto/Nagano takes visitors on a captivating journey through the scenic landscape and cultural heritage of central Japan.
Priced from $187.84 per person, this 1-day tour includes roundtrip transportation from Matsumoto and Nagano stations and a guided exploration of the charming post towns of Tsumago and Magome.
The 8km (5mi) hike features moderate ascents and descents, with highlights such as the Odaki-Medaki waterfalls and Edo-era cobblestone paths lined by traditional wooden buildings.
An English-speaking guide provides historical context, wildlife observations, and insights into local culture, ensuring a comfortable pace and seamless experience. Participants can enjoy free time and shopping in Magome, as well as the option to purchase lunch and snacks.
This tour isn’t recommended for children under 7 or those with mobility issues, but it receives excellent reviews for its knowledgeable guide, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a top choice for travelers seeking an immersive Nakasendo Trail adventure.
Read our full review: From Matsumoto/Nagano: Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour Review
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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience
What better way to take in Matsumoto’s rich history and cultural traditions than the Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience?
This unique tour combines a guided exploration of the iconic Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of Japan, with hands-on soba noodle making under the tutelage of a master chef.
Priced at $89.77 per person, the tour starts at 9 am, meeting at the Matsumoto Station. Guests will first discover the architectural marvels of Matsumoto Castle before transitioning to the soba noodle-making experience.
Here, they’ll learn the traditional techniques and use specialized tools to craft their own soba noodles. The tour culminates with a tasting of the freshly made noodles, accompanied by side dishes like Oyaki.
With a 92% recommendation rate and 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 12 reviews, this experience has proven popular among visitors.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is located near public transportation. Guests should note the cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Experience Review
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From Takayama: Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi Tour
For those looking to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Northern Japan Alps, the From Takayama: Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi Tour offers an exhilarating adventure. Priced at €200.70 per person, this full-day tour includes round-trip transportation, guided walks, and the iconic Shinhotaka Ropeway.
Travelers will ascend the ropeway, enjoying panoramic vistas before exploring the tranquil Kamikochi valley, known for its pristine natural landscapes.
The tour begins at 9:00 AM in Takayama, with a bus ride to the Shinhotaka Ropeway. After the guided ropeway experience, the group will visit Kamikochi, where they’ll have 1.5 hours of free time to wander along the Azusa River to the renowned Kappa Bridge.
An English-speaking guide, lunch, and all necessary tickets are included. With an impressive 5/5 rating from previous travelers, this tour promises an unforgettable day immersed in the beauty of the Japanese Alps.
Read our full review: From Takayama: Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi Tour Review
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Etour De Matsumoto – Private Electric Bike Tour
As an eco-friendly alternative to walking or driving, the eTour de Matsumoto – Private Electric Bike Tour provides visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic city of Matsumoto.
This 100% recommended private tour allows groups to ride electric bicycles with an English-speaking guide through the tranquil countryside, past scenic rice fields and historic shrines.
For $91.73 per person, the tour includes use of the bike and helmet, snacks, souvenirs, and a delicious soba lunch.
While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate fitness level required makes this tour suitable for most travelers, excluding those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
With 13 glowing reviews and a 5.0 overall rating, the eTour de Matsumoto offers an immersive, eco-friendly way to discover Matsumoto’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
The tour conveniently begins and ends at Matsumoto Station, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Read our full review: Etour De Matsumoto – Private Electric Bike Tour Review
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Sum Up
Matsumoto offers a variety of engaging tours for visitors. From exploring the historic Matsumoto Castle to embarking on scenic hikes, there’s something to suit every interest. Whether you choose a private tour or a group experience, you’re sure to discover the best of this charming city and its surrounding natural wonders. With so many options, visitors can tailor their Matsumoto adventure to their preferences.