Tour summary
Fed by pure spring water, Matsumoto is a city where the nature of the Northern Alps, refined craft traditions, and the quiet dignity of an old castle town come together in harmony.
This gentle walking route from Matsumoto Castle to Yohashira Shrine, then onward to Nakamachi Street and Nawate Street, offers an unhurried immersion into landscapes shaped by history and aesthetics.
Visits to a long-established sake brewery and a famous local spring invite you to taste the flavors born from Matsumoto’s exceptional water—a refined urban stroll that reveals the city’s true character.
In detail
Begin with an overview of Matsumoto, a city shaped by the clear meltwater of the Northern Alps. Learn how nature and craftsmanship have long influenced daily life and aesthetics here.
Visit Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure known for its striking black keep reflected in the surrounding moat. Discover its history and architectural importance.
Walk to Yohashira Shrine, a calm spiritual space where locals come to offer wishes and find quiet balance.
Continue to Nawate Street, a lively arcade where historic charm and playful local culture meet.
Explore Nakamachi Street, lined with traditional storehouses now home to craft shops and cafés, showing Matsumoto’s blend of tradition and modern creativity.
Stop at Zenkoji Sake Brewery to taste locally brewed sake made with pure regional water and learn about Matsumoto’s sake-making tradition.
End at Genchi-no-Ido, a famous spring whose clear water reflects the city’s close connection with nature.
This three-hour walking tour offers a multi-sensory introduction to Matsumoto’s history, craftsmanship, and water culture.
Your Host
- Yukie Sawada
Cyclist, Cycling Guide, Outdoor guide -
Since 2013, Yukie has been based in Hakuba Village, Nagano, working as an outdoor guide. She plans, operates, and leads e-bike and cycling tours set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Alps. She has also been involved in organizing major events such as the Alps Azumino Century Ride and the Kiso Ontake Gran Fondo, helping promote the region’s charm and build community through cycling.
Qualifications:
- JCGA Cycling Guide Basic
- JCTA Tour Leader Award, Cycling UK
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid (Advanced)
Location
- MATSUMOTO Castle
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Address: 4-1, Marunouchi, Matsumoto City,
Nagano, Japan
More information
| FIT / Group | Both |
| Min. and Max. # of Participants | 2 min / 6 max |
| What is Included in the Price | Visiting the artisan’s workshops, lecture |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Start/End Time | Starting time between 9:00 am and 13:00 |
| Meeting / Departing Point | Matsumoto Station Castle Exit Matsumoto Sta. Oshiroguchi View on map |
| Notes: dietary restrictions, age limit. etc. | Age 12+ |
| Cancellation Policy | 21 – 30 days before the day of the start of the tour: 30% 7 – 20 days before the day of the start of the tour: 40% 6 – 2 days prior : 50% 1 day prior & on that day : 100% |
※Available until 2026. Jun 30th
Scenes from the Tour
