Hours, admission prices, how to get there from Tokyo, Nagano, and Hakuba — everything you need before your visit.
Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Last admission: 4:30 pm
Open every day of the week.
Check the official Matsumoto Castle website for seasonal closures and special event hours. The castle sometimes closes early for maintenance.
Digital tickets must be purchased online with a specific date and time. No flexible-date e-tickets since March 2025.
4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873, Japan
Floor 1 · Matsumoto Castle Park
The outer castle park is free to enter. Tickets are required for the inner moat area and the keep.
Seismic reinforcement work is underway at Matsumoto Castle in 2026. Sections of flooring have been removed for structural survey and underground drilling is visible along the designated tour route.
The castle remains fully open. Visitors can observe the conservation process as part of their visit — a rare behind-the-scenes look at heritage preservation.
| Visitor type | Digital ticket (online) | Physical ticket (gate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | ¥1,200 | ¥1,300 | Date and time must be selected at booking |
| Elementary school age and under | Free | Free | No ticket required |
| Matsumoto City resident | Free (Honmaru Garden) | Free (Honmaru Garden) | Present valid ID. Keep admission still required |
| Visitor with disability | Free | Free | Present disability certificate. One accompanying caregiver also free |
| Castle + Kaichi School combo | ¥1,800 (digital) | ¥1,900 (gate) | Includes Former Kaichi School — Japan's first National Treasure modern school |
Prices correct as of April 2025. Verify on the official Matsumoto Castle website before visiting. All Matsumoto Castle guided tours on this site include admission — no separate ticket required.
Matsumoto Castle is well connected by train from Tokyo, Nagano, and major cities. From Matsumoto Station, the castle is easily walkable. All Matsumoto Castle tours that depart from Nagano or Hakuba include transport to the castle.
Super Azusa limited express from Shinjuku Station → Matsumoto Station. Journey time: approximately 2.5 hours direct, no transfer required.
Alternatively, take the Shinkansen to Nagano (approx. 1h 20min), then the JR Shinano limited express to Matsumoto (approx. 45 min) — slightly faster but requires one change.
From Matsumoto Station, the castle is a 15-minute walk north. Several guided day tours from Tokyo include transport — check the tour cards on the homepage for options that include pickup.
JR Shinano limited express from Nagano Station → Matsumoto Station. Journey time: approximately 45 minutes direct.
If you book a full-day guided tour from Nagano (Castle + Kamikochi), pickup is available directly from Nagano Station at 08:15 — look for the Snow Monkey Resorts guide tag. No need to purchase separate train tickets.
For onward travel after a day tour, book trains from Matsumoto for 19:00 or later, from Nagano for 20:45 or later.
Hakuba is approximately 60–90 minutes from Matsumoto by bus or taxi, depending on season and road conditions. In winter, road conditions can extend journey time.
The most convenient option from Hakuba is a private guided tour of Matsumoto Castle that includes transport — ask your accommodation about local transfer options or book a private tour that covers pickup.
Walking: 15 minutes north of the station through the city centre. A pleasant route past restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Town Sneaker bus: North Course from Matsumoto Station. Alight at the Matsumoto Castle/City Hall stop — approximately 10 minutes. Convenient in rain or with luggage.
Taxi: Under 10 minutes, approximately ¥800–1,000 from the station taxi stand (Castle Exit).
Remove your shoes at the entrance Shoes must come off before entering the keep. The castle provides bags to carry them through the six floors. Warm socks are essential in autumn and winter — the wooden floors are cold.
The stairs are steep One staircase reaches a 61-degree angle. The climb is manageable for most visitors but not suitable for those with back problems, mobility issues, or those who are pregnant. Allow time and take it at your own pace.
Book your ticket in advance Digital tickets must be purchased online with a specific date and time slot. Since March 2025, flexible open-date e-tickets are no longer available. Book as early as possible for cherry blossom season (late March – mid-April) and autumn (October – November).
Arrive early for the best photos The moat reflection photographs best at dawn or shortly after opening (8:30 am) before crowds gather and before the sun creates harsh shadows. The Photography Walk tour is specifically designed around the best angles and light.
Accessibility The castle keep is not wheelchair accessible. The castle grounds, moat-side park paths, and Honmaru Garden are flat and fully accessible. The free outer park area can be enjoyed without entering the paid zone.
Photography Photography is permitted throughout the castle grounds and most interior areas. Flash photography may be restricted near specific display cases. The red bridge over the inner moat and the moat-facing north side of the castle offer the most striking angles.
Eating near the castle Several soba restaurants line the streets between Nawate-dori and the castle — most open for lunch only and fill up quickly. Arrive before 12:30 or expect a queue. The Soba Noodle Making tour includes lunch as part of the experience.
Luggage There is no luggage storage at the castle itself. Leave large bags at Matsumoto Station coin lockers before walking to the castle. The Town Sneaker bus is convenient if you have a day bag but heavy luggage.
Every Matsumoto Castle tour and ticket on this site includes castle admission. Free cancellation up to 24 hours. Reserve now, pay later.
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