What other travelers are saying about Matsumoto Castle
An awe-inspiring castle. You can feel the history as soon as you step onto the castle grounds. As other reviewers have mentioned, the stairs within the castle are very steep and narrow. Be sure to watch your head as you climb. When you get to the top, be sure to look up and catch the shrine hidden in the rafters. The gift shop has a wide variety of nice souvenirs too. You'll want to bring a good camera because the castle is so photogenic, especially at night.
Matsumoto Castle 松本城 is a must-see historical treasure in Nagano — striking, atmospheric, and deeply authentic. As one of Japan’s original surviving castles (not a modern reconstruction), it preserves a five-story, six-floor main keep from the late 16th century, giving visitors a rare look into real castle architecture.
The contrast of its dark exterior — earning it the nickname “Crow Castle” — against the surrounding landscape creates a striking and photogenic silhouette, especially with the traditional red bridge and wide moat around it.
Inside the keep, the narrow, steep wooden staircases and low ceilings add a sense of history and authenticity. Climb to the top and you get a rewarding 360-degree view of the castle grounds — and on a good day, the distant Japanese Alps provide an impressive backdrop.
The castle grounds and surroundings offer more than just the main tower: walking around the moat, strolling nearby historic streets, and exploring the old castle-town atmosphere add nice variety to the visit.
Truly a national treasure.
This castle has been on my wishlist for so long.
Visited on sunday 19 Oct.
Even from the outer area you can feel the magnificent of this castle, beautiful and elegant castle.
The stairs inside is steep and narrow, do it slowly and carefuly as to not hit your head to one of its wood beam.
Also I had the chance to watched the live firearms show afterwards, its really cool, feels like going back to 1600s
Sengoku jidai era.
I enjoyed my visit to this castle, thank you.
Be prepared to climb up and down the narrow steps as you navigate from one level to the next. Worth the effort to feel the vibes of the ancient castle. Do wait till after 5pm to view the light up of the castle from the outside. It looked absolutely majestic!
The castle is beautiful, but it's best appreciated from the outside. Inside, the staircase is extremely steep, and visitors must carry their shoes in a bag. The floor is slippery, and the narrow space is crowded with people climbing up and coming down at the same time—many with backpacks. It feels quite dangerous, and an accident could happen at any moment, if it hasn’t already.
Matsumoto Castle is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. Extended hours apply during Golden Week (April 29–May 5) and the Obon holiday in mid-August, opening from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The castle is closed from December 29 to 31.
Admission is ¥700 for adults and ¥300 for children aged 6–15. Children aged five and under enter free. Discounts are available for groups and Matsumoto residents. Visitors with disabilities and one caregiver can enter for free with a disability certificate.
Due to its historic architecture, Matsumoto Castle lacks modern accessibility features. The Great Keep has steep, narrow stairs and no elevator, which may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
There is no luggage storage available inside Matsumoto Castle. Visitors are advised to arrange to store large bags or luggage before arrival.
Pets, including those in carriers or bags, are prohibited in the Honmaru Garden or the castle. Certified service dogs are permitted with prior permission from the castle management office.
