Matsumoto Castle is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in Japan, renowned for its elegant black architecture, which has earned it the nickname “Crow Castle.” This name refers to the dark color of its walls and its extended side towers, which many say resemble the wings of a bird. The nickname mirrors that of Himeji Castle, often called the “White Heron Castle.”
Located in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto Castle was built in the late 16th century and is one of the few original Japanese castles still standing today. Its massive stone walls, deep moats, and clever defensive system make it an outstanding example of Japanese military architecture.
We’ve put together a complete guide to help you plan your visit to Matsumoto Castle in Japan. Inside, you’ll find all the practical information you need: how to get there, ticket prices, whether to book a guided tour, what to see at the site, and many other useful details.
General Info
- Join Matsumoto Castle Day Tour
- Address : 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873, Japan.
- Opening hours: daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Closed from December 29 to January 3. In summer, open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM.daily from 8:30 to 16:30.
- Phone : +81263322902.
- Official site : matsumoto-castle.jp
- Matsumoto Castle entrance fee: adult – 600 yen, children – 300 yen.
- Suitable for visiting with children: yes.
How to Get to Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture, and is accessible by several means: train, bus, or car. From Matsumoto Station, you can reach the castle on foot — the walk takes about 15 minutes.
You can also take the Town Sneaker city bus (see below for what it looks like) and get off at the stop near the castle. The buses run on three main routes: north, south, and east, and the fare is 200 yen.
To reach the castle, take the north route, which stops directly in the castle area. Buses run every 30 minutes.
From Tokyo to Matsumoto
After exploring the main attractions in Tokyo, if you’d like to visit Matsumoto Castle, the fastest way to get there is by taking an express train. The best option from Tokyo is the Limited Express Azusa, which departs from Shinjuku Station.
🚄 The train goes directly to Matsumoto Station, and the journey takes about three hours. Just one and half hour drive from the castle there is famous Snow Monkey Park Jigokudani.
The JR Pass fully covers this Azusa train route, meaning you won’t have to pay anything extra. You can purchase the JR Pass online. The train arrives at Matsumoto’s main station.
From Tokyo to Nagano
Sometimes, direct Azusa trains may be fully booked. In that case, you can reach Matsumoto via Nagano. This journey takes about the same time as the direct route, but if you don’t have a JR Pass, it may be more expensive.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano. Several trains run on this line, including the Kagayaki, Hakutaka, and Asama. Once in Nagano, take the Express Shinano to Matsumoto.
Matsumoto Castle is about a 15-minute walk from the station, heading north.
From Nagano, you can also book a guided tour that includes visits to Matsumoto Castle and the Kamikōchi Valley. Prices and availability can be checked here.
From Tokyo by Bus
If you’re not planning to purchase a rail pass and want to save money, you can reach Matsumoto by taking a direct bus from Tokyo. Buses depart from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and arrive at the Matsumoto Bus Terminal. The trip takes about four hours, and the fare is almost half the price of the train.
From Osaka or Kyoto
From these two cities, the most convenient way to get to Matsumoto is by traveling via Nagoya.
If you have an extra day to spare, consider joining a guided tour of Nagoya, which includes visits to many interesting sights.
The tour lasts about 8 hours, so you can continue your journey either later that evening or early the next morning. You can check the list of included sites and tour prices online.
To get to Nagoya from Kyoto or Osaka, you can take the Hikari, Kodama, or Nozomi trains.
Important: If you’re using a JR Pass, note that Nozomi trains are not covered and require an additional ticket.
From Nagoya, the Limited Express Shinano runs to Matsumoto, with a journey time of around two hours.
The total cost of the trip from Kyoto is approximately ¥11,000, fully covered by the JR Pass—unless you take a Nozomi, which requires a supplement.
If you want to save money, you can also opt for a night bus. Buses from both Osaka and Kyoto travel overnight to Matsumoto, taking about 7 hours.
From Kyoto, buses depart from Kyoto Station, and in Osaka, they depart from Osaka Umeda or Namba OCAT.
Best Time to Visit
April is the month that attracts the most tourists to Matsumoto Castle. It’s cherry blossom season across Japan, with many festivals and local craft exhibitions taking place throughout the country. It’s arguably the most beautiful time of year, but also the most crowded — expect long lines at major landmarks.
In autumn, the Japanese celebrate the Moon Festival near the Black Crow Castle. During this event, visitors can climb to the highest tower of the castle to admire the full moon in a magical setting.
Winter, especially January and February, is when the castle sees the fewest visitors. However, be sure to dress warmly, as the Nagano Prefecture can get very cold during this period, with temperatures dropping to –14°C (6.8°F).
What to See at Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle, also known as the Black Crow Castle, is a fortress surrounded by moats and solid stone walls. The main building was once home to the resident samurai lord, while other parts of the castle were used to house servants, warriors, and guests.
The most fascinating part of the castle is undoubtedly its main keep (central tower). It is one of the few original structures from the 16th century still standing today. The keep is known for its very low ceilings and steep, ancient staircase leading to various rooms.
Inside, you’ll find a display of weapons from the 16th and 17th centuries: cannons, bows, arrows, swords — everything the samurai used to defend themselves at the time.
Before entering the tower, visitors are required to remove their shoes (a small bag is provided for carrying them).
On the ground floor, you’ll see narrow loopholes designed for shooting arrows or muskets at attackers.
On the top floor, you’ll find the Samurai Room. In the past, this room served as a lookout point over the fortress — its circular layout and perimeter windows offered a clear view of the surrounding area. Today, it houses traditional armored warrior costumes.
Inside the fortress walls, you can still see the original stone foundations, the moat, and beautiful traditional Japanese gardens. A wide moat surrounds the castle — once a defensive structure, it is now home to koi fish and white swans. While you’re not allowed to touch or catch them, you can feed the fish with breadcrumbs and take beautiful photos.
One of the most photogenic spots in Matsumoto Castle is the red Meigetsubashi Bridge. It’s especially stunning in autumn, when the surrounding trees turn bright yellow and orange.
Matsumoto is one of ancient castles in Japan that have preserved their original appearance since the feudal era.
What Else to See in Matsumoto
While Matsumoto Castle is the city’s main attraction, Matsumoto has much more to offer. If you’re interested in Japanese culture, nature, hot springs, and gastronomy, this destination is well worth the visit.
Don’t miss a stroll along Nawate-dori, a pedestrian street known for its traditional shops, charming cafés, and frog statues, which are symbols of the neighborhood. Also visit the historic Nakamachi-dori district, lined with white kura-zukuri (蔵造り) buildings — old merchant storehouses that have been beautifully preserved and repurposed.
Just 15 minutes by car from the city center, you’ll find Asama Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. Several hotels are located nearby — you can check room prices online.
Take advantage of your time in the region to explore Kamikōchi (上高地), a stunning alpine valley in the Northern Japanese Alps, known for its clear rivers, flower-filled meadows, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain views.
If you’re staying in Nagano, you can book a day tour that includes visits to both Matsumoto Castle and the Kamikōchi Valley. Reservations can be made online.
