The Castle Town of Matsushiro and the Sanada Clan
Matsushiro, a historic town in Nagano, was once a vital stronghold of the Sanada clan, a powerful samurai family known for their strategic brilliance and resilience during Japan’s Warring States period (1467–1615).
Under the Sanada family's leadership, Matsushiro flourished as a castle town, with the construction of Matsushiro Castle and a network of samurai residences, schools, and temples that still stand today. The clan played a key role in developing the town’s military and cultural traditions, particularly through the establishment of the Bunbu Gakko, a unique samurai school that emphasized both martial arts and scholarly studies. Matsushiro remained under Sanada rule until the Meiji Restoration (1868), after which Japan’s feudal system was abolished.
Today, Matsushiro retains much of its Edo-period charm, offering visitors a rare and immersive look into the legacy of the Sanada clan and the samurai way of life.
Highlights
- Exploring the Sanada Clan Legacy – Delve into the history of the Sanada clan at the Sanada Treasure Hall and Chokokuji Temple, uncovering their strategic influence and ancestral ties in Matsushiro.
- Experiencing Samurai Life – Step into the world of the samurai by dressing in authentic armor and exploring the Former Sanada and Higuchi Residences, where you can compare the lifestyles of high-ranking and lower-ranking samurai families.
- Engaging in Samurai Practices – End the tour at the Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts School, where you can connect with samurai traditions through hands-on experiences and a deeper understanding of the samurai’s dual focus on martial arts and scholarship.
Description
This captivating tour begins at Nagano Station, where your expert guide will greet you and accompany you on an unforgettable journey to Matsushiro. Upon arrival in this historic town, your first stop will be the Sanada Treasures Museum, where you’ll step into the world of the Sanada clan, the influential samurai family that shaped the town’s destiny. Here, you’ll explore fascinating exhibits that highlight the Sanada clan’s pivotal role in both military strategy and local culture. From their innovative tactics in battle to their leadership in establishing Matsushiro as a vibrant samurai town, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their legacy. The Sanada Treasure Hall offers an engaging introduction to the history of the clan, setting the stage for the rest of your journey through Matsushiro’s samurai heritage.
Next, you will journey to Chokoku-ji Temple, a serene and historically significant site that offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of the samurai era. As you walk through its peaceful grounds, you’ll encounter beautiful ancient architecture, intricate carvings, and the tranquil atmosphere that once provided solace to the samurai warriors. The temple houses important relics, including statues and artifacts connected to the Sanada family; your visit to Chokoku-ji will offer a reflective pause in your journey, enabling you to discover the spiritual heritage that intertwined with the martial traditions of the time.
After exploring the tranquil grounds of Chokoku-ji Temple, it's time to indulge in an authentic culinary experience that reflects the rich traditions of the Matsushiro region. You will savor a delightful Japanese lunch crafted with locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons, offering a true taste of the area’s natural bounty.
Your journey continues with a visit to the Sanada Family Residence, a beautifully preserved samurai mansion that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Sanada clan. As you step inside this historical home, you’ll be transported back to the Edo period, where the intricate architecture and traditional design reflect the clan’s high status and refined lifestyle. Wander through rooms filled with antique furnishings, tatami mats, and elegantly crafted woodwork, each telling a story of the samurai’s daily life and their cultural practices. The residence not only highlights the grandeur of the Sanada family but also offers a deeper understanding of their roles as both warriors and leaders in Matsushiro.
You will also visit the Former Higuchi Residence, providing a fascinating contrast to the Sanada family’s luxurious lifestyle. The Higuchi family, although significant in their own right, were samurai of a lower rank compared to the powerful Sanada clan. As you explore this well-preserved home, you’ll gain insight into the simpler, more modest living conditions of samurai who were not part of the highest echelons of society.
The tour concludes with a visit to the Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts School, a site deeply rooted in the samurai tradition. Originally established by the Sanada clan, this school was renowned for blending military training with scholarly studies, creating well-rounded warriors. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with various samurai practices firsthand. You can dress up in traditional samurai armor, allowing you to step into the shoes of a warrior and experience the discipline, honor, and skill that defined their way of life. This hands-on experience offers an unforgettable chance to soak yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the samurai, rounding off your journey through the fascinating history of Matsushiro.
| Tour Type : | 1 Day Tour |
| Operation Period : | All Year Round |
| Pick up location : | Nagano Station |
Itinerary
| 09:45 | Meetup at Nagano StationThe meetup point is inside Nagano Station, in front of the large Information Board and city map directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Your guide will greet the guests and begin the tour by heading to the town of Matsushiro  |
|---|---|
| 10:15 | Sanada Treasures MuseumArriving there you’ll step into the world of the Sanada clan, the influential samurai family that shaped the town’s destiny.  |
| 11:25 | Chokoku-ji templeVisiting Chokokuji Temple offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual legacy of the Sanada clan, as you walk among the solemn graves of the family, surrounded by ancient stone lanterns and towering trees, reflecting on the enduring honor and traditions of these legendary samurai.  |
| 12:15 | Enjoy a Local LunchYou will savor a delightful Japanese lunch crafted with locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons, offering a true taste of the area’s natural bounty.  |
| 13:30 | The Sanada Family ResidenceStepping into the Former Sanada Residence feels like traveling back to the Edo period, where the elegant tatami-matted rooms, sliding shoji doors, and intricate wooden architecture offer a glimpse into the refined lifestyle and strategic influence of the powerful Sanada clan.  |
| 14:30 | Former Higuchi ResidenceThe Former Higuchi Residence provides a fascinating contrast to the grandeur of the Sanada estate, offering a look into the more modest yet still disciplined life of a mid-ranking samurai family, with its traditional wooden architecture and practical living spaces reflecting the daily realities of the warrior class.  |
| 15:05 | The Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts SchoolAt the Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts School, you’ll step into a historic training ground where samurai once honed both their minds and combat skills, experiencing firsthand the disciplined environment where warriors were educated in strategy, philosophy, and the arts of war.  |
| 17:00 | Tour ends at Nagano StationTour concludes at Nagano Station, where the guide will say their goodbyes. |
Meetup Point
NAGANO STATION @9:45
The meetup point is inside the station, in front of the Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time.
Notes
Included
- Private vehicle with driver
- Lunch (vegetarian options are available)
- Fees for all experiences included in the tour itinerary
- English-speaking guide
Excluded
- Transport fees To/From your Pickup/Drop-off Locations
- Additional food, snacks & drinks