How To Get To Matsushiro
Located approximately 11-12KM to the south of central Nagano, the small and unassuming destination of Matsushiro is well-known as one of Central Japan’s best-preserved samurai towns. On this page you will find the following information:
— 15 Things to Do in Matsushiro & Where to Stay
— Tours & Charters to Matsushiro
Once the stronghold of the ruling-Sanada clan, Matsushiro’s story is pivotal in understanding the region and today boasts attractions including Matsushiro Castle Park, the former Sanada Residence and Bunbu Military Academy and other important Edo Period buildings, museums, temples and shrines.
Yet it is what lies beneath Matsushiro that will command the attention of many international visitors. Constructed during the final nine months of the World World II, the Zozan Imperial Wartime Tunnels were excavated as the intended point of relocation for and headquarters of the Japanese military and government, once the expected Allied invasion occurred. Though the war ended before the tunnels were completed or could be used, they can still be visited today – a poignant and unique experience in Nagano.
We hope that the following information is of assistance in planning your visit to Matsushiro and Nagano. Now let’s start with the obvious question:
WHERE IS MATSUSHIRO?
Matsushiro lies within the boundary of Nagano City, around 11KM from Nagano Station. From the station, local buses run to Matsushiro regularly throughout the day, taking around 30 to 35-minutes to reach the area. A town of true historic importance, Matsushiro boasts multiple attractions linked to its samurai past and (never-realised) role as the chosen location for the Japanese government to retreat to should the country have been invaded at the end of WWII. Once in Matsuhsiro, visitors can walk between the attractions while also enjoying local restaurants and a friendly welcome from the residents that will be thrilled you’ve discovered their home town.
For visitors headed to Matsushiro, upon arrival you might be a little confused about where to go, as the bus stop is located around 5-minutes walk from the centre of town. The town is however in fact very easy to walk around and you’ll get your bearings quickly. We recommended heading straight to the Matsushiro Tourist Information Center located next to the Sanada Treasures Museum. Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, friendly staff are on-hand to assist with your enquiries with rental bicycles available from 09:00 to 16:00 / JPY500 per persons. Both adult and kids bikes are available – a great way to explore the town.
HOW TO GET TO MATSUSHIRO
Lying on the outskirts of Nagano City, most visitors heading to Matsushiro will do so via Nagano Station. For information and directions about reaching Nagano for popular starting points such as Tokyo, Matsumoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa and more, please refer to our ‘HOW TO GET TO NAGANO CITY’ page.
Once in Nagano, public buses run from Nagano Station to Matsushiro. Departing from the Bus Stop No.3 outside the station’s Zenkoji Exit, buses take around 30 to 35 minutes to reach Matsushiro, where you will need to disembark at the Old Matsushiro Station Bus Stop. Buses depart regularly throughout the day – between every 20 to 30 minutes with services usually running from around 07:00 ~ 21:30.
It can be a little hard to spot the stop as you approach but look for the old railway station building and platform on your right.
As you approach the old railway station the bus stop is on your left. If you have any concerns you’ll miss it, just speak with the driver and ask them to let you know. Disembarking at the Old Matsushiro Station Bus Stop you will see the the backside of Matsushiro Castle Park to your right – approximately a 5 minute walk from the bus stop.
Alternatively, if you wish to head towards the attractions in the center of town, keep going straight after you get off the bus. The road will curve to the left, and eventually reach an intersection where you have the option of going right or left – turn right there. Continuing on, you will very shortly find on your left hand side the Matsushiro Tourism Association and the Sanada Treasures Museum. From there it is easy to access the Sanada House or the Bunbu Military Academy, and if necessary maps and advice can be requested at the Tourism Association office. Bicycles, both regular and electric, can also be rented from 09:00 ~ 16:00 at the Tourism Association Office, making it easy to move around in town.
When returning by bus, the bus stop is directly opposite where you got off at the start of the day. Buses depart regularly throughout the day – between every 20 to 30 minutes with the first service departing at around 07:00 and the last around 20:30 (make sure to double check in order to not get caught out after the last bus.)
15 THINGS TO DO IN MATSUSHIRO & WHERE TO STAY
Within easy reach of central Nagano City, Matsushiro is a great destination for a morning or afternoon of exploration, in combination with the other attractions of the city. Largely undiscovered by international visitors, expect a warm welcome for residents who will appreciate you visiting their hometown and discovering its hugely important role in Japan’s samurai past and more recently, at the end of WWII. For tips and suggestions of what’s on offer, including finding accommodation in the area, see our ’15 Things To Do In Matsushiro & Where To Stay’ page.
TOURS & CHARTERS TO MATSUSHIRO
If you are interested in visiting Matsushiro, why not participate in one of our tours which visits the area? With multiple options, we are sure that we can make your day fun and educational, while you learn about the way of the Samurai. Please see below for more details:
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Samurai Food & Life Tour: Oyaki, Samurai Residences, and Katana Practice | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 10:30-17:45 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
This exciting tour starts off with a visit to an Oyaki Factory, where you get a chance to make your own! Oyaki is a kind of wheat bun filled with vegetables of various sorts (especially popular is nozawana – mustard greens), and is one of Nagano’s regional specialties. After filling your belly, you will be brought to Matsushiro town proper, where you will have a chance to see some Samurai houses before participating in your own martial arts training at the Bunbu Military Academy. This tour is great for families or anyone who wants to learn more about the lifestyle of the Samurai!
2 Day Tour
| 2-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Samurai Experience & Zenkoji ‘Shukubo’ Stay | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | Day1: 11:45-17:45 Day2: 09:55-17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥48,000 ~ |
For those looking for a longer stay in Nagano, this 2-Day tour provides a visit to all of the best attractions around the city including Zenkoji Temple, the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Matsushiro. Starting the first day with Samurai training at the Bunbu Military Academy, you will then be checked in to your Shukubo accommodation inside the grounds of Zenkoji Temple. Here, you can learn more about the practices of the temple while staying in a pilgrims inn. The next day will have you take a guided tour of Zenkoji Temple, before lunch and a visit to the Snow Monkey Park, with your guide saying their goodbyes at the end of the day at Nagano Station.
Of course, if you have your own plans in mind, we are more than happy to offer our private charter services to take you where you need to go. With friendly, safe drivers and clean vehicles you can rest assured your journey will be relaxing and smooth as you travel to each point in your itinerary. You can even add a guide and make your own private tour! For more information on pricing and availability, please click HERE.
