15 Things to Do in Matsushiro & Where to Stay
Located 12KM to the south of central Nagano City, Matsushiro is a small town known for its samurai heritage and former stronghold of the Sanada clan. Originally from Ueda, the Sanada clan relocated to Matsushiro during the 17th century. On this page you will find the following information:
— 15 Things to Do in Matsushiro
— Where to Stay When Visiting Matsushiro
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
An important strategic base during the Sengoku (Warring States) Period and thriving domain of the samurai class during the Edo Period, the Sanada clan accumulated great wealth and power and played an important role in Japanese history.
Today, the town’s samurai heritage lives on many excellent Edo Period attractions including Matsushiro Castle Park, the former Sanada Residence and Bunbu Military Academy, other samurai residences, temples, shrines and museums.
Beneath its feet, Matsushiro is also home to an open secret… Constructed in the final months of World War II, the Zozan Imperial Wartime Tunnels were excavated as the intended headquarters from the Japanese military, government and Imperial Family. The war ended before the tunnels were completed or used but still exist today and can be visited by the public – a poignant, sombre yet very important testament to the huge cost of war on all sides.
We are proud to call Nagano our home and hope this page entices you to visit. As a registered travel agent and Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer both group and private tours, ski and travel packages, accommodation, private charters and more! For further details, scroll to the bottom of the page. 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 kid’s bikes are available – a great way to explore the town.
15 THINGS TO DO IN MATSUSHIRO
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. Here’s our suggestion of 15 things to do while there:
1 / MATSUSHIRO CASTLE PARK / all year round
If you are arriving in Matsushiro using the public bus, look to your right past the old train station and you will see the backside of Matsushiro Castle Park. Boasting many beautiful cherry blossom trees within the walls of the old castle, the park sits on the foundations of the former castle with several reconstructed buildings including the gate maintaining the historic character of the grounds.
Only the foundation walls and surrounding moat are original yet the park is well-worth visiting and offers great photography opportunities, especially in spring!
2 / CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT THE PARK / late-March to April
The inner grounds of Matsushiro Castle Park boasts many mature cherry blossom trees. Known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese, the flowers typically bloom in early April – although the exact timing varies from year to year. Admission to the park is free however it is only open from 09:00 to 17:00, with the last entry at 16:30. The Matsushiro Spring Cherry Blossom Festival – see below for details – takes place in and around the castle grounds on the second Saturday in April – a great time to experience the blossoms.
Should you miss the festival or peak bloom, it is still worth visiting the park as petals drop from the trees into the surrounding moat, a truly beautiful sight. The castle grounds are one of Nagano’s best-known blossom-viewing spots
3 / SANADA FAMILY RESIDENCE / all year round
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 ~ |
Built by Sanada Yukinori in 1864 – at a time the original castle was still standing – the Sanada Family Residence first served as home to his mother-in-law, before becoming his own retirement house in his later years. The Sanada Residence continued to be used by the Sanada family until it was donated to Nagano City in 1966. Declared a National Historic Site in 1981, the building consists of fifty-three rooms and extensive gardens. While there is little English information inside the residence, QR codes accompanying Japanese displays allows visitors with smart phone to translate the text to English.
4 / BUNBU LITERARY & MILITARY ARTS SCHOOL / all year round
Opened in 1855, the ‘Matsushiro Bunbu Gakko’ is alternatively referred to as the ‘Matsuhiro Bunbu Military Academy’ or more formally, the ‘Old School for Literary and Military Arts’. Instituted to educate the sons of higher status samurai in marital arts, traditional literature and arts along with Western medicine and military science, the former school has recently been beautifully restored. Nine buildings including the main school building and several ‘dojo’ for marital arts training make-up the school, which can be visited purely for sightseeing or to enjoy a range of samurai and traditional experiences – see below.
An interactive/digital shooting gallery will also soon be opened, allowing visitors to handle and use replica guns that students were also trained to use, including matchlock rifles.
5 / SAMURAI & TRADITIONAL EXPERIENCES / all year round
1 Day Tour
| (Special Event) Nagano’s Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour | |
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| Period | February |
| Time | 10:45/12:15 – 19:40/21:00 |
| Meeting Place | Hakuba Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,300 |
Visitors to the Matsushiro Bunbu Gakko can try their hand at a range of skills and practice previously taught to attending students including archery and marital arts or more serene practices such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement. Available from Monday to Friday, bookings must be made in advance.
6 / ZOZAN IMPERIAL WARTIME TUNNELS / all year round
Excavated in the final months of WWII, the Zozan Imperial Wartime Tunnels were the intended headquarters of the Japanese military and government during the expected invasion by the Allied Forces. An extensive network of tunnels and subterranean bunkers were around 75% completed when the war came to an end and were as a result, never used.
Formally referred to as ‘Matsushiro Daihonei’ or the ‘Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters’, a 500 metre tunnel remains open to the public. Excavation was undertaken by an estimated 10,000 forced labours, most of whom were Korean prisoners of war or indentured workers.
It is also estimated that around 1,500 died during the construction. Korean comfort women were also on-site, adding further poignancy and political sensitivity to any visit or interpretation of the tunnels. For further information, please refer to our ‘ Zozan Imperial Wartime Tunnels’ page.
7 / ZOZAN SHRINE / all year round
Zozan Shrine is dedicated to Zozan Sakuma (1811-1864), who played an important role in advocating for Japan to open-up to the world after a long period of isolation. Known for his rare intelligence and education in numerous studies, Zozan was assassinated by a pro-imperial samurai in 1864 however before that event, he was instrumental in educating many people who would play important roles in ultimately opening Japan to the world and leading to its modernization. The shrine has a strong association with wisdom and education and many Japanese students come here to ask for perseverance with their studies, and ultimately, success in entering and graduating their chosen schools and universities.
8 / FORMER HIGUCHI RESIDENCE / all year round
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 ~ |
Open to the public since 2010, the Former Higuchi Residence was the home of a high-ranking samurai during the Edo and Meiji Periods. Located nearby other popular attractions including the Sanada Treasures Museum, Sanada Residence, and Bunbu Literary & Military School, visitors eyes will be drawn by the home’s large thatch-roof. Inside the grounds, visitors will discover a beautifully preserved home and gardens covering more than 2000m², of all which offers fantastic photography opportunities and a glimpse of old Japan.
9 / YAMADERA JYOZAN RESIDENCE / all year round
Along the road leading from the town centre to the Zozan Imperial Wartime Tunnels, visitors will pass the Yamadera Jyozan Residence – the former home of the Yamadera family. As a middle-ranking samurai family, the well-preserved home and grounds provides a valuable insight about the daily life during the Edo Period. The home includes reception rooms for visitors, drawing room, general quarters and tearoom – particularly beautiful in the autumn.
The distinctive front gate – the longest in Matsushiro – and exterior walls are certain to grab your attention as you move to and from other popular attractions making the Yamadera Jyozan Residence well-worth visiting.
10 / SANADA TREASURES MUSEUM / all year round
The Sanada Treasures Museum is a large building standing in front of the Sanada Residence and Matsuhiro Bunbu Gakko. The museum houses a large collection of artefacts once owned by the ruling-Sanada clan including ceramics, furniture, manuscripts weaponry and armour.
Visitors will be drawn to two notable samurai suits of armour while fans of Japan’s unique ‘yokai’ (phantoms or ghosts) culture will enjoy looking over multiple manuscripts that are beautifully decorated with all manner of misbehaving ghouls and curious beings.
Tickets covering admission to multiple attractions can be purchased at the museum, with rental bicycles also available from the adjacent Matsushiro Tourist Information Center.
11 / MATSUSHIRO SPRING CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL / April
The Matsushiro Spring Festival takes place on the second Saturday in April, within the grounds of Matsushiro Castle Park. Running from 09:00 in the morning, families and friends head to the park for ‘hanami’ (flower-viewing) and to enjoy the events and food vendors selling spring snacks and drinks. At night, the grounds of the castle park glow pink and red as around 500 paper lanterns offer soft light underneath the trees.
12 / MATSUSHIRO AUTUMN SANADA CLAN JUMANGOKU FESTIVAL / October
Taking place on the second weekend of October – on both Saturday and Sunday – the festival celebrates Matsushiro’s samurai heritage and the importance of the former rulers, the wealthy Sanada clan. Centred around the grounds of Matsushiro Castle Park, the first day is full of traditional music and dance performances with people of local food vendors selling tasty snacks and drinks.
On the second day, the festival really comes to life with a day of traditional artillery displays, taiko and dance performances and ceremonial parade of samurai and their attendants in full regalia. If you have any interest in the Japan’s samurai past, this festival is not to be missed.
13 / OBAKUSHU ZOZAN EMYOZEN-JI TEMPLE / all year round
Extensively damaged by fire in 1875, the buildings of Obakushu Zozan Emyozen-ji Temple – including a main hall, mausoleum, belfry, bell tower and library – were reconstructed in 1894. Graves of several important figures in Matsushiro’s history are located within the grounds of the temple with several distinctive features and statues inside the main hall.
14 / TAKEYAMA ZUIJO INARI SHRINE / all year round
Tucked-away behind residential buildings, the Takeyama Zuigo Inari Shrine is, in itself, not going to capture anyone’s attention for long but for visitors passing by, enroute to the Yamadera Jyosan Residence and Zozan tunnels, passing through the torii gates and climbing up to the shrine affords a view over Matsushiro. Looking back toward the mountains, from this point visitors can have an appreciation of the extent of the tunnels, which are said to stretch from the nearby entrance all the way to the mountains you are looking toward. An ideal place for quiet reflection.
15 / CHOKOKU-JI TEMPLE / all year round
Hidden away in the side street and laneway of Matsushiro, the grounds surrounding Chokoku-ji Temple also house the mausoleum of the first lord of the Sanada clan, Sanada Nobuyuki. The distinctive black façade of the mausoleum is intricately decorated with gold-leaf and colourful designs, in a style reminiscent of the famous temples of Nikko.
A little tricky to navigate your way to but a good destination to seek-out for those renting bicycles and planning to spend the day in Matsushiro.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING MATSUSHIRO
Matsushiro lies within Nagano City, meaning that visitors have a lot of accommodation options within easy reach. Most accommodation is centred around Nagano Station, from where it’s a 30 to 35-minute bus ride to Matsushiro. Express train services – including the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa – local buses – including to Matsushiro – taxis and tours all operate from the station making the area around it, the most convenient place to stay when exploring the region. The area immediately around the station has plenty of large hotels catering to international visitors. Prices for accommodation are typically good with many hotels offering Western-style rooms and amenities, in-house restaurants and English-speaking staff. Around 15 to 20-minutes walk from the station, the area around Zenko-ji Temple has smaller guesthouses including many ‘shukubo’ (temple lodgings) in the surrounding streets. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Nagano City Area’ hotel page. When staying in Nagano City, we recommend:
HOTEL KOKUSAI 21
Located between Nagano Station and Zenko-ji Temple, Hotel Kokusai 21 is the city’s most established international hotel. Known for its blend of modern amenities and attentive Japanese service, Kokusai 21 offers guests spacious Western-style rooms with private bathrooms, multiple in-house restaurants including daily breakfast service and English-speaking 24-hour reception. Within easy walking distance of the station and the city’s most popular attractions and dining areas, Kokusai 21 offers unmatched comfort, convenience and professional service in the heart of Nagano.
HOTEL NAGANO NEW NeXT
Only 2 minutes walk from Nagano Station, Hotel New Nagano NeXT offers travellers affordable yet modern, comfortable and convenient accommodation. Four room types – single, double, twin and superior twin – each feature comfortable Western-style bedding, private bathrooms including toilet, shower and bath along with TV and Roomcast with ability to access streaming services and lots of touches more typical of a hotel well above its price range, rounded-out by a delicious buffet breakfast service that guest can enjoy in their rooms.
HOW TO GET TO MATSUSHIRO
Local bus services run from Nagano Station to Matsushiro, making it quick and easy to get to. For information about how to get to Nagano and then onto Matsushiro, see our ‘How to Get to Matsushiro’ page.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Central Japan offers many, many reasons to visit. Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, along with an English-speaking guide, to transport to, from and between any destinations in the region including Matsushiro.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Matsushiro? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
