11. Twilight Matsumoto A Curated Walk and Taproom Tasting
· 2 hoursEvening air, the sound of spring water, the warmth held in old stone streets. Matsumoto has flourished for centuries as a castle town, where wells and natural springs were once central to daily life. That same water still shapes the city today—found not only in everyday routines, but in the flavors of its restaurants, craft beer, and cocktails. This experience introduces Matsumoto’s water culture and its understated nighttime charm. Walking, touching, tasting—you’ll learn from a local guide how those in the know enjoy an evening in Matsumoto.
22. Matsumoto Castle Tour and Sake Tasting
· 3 hoursMatsumoto brings together two threads of Japanese tradition: the stone and timber of defensive architecture, and the rice and water of sake brewing. This tour starts at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most striking original castles before moving through historic Nakamachi street, once the main commercial artery of Matsumoto's castle town and pauses at Kurassic-kan, a former sake brewery dating to 1888. Then the route leads to a small sake brewery where spring water has defined local craft for generations. Matsumoto has long supported sake production, fed by a network of spring wells drawing from mountain runoff that surrounds the city. A glimpse into how Matsumoto's past still lives in the city today. Your guide will walk you through a tasting of several sake varieties, each reflecting different rice strains, fermentation methods, and aging processes. Between pours, they'll explain how water quality, seasonal brewing cycles, and rice polishing ratios shape what's in your cup.
33. Japanese Food History and Art Tour with Licensed Guide
· 6 hoursThis tour is designed to meet the needs of those who have limited time in Tokyo, want to relax at their hotel, but also want to do some sightseeing! By touring Tokyo with a private guide who is well versed in Tokyo's history, culture, and art, you will be able to smoothly explore the history and culture of the major areas of Tokyo while also experiencing art. The key to this tour is that you can customize the route as you wish. For those who are anxious about being in unfamiliar place and want to have an in-depth experience that cannot be obtained from mere guidebooks or information websites, we will do our utmost to ensure that you enjoy your trip to Japan to the fullest! This tour is led by a nationally certified interpreter-guide. The itinerary is an example. Please check the sample tour and let us know some of your requests! We will arrange the best route for you. Basically, a private car will be provided for this tour, but please inquire if you would like a walking tour.
44. Handmade Soba Making & Fresh Wasabi Lunch
5.0· 8 reviews· 1.5 hoursAn immersive experience into Japanese cuisine! Buckwheat has long been grown in Matsumoto, lending to its well-established tradition of Soba noodle making. This part of the country is famed as the destination for getting the best serving of Soba and so happens to be the locally Matsumoto City as well. But that's not all with the discovery of fresh authentic Wasabi of the region that awaits you! - Learn a traditional Japanese culinary art from a master As our Soba master says, “Nothing tastes better than soba noodles made with your very own hands.” While Soba is a simple dish by itself, making the noodles from scratch is a challenge that combines culinary art with precision knife handling and a dash of Japanese discipline. - Discover all the secrets of real Wasabi The real taste of Wasabi is not what you find in plastic tubes. Yes, the flavor of real Wasabi is just as spicy, but much fresher and more nuanced than the store-bought kind!
55. Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Local Bites Walking Tour
5.0· 6 reviews· 3 hoursDiscover Matsumoto on a relaxed walking tour featuring castle history, local sake, old streets, and a light local snack. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. Explore its wooden interior and hear stories from Japan’s feudal past. The tour then continues to a small local sake shop with a warm, homely atmosphere, offering a relaxed tasting experience that feels like stepping into a local home. After that, stroll through Nawate Street and Nakamachi, known for their preserved buildings, small shops, and nostalgic atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy a light Japanese snack and discover another side of Matsumoto beyond the castle. ・Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles ・Enjoy sake tasting at a small local shop with a warm, homely atmosphere ・Walk through Nawate Street and Nakamachi with a local guide ・Try a light Japanese snack during the tour ・Discover historic streets, local shops, and hidden details beyond the castle
66. Matsumoto Discovery - Customizable Private Tour
5.0· 5 reviewsDiscover the True Character of Matsumoto on a Personalized Tour! From our famous castle, to our historic shopping streets and enticing food and art scene, Matsumoto is best experienced on a private tour customized to suit your needs and interests! Let us share our knowledge and passion for Matsumoto by crafting a private tour that matches your interests and travel itinerary. More than just a guided experience, we design private tours to reveal both the history and contemporary character of Matsumoto – in a way only a local can do! We will create an itinerary based on your interests, our recommendations or a combination of both. Accompanied by a locally-based, English-speaking guide you will then explore the city with your guide enhancing all aspects of your visit through their knowledge of Matsumoto and in any way that is of assistance. The provided tour details is our recommended itinerary.
77. Historic Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting Session
5.0· 1 reviews· 2 hoursTake a walk back into the Meiji era (1868-1912) and visit this 150 year old sake brewery in Matsumoto City. Join this guided tour and discover the brewery's history inside their original main building. Learn about their traditional sake brewing process and why it is a representation of Matsumoto City and the surrounding northern Japanese Alps. Finish off the tour with a thorough sake tasting session and a stroll through their retail sake shop. NOTE: After we receive your booking request we must confirm availability and start time with the brewery.
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