Matsumoto Castle: Samurai Sword Experience & Guided Tour

Step into samurai history at Matsumoto Castle and try sword skills

You’ll climb steep wooden stairs inside Matsumoto Castle with your local guide, dress up in full samurai gear for hands-on sword practice led by a master, and hear stories that bring feudal Japan to life. It’s playful and real at once — you might even surprise yourself.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Matsumoto Castle with an English-speaking guide who shares stories as you explore inside together; after touring, you’ll get outfitted in traditional samurai clothing and choose your own sword for hands-on training led by a master instructor before heading back out into modern Matsumoto.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Matsumoto Castle and Samurai Experience

• Tour Matsumoto Castle
• Learn castle history and defenses
• Participate in Samurai sword fighting
• Wear traditional Samurai outfit

The Experience

I didn’t expect the castle to feel so… alive. We’d barely passed through the black wooden gates of Matsumoto Castle when our guide, Haruka, pointed out the crows circling above — “That’s why they call it Crow Castle,” she said, half-smiling. Inside, the air smelled faintly of old wood and rain (it had rained that morning), and my shoes made this soft tapping sound on the floorboards. The stairs were steeper than I thought — almost like climbing a ladder in some places — but Haruka just laughed when I hesitated. “Samurai climbed these every day,” she said. I tried not to look down.

After we made it back outside (my legs were shaking a bit, honestly), it was time for the samurai experience. There was this rack of yukata in all kinds of colors — I picked blue because it reminded me of summer festivals. A master swordsman named Takeda helped tie my obi; he did it so fast my head spun. He handed me a katana — not sharp, but heavier than I expected — and showed us basic stances. My first attempt at “kamae” made everyone laugh (including me). The whole thing felt half serious, half play; Takeda corrected my grip gently, then told a story about training as a kid in Nagano.

I still think about how quiet it got when we all stood facing each other in our outfits, holding those swords. For a second you could almost hear what it must have sounded like centuries ago — just wind and footsteps on gravel. There were kids with us too, waving foam swords around like little warriors. When we finished, Haruka took our photo by the moat with the castle behind us; I probably looked ridiculous but also kind of proud.

Top questions

How difficult are the stairs inside Matsumoto Castle?

The stairs are steep and narrow in places; some feel almost like ladders. They may be challenging if you have mobility concerns.

Is the samurai sword used during the experience real?

The swords provided are theatrical replicas for safety; authentic katanas are strictly regulated in Japan.

Can children join the samurai experience?

Yes, children under 6 can participate for free with special outfits and foam swords included.

Is entry to Matsumoto Castle included?

Yes, entry/admission to Matsumoto Castle is included in your tour booking.

Are there English-speaking guides on this tour?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads your group throughout the tour and activity.

What should I wear for this tour?

You’ll change into traditional samurai attire (yukata, hakama) for the sword activity; regular comfortable clothes are fine otherwise.