Samurai Experience & Matsumoto Castle Walking Tour
We especially want first-timers to enjoy this! A casual samurai experience!
Why not immerse yourself in the world of samurai in the castle town of Matsumoto?
Interested in swords but feel it seems difficult?
Learning martial arts seems intimidating? This easygoing,
simple samurai experience is perfect for you. At your own pace
, learn the basic grip, drawing the sword, sheathing it, and finally challenge yourself with a simple kata. Take your
time, enjoy yourself, and experience the world of the samurai!
【National Treasure Matsumoto Castle】Matsumoto is a
city surrounded by mountains reaching 3,000 meters in elevation. While transportation isn't particularly convenient today, in the era when walking was the primary means of travel, it served as a crucial transportation hub where many highways converged.
Matsumoto Castle has long been a symbol of this land, ruled by many famous warlords including Takeda Shingen, Ogasawara Hidemasa, and Ishikawa Kazumasa. Ishikawa Kazumasa is credited with creating the prototype of the current Matsumoto Castle. Having retained its form for over 400 years since its construction around 1594, it is designated a National Treasure.
【Samurai Experience】 Iaido as a martial art and stage combat
(tate) as a specialized theatrical technique both have deep histories and require long training to master
. That's precisely why they captivate audiences, but it's also true that this
makes them feel inaccessible... This Samurai Experience is for you! Set aside schools
and "correct" forms for now – why not just pick up a sword?
Using lightweight wooden swords makes them easy to swing, and no athletic ability is needed! Wear a kimono
that drapes over your clothes and feel like a stage actor!
The experience starts with learning how to hold and swing the sword. We provide personalized instruction down to the smallest details, so everyone improves quickly. Finally
, challenge yourself with a "kata" (form) combining the movements you practiced during the experience.
Interested in swords but feel it seems difficult?
Learning martial arts seems intimidating? This easygoing,
simple samurai experience is perfect for you. At your own pace
, learn the basic grip, drawing the sword, sheathing it, and finally challenge yourself with a simple kata. Take your
time, enjoy yourself, and experience the world of the samurai!
【National Treasure Matsumoto Castle】Matsumoto is a
city surrounded by mountains reaching 3,000 meters in elevation. While transportation isn't particularly convenient today, in the era when walking was the primary means of travel, it served as a crucial transportation hub where many highways converged.
Matsumoto Castle has long been a symbol of this land, ruled by many famous warlords including Takeda Shingen, Ogasawara Hidemasa, and Ishikawa Kazumasa. Ishikawa Kazumasa is credited with creating the prototype of the current Matsumoto Castle. Having retained its form for over 400 years since its construction around 1594, it is designated a National Treasure.
【Samurai Experience】 Iaido as a martial art and stage combat
(tate) as a specialized theatrical technique both have deep histories and require long training to master
. That's precisely why they captivate audiences, but it's also true that this
makes them feel inaccessible... This Samurai Experience is for you! Set aside schools
and "correct" forms for now – why not just pick up a sword?
Using lightweight wooden swords makes them easy to swing, and no athletic ability is needed! Wear a kimono
that drapes over your clothes and feel like a stage actor!
The experience starts with learning how to hold and swing the sword. We provide personalized instruction down to the smallest details, so everyone improves quickly. Finally
, challenge yourself with a "kata" (form) combining the movements you practiced during the experience.
Information
- Prices
- Adults: ¥13,400 per person Children: ¥9,600 per person Free for children under elementary school age ※ Please inform us at the time of booking if you wish to request a private tour. We can accommodate one group for an additional ¥25,000. ※ Credit cards are not accepted. Payment must be made via bank transfer or PayPal.
- Included in Price
- Guide Fee Matsumoto Castle Admission Fee Samurai Experience Fee Samurai Experience Costume
- Duration
- Approximately 3 hours Matsumoto Castle tour (2 hours) Samurai sword experience (1 hour) *Times are approximate. The tour's end time may vary depending on Matsumoto Castle's crowd levels.
- Location
- Meet in front of the ticket gates at Matsumoto Station
- Cancellation
- Cancellations made the day before the scheduled date will incur a 100% charge. Please contact us as soon as possible regarding schedule changes or cancellations.
- Organizer
- Matsumoto Experience
- Address
- Matsumoto City
*Note: Business hours and closures are subject to change.





